Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Khunying Pojaman presided over the ceremony in glowing yellow traditional costumes. Cabinet ministers, officers, businessmen and members of the public lit yellow candles as evening fell.

Similar events were held simultaneously in other parts of the country. A live telecast alternately showed Sanam Luang and events from different provinces for audiences at home.

The state-run TV channel claimed that more than 200,000 people attended the event at Sanam Luang. Big crowds also turned out in provincial centres such as Chiang Mai and Surat Thani, where traditional dancers added to the colourful ceremonies.

But the centre of attention was Sanam Luang, which became a sea of yellow as hordes of people waved small yellow flags.

Thaksin, flanked by Pojaman and Agriculture Minister Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, led the crowd in chanting a prayer. Thousands of candles sparkled like stars against the dark sky and the backdrop of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

More than 5,000 Buddhist monks, led by Somdej Puthajarn of Wat Saket temple, also took part in the Bangkok ceremony.

Earlier, Thaksin asked people to dress in yellow and come in full force as a show of respect to the King.

Coincidentally, the PM's current antagonist, Sondhi Limthongkul, has been urging his supporters to wear yellow t-shirts to attend his "Thailand Weekly" talk shows on Friday evenings at Lumpini Park.

But yesterday's crowds wore yellow for one reason: to show respect to the monarchy. A gigantic photograph of the King towered over the ceremony.

While Thaksin was walking to the tented stage he remarked to Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin, a Democrat: "This event drew more crowds than Lumpini Park". The prime minister was obviously in an upbeat mood.

Last evening's ceremony was preceded by a day-long event planned by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to promote household saving under the title, "The Self-Sufficient Economy Concept of His Majesty the King".

The government expanded the event by urging people to stay longer and to wear yellow to launch celebrations marking next year's 60th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne.

Some observers said it appeared to be an effort to upstage Sondhi's weekly meetings, at which Thaksin has been accused of abusing his power.

Thaksin was the master of last evening's ceremony. He worked the crowds and spent time greeting monks and well-wishers before taking the stage to lead the national and Royal anthems. Over the microphone, he urged the crowds to adhere to Buddhist teachings and to be united.

"The harmony that happens today is pure power for His Majesty the King," he said.