Royal Watch News
Thai King's birthday sex ban
Dec 4, 2007, 12:30 GMT
Thai people have been banned from having sex or drinking alcohol on King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday tomorrow (05.12.07).
The king, who holds the title of the world's longest reigning monarch, is hugely well-respected by the people of Thailand and it is tradition to honour his birthday by abstaining from certain pleasures and pastimes.
Rattana, a brothel receptionist, told Bangkok's Jakarta Post newspaper: "Wednesday will be a national holiday. Our brothel will be closed. All bars, entertainment centres and massage parlours will also close.
"Alcoholic beverages and sex will be prohibited. The regulation will be strictly imposed."
To mark the king's birthday, the monarch has already had a $65,000 stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima named after him, it known as the His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium.
Celebrations for the monarch's birthday begin today (04.12.07) with a four-day fireworks display starting at Phisanulok Road.
The colourful extravaganza will continue down the Chao Phraya River and finish at Benchakiti Park on Friday (07.12.07).
More than a million Thai people are expected to line the streets of Bangkok to see King Bhumibol make a public address from the balcony of the Grand Palace's Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall at 10.30am tomorrow.
(C) BANG Media International
