Phuket schedules ceremonies for Queen’s birthday celebrations on June 3

Phuket will hold a full day of ceremonies on June 3 as part of nationwide celebrations marking Her Majesty the Queen’s 4th Cycle birthday anniversary.

The day’s events will begin at 7am with a Buddhist chanting ceremony and alms-giving for 40 monks and novices at the Mahisornphakdi Auditorium at Phuket Provincial Hall. Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn is expected to preside over the ceremonies, joined by senior provincial officials, representatives from government agencies, members of the military and police, local administrative organisations and members of the public.

At 9am, officials and volunteers will take part in an aquatic animal release activity at the beachfront area in front of the Royal Thai Navy Region 3 headquarters in Wichit.

Evening ceremonies will return to Phuket Provincial Hall. They are set to begin at 5:30pm with the offering of royal tribute items and the laying of ceremonial floral arrangements at the Mahisornphakdi Auditorium.

The commemorations will conclude with a candle-lighting ceremony at 7:29pm, during which participants will offer blessings and well wishes for Her Majesty the Queen.

The government has also encouraged state agencies, private organisations and residents to display portraits of Her Majesty the Queen together with royal tribute arrangements throughout June. Authorities have called for the display of the Thai national flag alongside the Queen’s royal monogram flag and for government buildings, businesses and homes to be decorated with white drapery during the month-long commemorations.

Officials said the activities are intended to demonstrate loyalty and gratitude towards Her Majesty while allowing people throughout the country to take part in the royal celebrations.