We join people all over the country today in wishing Her Majesty Queen Sirikit a very happy 80th birthday with many joyous returns. Yesterday monks from all over the country attended a prayer ceremony to make merit on behalf of Their Majesties the King and Queen in Bangkok. More merit making ceremonies will take place everywhere during the day before people gather for the candle lightening ceremonies at 7.19 p.m.

Until Wednesday a photo exhibition with photos about the Queen’s royal initiative projects and social work, historic pictures of Their Majesties the King and Queen as well as a display of the Queen’s portrait and giant jasmine garlands can be seen at Bangkok’s Central World Mall.

This day also is the Thai mother’s day. The Nation Group, Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital and Major Cineplex Group (Thailand) hosted a photo contest. The winners of the “The reasons why we hug our mums”-Contest can be seen on www.facebook.com/viewphotomag.