Shans observe King

Shans observe King's birthday

A ceremony to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 74th birthday was held in Bangkok today by Shans residing in the capital, sources reported to S.H.A.N..

Maj-Gen Somsak Visetchaisri, advisor to Gen Thammarak Issaragul na Ayutthya, Minister of the Prime Minister's Office, opened the ceremony saying he was happy to learn Shans also revered the King. "Apart from calling us brethren, he was very cautious," said a member from the clergy. "He refrained from touching delicate subjects such as politics, history and migrant issues." 

"In the light of the recent thaw between the two countries, it is not difficult to understand why Thais are so reluctant to offend Rangoon," commented Chaiya Khongchuen, the Democratic Voice of Burma's Shan program director. 
Hundreds of Shans, most of them carrying work-permit cards recently issued by the labor ministry, attended the ceremony, where song for life singer, Surachai Janthimathorn, better known as Nga Caravan, was also seen. Another well-known singer, Ad Carabao, tied up with other commitments, was not able to make it, said another source. 
The ceremony was organized jointly by the Bangkok-based groups: Kruatai Samakkhi, Tai Progress and English Program for Shan Youth.