People across the nation celebrated the 60th anniversary of the coronation, as His Majesty the King presided over a religious ceremony at the Grand Palace.

In the capital, people gathered at Siriraj Hospital and lined up along the street leading to the Grand Palace to see Their Majesties the King and Queen on Coronation Day, a national holiday, on Wednesday.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and other royal family members were present at the Amarindra Vinichaya Throne Hall for the religious ceremony.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Privy Councillors, top military officers and other senior government officials attended the ceremony.

After the religious ceremony, a 63-cannon salute was fired at noon in honour of the monarch.

The king has been hospitalised since last Sept 19 last year when he was admitted with fatigue and loss of appetite. The Royal Household Bureau said he has recovered from a lung inflammation, but has remained hospitalised.

In the provinces, governors leading government officials and people held ceremonies to honour the king in front of his image at city halls.

The red shirts and leader Veera Musikhapong offered alms for 300 monks and made merit for His Majesty the King at the protest site of Ratchaprasong intersection.

Mr Veera said onstage the event is to pay homage and to make merit in honour of the monarch.

The anti-government protesters are loyal to the monarchy without any intention to topple the royal family as alleged, Mr Veera said.

News item Courtesy of www.mcot.net/EnglishNews