Even before dawn yesterday, a vast sea of yellow-clad Thais lapped against the palace. Police were obliged to extend the roadblocks to the Jor Por Ror intersection, while agencies were in place to accommodate the large crowd.

Villagers from Nakhon Pathom's Nakhon Chaisi district had rented 10 buses to attend the public audience granted by His Majesty in order to wish him a healthy and long life.

"I love His Majesty and want him to be with us forever," said Araya Srithaichan, 16, a student from Sirindhorn Rajawittayalai School. She said she loved the Royal Rain-Making Project and felt it had solved many problems, including drought and air pollution.

Over 100 residents from Ratchaburi's Bang Phae district left their homes at 6am to be at the Makkhawanrangsan Bridge. They said that despite the hot weather they were happy to be there.

Villager Ampa Chattama said the public audience was the greatest ever and such a large crowd had made the day particularly uplifting and inspiring. "I feel overwhelmed. I love His Majesty. No other leader in the world is like him. Long live the King!" she said.

For Samrit Seuyai, a state-enterprise worker who arrived late and did not have a chance to see Their Majesties the King and Queen in person, viewing the Royal couple on one of the giant TV screens around the ceremonial grounds was itself an overwhelming experience and made him forget about the heat. Bangkok resident Jinda Eiumseubthap echoed his sentiments.

Jinda Supawirojlert and family made the trip from Phrae specifically for the auspicious occasion to express their love and gratitude to His Majesty and the Royal Family. "This is the best thing in our lives," she said.