Her Majesty recounts King's extensive travels

"His Majesty used to visit people in all regions, even in remote areas. He drove himself and sometimes he had to drive over a river," Her Majesty said at the Chitralada Villa of Dusit Palace.

Granted an audience were Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, his Cabinet members and their spouses and many other well-wishers.

They had sought an audience to wish her a happy birthday.

"I have been Queen for 59 years. During this period, I have accompanied His Majesty to every region in the country. That has allowed me to see how he has worked for his people … Wherever he goes, he has a map by his side. He has worked on the soil and water for so many decades that he has become an expert now," Her Majesty said.

She said the King was almost 82 years old now and could no longer take trips to remote areas the way he used to do.

She said her husband's health was fine and that he exercised by walking along the balcony of Klai Kangwon Palace every day.

"He still carries out royal works, welcomes guests of state and still travels to nearby locations to follow up on various projects," Her Majesty said.

The Queen said the King also gave instructions for the follow-through of each royal project.

Having more than 3,000 royal projects to promote his subjects' well-being, the King has worked non-stop for almost 60 years without getting bored, because it is a labour of love for his people, she said.

His Majesty said the King took care of all his people's well-being, especially poor people with many children. She said she also invited youths of these poor families to the Central region or the Royal Palace to undergo craftsmanship training by the Support Foundation of Queen Sirikit of Thailand, whose masterpieces were now exhibited in the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.

She also praised the assistance given by various agencies in the southernmost province of Narathiwat.

Towards the end of her speech, Her Majesty thanked the audience for listening to her and for giving opportunities to Thai youths, such as her project at the Support Foundation.

She proudly praised the trained youths' outstanding skills in making golden niello wares despite their age, and said that if the opportunity arrived for her to visit the United States when the global economy improved, she would bring these young craftsmen to see the US and present their works in contests there.