Thailand has begun the celebration of the 70th anniversary of reigning of the  king  Phumiphon Adulyadej.

The celebration began in Bangkok with a religious ceremony. It was attended by 770 Buddhist monks. Several hundred people gathered near the Royal Palace, reports the BBC.

For the people of Thailand Monarch is a symbol of stability in the changing political situation of the country. 88 -year-old king is the world's oldest monarch ruling the country. He has recently had health problems and has not appeared in public for several months. He had a heart operation on June 7, which went smoothly, informs the royal palace.