Thai peace is my happiness, says HM

It has been called "Father's Day" for good reason, but yesterday the reason became resoundingly clear.

As the nation stood still for almost one hour to witness and cherish another historic moment of the monarchy and the country, something powerful seemed to be actively at work beneath the stillness.

The bonding that may have been taken for granted and the heavily tested sense of who we are, reasserted themselves to make a strong rallying cry for troubled Thailand to stop and think.

The Grand Audience, or Maha Samakom, at the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace looked ceremonial at best until His Majesty the King reminded everyone that all the wishes for happiness and prosperity could only come true when Thai citizens "clearly understand" their roles and duties and perform them with integrity, unwavering commitment and to the best of their ability.

He has been saying that for decades, but his soft but determined voice this time greatly reinforced the message. The beloved monarch has been sharing with all Thais the country's highs and lows.

Yesterday, he thanked HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Parliament President Chai Chichob for the "heartfelt" birthday wishes from them and people they represented, but all the high-ranking officials, former senior officials, parliamentarians and Royal Family members who were inside the hall as well - as the millions who watched on TV - were told unequivocally what made His Majesty happy.

"My happiness will occur when our country prospers, is stable and peaceful," he said in his first public appearance outside Siriraj Hospital in more than two months.

The speech was brief, but it seemed to cover everything a father wants to say to his fighting children. It was uttered with a kind look, although, characteristically perhaps, what was absent was a smile. His convoy departed Siriraj Hospital around noon, more than an hour later than the initial schedule.

Flag-waving Thais - many of them wearing pink for the King's good health - lined the route to the Grand Palace, shouting "Long Live Your Majesty" when his gold-coloured van went past. The monarch and Her Majesty the Queen raised their hands constantly to greet them.

Many had tears in their eyes. Other Royal Family members also accompanied the King from the hospital.

They included the Crown Prince, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, HRH Princess Chulabhorn Valayalaksana and HRH Princess Srirasmi.

His motorcade travelled from the hospital via Arun Amarin Road, Phra Pinklao Bridge, Rajdamnoen Nai Avenue and Na Phra Lan Road to enter the Grand Palace through the Wises Chaisri Gate.

It took the same route on its way back to the hospital. Again, the father has done his tireless job of asking his children to play their roles, perform their duties and share the responsibilities.

No birthday cake was in view and there was no candle for him to blow out, just a golden, majestic attire that carried the greatest responsibility of them all.

The grand ceremony, nationwide festivities and the "happiness campaign" could not cloud the simple wish, given in a speech that Thais don't need to read between the lines.

It is clear what makes HM the King, the father of Thailand, content.

It's up to Thais to deal with what doesn't, in order to give him happiness - and for our own sake.