The Army is holding 8 activities during this year in honour of HM the King’s 84th birthday in order for the people to appreciate his genius, and to inspire them in their way of life. 

The activities include an ‘840,000 cc for Father’ blood donation, planting 84,000 trees in his honour, building 4,884 weirs in line with HM’s concept, royal exhibits, operating 84 learning centres on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, making websites to honour HM, publishing a book entitled ’84 Years: the Armed Forces Development Command Worships the Great King’, and donating 12,840 pairs of glasses for old people in honour of HM.

Commander of the Armed Forces Development Command Gen Dulkrit Rakphao said that the objective of these activities is to publicize HM the King’s royal duties which he has performed for the people since acceding to the throne. 

Some people may know about these works, but are not aware that they are HM’s works, the general said, adding that a bio-diesel project, for example, was implemented by HM 20-30 years ago and has yielded great benefits to people who use this fuel.

‘The working principle of the Armed Forces Development Command is to honour HM and to make his people happy,’ Gen Dulkrit said.

The activities will be held at military units under the Armed Forces Development Command throughout the country to disseminate correct knowledge among people who have misunderstandings or are instilled with wrong ideas about the monarchy, he said.

He personally believes that most people have a good understanding, but some groups who have not benefited try not to understand.

He called on all people to sacrifice their own private gains and reconcile for the sake of the monarchy.  By holding on to the institution, the people will be united once again, he said.

‘We don’t need to be developed and progress like other countries, because happiness does not depend on wealth, but on moderation and sufficiency.  Thailand has already suffered enough setbacks.  Our country is a land of plenty, well-resourced and beautiful.  But the conflicts drive away foreign tourists, resulting in immense losses,’ he said.