The King's 2011 New Year greeting card

ส.ค.ส. พระราชทาน 2554

His Majesty the King is stressing the need for compassion and forgiveness in his annual New Year's Eve message.

His Majesty said in a televised speech on New Year's Eve that everyone shared the same New Year's wish - to be happy and to progress in life.

We also all wish for the country to be peaceful, His Majesty said.

The King said he hoped very much to see people achieve happiness in the New Year through giving.

People should offer love, compassion and kindness to each other.

They also should forgive and come to the aid of each other in their hour of need.

His Majesty emphasised that people should treat each other with good faith and sincere and honest intentions.

"This is so that everyone can come together and, as a collective force, figure out how to create happiness, prosperity and security for themselves and the nation," His Majesty said.

"It is a goal everyone wishes to achieve."

His Majesty has also presented a New Year greeting card wishing his subjects a happy and prosperous year.

The King's 2011 New Year greeting depicts His Majesty, in a cream suit, sitting in a chair with his dogs - Khun Tongdaeng on his left side and Khun Tongthae on his right. Both pets are wearing pink outfits.

The King has raised Khun Tongdaeng since 1998 and Khun Tongthae since 1999.

In the background are two vases containing many-coloured roses and hydrangeas.

The one on the left depicts the Great Crown of Victory, or Phra Maha Phichai Mongkut, and the one on the right shows a golden receptacle.
On the top right of the card are the words "Happy New Year 2011" in English, while the Thai greeting is on the top left.

In keeping with the happiness theme, the card is framed by tiny smiling faces.




Source: Bangkok Post online