Thai King calls for national unity, friendship on 85th birthday

BANGKOK, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) --Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the wolrd's longest reigning monarch, urged the Thai people to stay unified and strengthen friendship, as the country celebrates his 85th birthday on Wednesday.

The monarch thanked his subjects for their birthday blessings in a public audience Wednesday morning at the open balcony of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall near the Royal Plaza.

"I am gratified to see the well-wish, friendship and unity you all have shown today. I believe that it will make our country even more unified," he said.

"If the Thais could maintain this kind of friendship and unity, I strongly believe that our country can stay stable, secure and happy, no matter under what circumstances." he added.

The ceremony was attended by members of royal families, including the Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the commanders of the three branches of the Armed Forces, legislators and diplomats. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont, Supreme Court President Phairoj Wayuparp and Supreme Commander Thanasak Patimaprakorn gave congratulatory speeches to pay homage to the King.

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