Meeting the Royal Guards

December 5, 2006

Today is His Majesty the King's 79th birthday, a national holiday. It is also Thailand's Father's Day in honour of the King who is considered to be the nation's number one father. We, too, are taking the day off, but I did prepare something in advance that is quite fitting for this day.

Last Saturday was the annual ceremony in which the 13 Royal Guard battalions come to the Royal Plaza to swear allegiance to the King and to take part in a parade to commemorate his birthday. This is always a colourful occasion attended by the King and Queen and much of the Royal Family. This year was of great interest because it allowed the Thai people to get a good view of  His Majesty in public for only the second time since he underwent spinal surgery last July. Happily, it appears his recovery has gone well.

The story below describes the ceremony is some detail and it also gives you excerpts of what the King said to his troops. 

If you are a Thai, you know the importance of this day and, chances are, you are one of the millions who watched the ceremony on television. But can you explain in English to a visitor to Thailand what was going on? Use the story to find words and phrases to help you do that.

fitting – appropriate
battalion – large groups of soldiers that form part of a larger unit (a brigade) in the army
swear allegiance – to formally promise to be loyal to someone or your country
commemorate – to remind people of an important person or event
spinal surgery – a medical operation on the long bone that runs down the middle of the back
excerpts – short pieces of a speech, writing, music or film taken from a longer whole

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King: Put country before self

Soldiers reminded of their dual role

His Majesty the King yesterday urged royal guards not to lose sight of their dual roles as soldiers and Thais, and to work to fulfill their obligations with the nation's welfare as their ultimate goal.

The royal address was delivered to hundreds of troops from 13 Royal Guard battalions who converged at the Royal Plaza to swear allegiance and take part in a parade to commemorate the monarch's 79th birthday on Tuesday.

The King, accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, arrived at the parade ground in an open-top vehicle at about 5pm.

His Majesty made an inspection of the troops which was followed by their oath of allegiance led by Supreme Commander Gen Boonsang Niampradit.

In a brief speech, His Majesty expressed overwhelming appreciation for being in the company of the royal guards and gratitude for their good wishes and generosity.

"The Queen and I are pleased to be in the company of the royal guards in the trooping of the colours. I thank everyone for their best wishes and generosity, and would like to wish everyone the same," His Majesty said. The King then moved on to address soldiers' duties.

"Our nation is able to sustain its sovereignty because every sector is united and knows how to perform its duty in a way that complements each other.

"Soldiers, as the country's defenders, have an important task of protecting the country with [military] prowess. And as Thai citizens, they are obliged to cooperate with everyone and every sector in developing peace and prosperity for the nation.

lose sight of – to forget about a goal, aim or purpose
dual – having two parts or aspects
obligations – things you must do because you have promised to do  them or because of a law, regulation, etc.
ultimate – final
converged – moved towards a place from different directions and met
overwhelming – very great or strong
gratitude – a feeling of being grateful or thankful
generosity – willingness to give time, kindness, money, etc. freely
sustain – to cause to continue
sovereignty – the state of being a country with freedom to govern itself
complement – to add to something in a way that that improves it
prowess – great skill at doing something
sector – a part or an area of activity, especially a country’s economy
prosperity – the state of being successful, especially in earning money

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"In their every actions, soldiers must take care of the body and mind and stay true to honesty and unity. There must also be courage, strength, patience, endurance, and commitment to their duties as soldiers and Thais with fulfilling the country's interest first and foremost," the King said.

The speech was followed by a 15-minute parade which ended at about 6pm. The event was witnessed by high-ranking officials, dignitaries and cabinet ministers.

It was the King's second public appearance since recovering from spinal surgery to treat lumbar spinal stenosis on July 20.

In a recent public broadcast, the King advised the cabinet of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to work with honesty and integrity and demonstrate its ability to improve the country's image in the wake of the Sept 19 coup.

In the television broadcast of yesterday's event, the Queen was seen waving to crowds lining the streets, mostly dressed in yellow to honour the King's 60th year on the throne.

His Majesty looked solemn throughout the ceremony. But as the royal vehicle glided down a street with echoing shouts of "Long Live the King," His Majesty wore a slight smile.

endurance – the ability to continue to do something painful or difficult of a long period of time without complaining
commitment – a willingness to work hard and give your energy and time to a particular job or activity
fulfilling – doing what was hoped for or expected
first and foremost – above everything else
dignitaries – important people
lumbar spinal stenosis – a narrowing of the passage within the spine in the lower back
integrity – the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
in the wake of – coming after or following something
coup (d’ etat) – the seizure of power in a country by a group of people, usually members of the military
solemn – serious; not happy or smiling
glided – moved smoothly
slight – small

Posted by Terry Fredrickson at 04:25 PM