HM the Queen birthday speech
The Nation: 12 Aug 2010
HM is working for people from hospital: Queen
By The Nation
Published on August 12, 2010
HM the King is paying special attention to irrigation issues; Her Majesty thanks Thais for their overwhelming love
His Majesty the King's health "has improved much" during rehabilitation at Siriraj Hospital, where he continues working on existing and new projects for the welfare of Thai people, Her Majesty the Queen said in a national address yesterday marking her 78th birthday.
The monarch has paid special attention to water reserves and irrigation, working on all relevant situations from drought in the dry season to flood prevention in the current wet season, the Queen told a 15,215-strong audience at Dusitalai Throne Hall in Chitralada Palace.
The Queen also talked about extensive rainmaking operations in six key areas to increase rainwater volumes where five key dams were situated. She cited the success of the royally invented rainmaking that was now carried out in Australia's Queensland state with the King's permission.
Her Majesty referred to past and present royal projects initiated by the King, which she said had contributed to success in agricultural and ecological aspects.
She thanked all government agencies that supported the King's and her own projects, as well as all Thai people who signed get-well messages at the hospital or presented gifts and flowers to him. She expressed thanks to Englishman Alan Bates, who cycled around the globe in respect of His Majesty.
The Queen said a large number of gifts presented to the King during his hospital treatment reminded her of a similar reception given by local people when she and the King visited the countryside many years ago. "This symbolises the bond between the King and his people, which has impressed me tremendously."
She expressed thanks to many cases of admiration extended to the King by visitors to the hospital, including a child playing a violin and a five-year-old boy's offer to read fairy tales for the King, in addition to prayers by all religions said by many groups of people.
On flood prevention, she said effective measures will be important to cope with frequent heavy rains from this month to October, which is the peak of the wet season.
She also encouraged "good Samaritan" practices among Thai people, and cited as an example a recent case where a woman who was nine months pregnant helped police foil an auto theft, by following the stolen vehicle and giving police details that enabled them to locate the vehicle.
The Queen wished good health and future for the pregnant woman, Thitima Yurawan, and her baby boy, who was expected to be born today.