A splash of color as Thai military holds parade ahead of King's birthday

  • 10 years ago
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STORY: Thailand's military royal guards donned colorful uniforms as they held a parade on Tuesday (December 2) in honor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej as part of his 87th birthday celebrations.

The ceremony, also known as Trooping of the Colors, is held annually on December 2, three days ahead of the King's birthday on December 5.

The parade of the royal guards, the King's own bodyguards, also include an oath-taking ceremony where the military take the oath of allegiance to the King.

The king is revered by many Thais and his portrait hangs in every government building and in many shops and homes.

King Bhumibol, 86, is seen as a unifying figure in Thailand and his health is a matter of public concern. His son and presumed heir, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, does not command his father's popular support.

Bhumibol was admitted to Bangkok's Siriraj hospital last month with an inflammation of his gall bladder, which was remove

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