Ceremonies mark 50th day since passing

As Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai along with officials and retirees attended a merit-making ritual at the ministry’s Vithes Samosorn Hall in Bangkok, Thai embassies and consulates in various countries also joined Thai temples to host rituals for the late monarch.
While Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha led officials to present offerings to 89 monks on the occasion, the National Legislative Assembly, the National Reform Council and the Constitution Drafting Commission hosted a similar event at Parliament. The Royal Thai Armed Forces also hosted a ritual at its headquarters in Lak Si district.
At Wat Chollapratarn Rangsarit in Nonthaburi, Justice Minister General Paiboon Koomchaya presided over the ordination of 85 monks.
Meanwhile, Supreme Court Chairman Weerapol Tangsuwan led 1,500 judges and officials at the Courts of Justice to make merit before singing the song composed by the King titled “Impossible Dream” and the Royal Anthem. 
About 700 officials at the Office of the Attorney-General also attended an alms offering to 10 monks before they sang “Impossible Dream” and the Royal Anthem. Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang along with officials and public members yesterday attended the alms offering to 188 monks at the Khon Muang Plaza, Bangkok City Hall.
About 3,000 members of the public in Nan province offered alms to 189 monks at a public park on the banks of the Nan River, where they also organised a traditional boat race. 
Resident Thanyalak Sripolpak said she was glad to have a chance to make merit along with others for the late King. In Prachin Buri’s Muang district, Governor Suriya Amornrojworawuth led 500 people to give alms to monks. In Ang Thong’s Muang district, Governor Weerawuth Putraseranee led officials and residents to offer dry food to 89 monks in front of city hall before releasing fish into the Chao Phraya River.
In Si Sa Ket’s Uthumporn Pisai district, provincial secretary Sarayuth Kaewkulpreecha joined officials and residents to sing the Royal Anthem and line up into the form of the Thai number “9” within a heart shape. They also stood still for 89 minutes in memory of the late monarch before joining rice harvesting at Ban Nong Khaen rice field.
Meanwhile, Samut Prakan Central Prison director Krit Wongwet presided over an event in which 2,560 prison officials and inmates sang a song titled “Botpleng Rak Haeng Phandin”, or “Love Song from the Land”, and the Royal Anthem before lining up to form the message “We love the King” and the Thai number “9” at the prison’s stadium.