Phuketwan Photo Tribute Above
THE Vegetarian Festival crowds paused last night to pray for the speedy recovery of HM The King.
In a special ceremony at Saphan Hin public park in Phuket City, hundreds of people dressed in white burned candles in a united royal wish.
The Vegetarian Festival gods were there, too, lined up in the front row as the Phuket's Chinese Taoist temples demonstrated their solidarity by packing the parade ground.
Thai flags waved among gold and yellow emblems. Vast bowls of fruit lined a long table. Vice Governor Smith Palawatwichai was there to light the first candles. Governor Wichai Praisa-nob led the prayers.
His Majesty's general health is good, and his fever is gone, the Royal Household Bureau said yesterday, adding: ''His Majesty can eat and sleep well."
The King has been receiving treatment at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok since September 19.
The festival continues until October 26, with local authorities estimating that tourist arrivals have boosted hotel occupancy rates in Phuket City to 80 percent.
