Thai people gathered by the hundreds of thousands around the royal place in Bangkok on Friday, in order to see their King Bhumibol Adulyadej and hear him delivering his speech marking festivities for his 60th year on the throne.

The longest-serving monarch in the world was awaited by a huge crowd of people, all dressed in yellow, symbolizing the color of the monarchy, to deliver his official statement from the throne hall balcony, the third in his royal career. One of the most popular actors in Thailand, Sarawuth Poomthong, highlighted what many of the people in Thailand think and actually feel towards the royal figure: "I feel like I'm getting to meet with our father. This has always been one of my dreams to see the king".

Once they arrived at the throne hall, the royal family took part in a Buddhist religious service, completed by monks and traditional music, in order to pay their tribute to their ancestors.

Presidents and monarchs from other countries in the world, including the Japanese Emperor Akihito, Prince Andrew from Great Britain and Queen Beatrix from the Netherlands are expected to attend the complex celebrations of the 78 year old king, who enjoys nationwide appreciation for implementing development projects for poor rural population and for using his moral influence in order to calm political turmoil down whenever the country went through a crisis.

A five-day national holiday was instated in order to allow the people of Thailand participate in the festivities, which will end on Tuesday with a royal banquet.