The nation prays
July 19, 2006
This story is like a series of snapshots from around the country as Thais of all faiths pray that His Majesty's spinal operation this evening will go smoothly. It covers some of the main events, of course, but it also gives you a glimpse of what ordinary people are doing to express their love for the King. The story is quite easy to read and you really should try to read it all. Let's get started.
spinal surgery (spine surgery) – an operation on the row of small bones down the middle of your back that protects your spinal cord. In this case, the operation is to correct a narrowing of the spinal canal that contains the nerve system in the spinal cord.
glimpse - a brief look
You
can hear the first part of the story by clicking here.
Nation prays
for the King
His Majesty to have spine
surgery tonight
POST REPORTERS
Thais across
the country are expressing love and concern for His Majesty the King as
the monarch
prepares for an operation on his spine tonight. In the
provinces and different parts of Bangkok yesterday, people gathered at
temples, mosques, and Christian churches to pray for a successful
operation and His Majesty's speedy recovery.
In Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai and Pattani, people signed books put up by
provincial authorities, adding their personal best wishes for the King.
Similar books will be opened at Bangkok's 50 district offices and the
Grand Palace's Sala Saha Thai Samakom.
At Siriraj Hospital, six tables are being set up at the 100th Year
Siriraj Centennial
Hall for the public to sign the get-well books. The
books, however, will not be opened until tomorrow.
Ratanavudh Vajaroyada, special adviser to the Royal Household Bureau,
said the public can sign the get-well books from Friday onwards until
the King is discharged.
''We don't want a massive number of people rushing to the hospital on
Thursday. That's why we decided to open the get-well books on Friday,''
he said.
Many residents
of the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima turned
up yesterday at the monument
of Thao Suranaree to provide offerings and
to pray for the King's health.
Rassami Kulpoklang, 71, came with her family and brought everything she
thought would be fit for offerings — a pig's head,
duck, chicken,
coconut, pineapple and seven-colour cloth.
Mrs Rassami also called on the Thai people to heed the King's advice on
unity, saying it was everything that the country needed.
''I'm concerned about his health. I hope the operation is successful
and the King regains strength as soon as possible. I'd like to call on
every Thai to love one other and to stand united. Do good for the
King,'' she said.
In Buri Ram, residents of a home for the elderly yesterday gathered for
a meditation
session in
front of the King's portrait to pray for his
full and speedy recovery.
In Chiang Mai, many people braved
the rain to join provincial governor
Suwat Tantipat in signing a get-well book.
''I gather all my thoughts and pray for His Majesty who is in every
Thai's heart to recover quickly and enjoy good health,'' said Mr Suwat.
centennial – the 100th anniversary of someone’s birth
discharged – released from the hospital and allowed to go home
residents – people who live in a particular area
monument – a large structure, usually made of stone, which is built to remind people of a famous person and an event in history
offerings – gifts that people offer to their God or gods as a from of worship
meditation – remaining in a silent and calm state for a period of time, especially as part of religious training
session – one period or time of activity
brave – to have to deal with something difficult or unpleasant in order to achieve something
You
can hear the second part of the story by clicking here.
Nimu Makajae, an Islamic
specialist, yesterday urged
Muslim people across the country do good
deeds and dedicate them to the
King.
''There are three
things we can do. First, send him good wishes. Second, say good things
and pray for his health. And finally, do good by performing prayer.
This is an Islamic way of wishing him good health,'' he said.
Lamai Manakarn,
representing a youth group in the southernmost provinces, said
yesterday youngsters in the deep South are praying for a successful
operation and a full recovery.
''His Majesty is the
source of
our moral strength.
We can depend on him to get us through in
times of trouble to resolve
the situation,'' said Mrs Lamai.
The King's operation
also led to several patients
at Siriraj Hospital getting off their
hospital beds and praying at the monuments of the Princess Mother and
Prince of Songkhla in the hospital compound. Some of them were wheeled
there.
Monta Metmonto, who is
being treated for heart disease and diabetes,
said she is more
concerned about the King's health than her own.
good deeds – good actions
dedicate to – to do something as a way of showing respect for someone
source – the person from which something comes
moral strength – the strength to behave properly according to the principles of what is right
resolve – to find a solution to a problem or difficulty
patients – people receiving treatment from a doctor
diabetes – a medical condition in which someone has too much sugar in their blood
You
can hear the final part of the story by clicking here.
The Sangha Council has issued an
announcement calling on
Buddhist temples nationwide to perform a prayer at 5pm. The main event
will take place at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, or the Temple of the
Emerald Buddha.
The Yala provincial Islamic committee has invited 440 religious leaders
to perform prayers and ask for blessings
for the King —
scheduled to
begin at 3.30 pm and to be held every Friday.
Meanwhile, Siriraj Hospital is fully prepared for the operation, said
Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, dean
of the Faculty of Medicine.
''The medical team from Siriraj Hospital is ready to treat His Majesty
the King. We will provide the best treatment of our life for him,'' he
said.
HRH Princess Chulabhorn yesterday made a one-hour visit to the
hospital's Chalermprakiat building where the King will recuperate after
his operation.
Dr Piyasakol said the princess expressed satisfaction with the
hospital's preparations.
All medical staff will put on yellow outfits today and
will wear yellow
until the King is discharged.
Millions of others across the nation are likely to join them.
Security is being stepped
up at Siriraj Hospital and around the area
during the King's stay.
blessings – prayers asking God to look kindly on someone
dean – an important official at a university or college, especially the head of a faculty
recuperate – to recover your strength after you have been ill or injured
outfit - a set of clothes
stepped up - increased