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Wednesday, 5 December 2007, 16:54 GMT

In pictures: Thai king's birthday

Well-wishers wave flags in Bangkok (05/12/2007)

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Ten of thousands of Thais have lined the streets of the capital, Bangkok, to celebrate the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest serving monarch.

A Thai three-wheeled 'tuk-tuk' decorated with a picture of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Bangkok (05/12/2007)

A Thai three-wheeled 'tuk-tuk' decorated with a picture of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Bangkok (05/12/2007)

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People have travelled from all over the country to catch a glimpse of the king, who has ruled the South-East Asian nation for 61 years.

A Thai man reads a local newspaper with pictures of King Bhumibol Adulyadej

A Thai man reads a local newspaper with pictures of King Bhumibol Adulyadej

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The king commands enormous respect in Thailand and in recent days newspapers and television channels have been dominated by the build-up to the festivities.

Thais queue to enter Bangkok's Grand Palace to see King Bhumibol

Thais queue to enter Bangkok's Grand Palace to see King Bhumibol

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Thousands packed the streets around the Grand Palace, where the king delivered a short speech calling for national unity and progress.

King Bhumibol with Queen Sirikit Adulyadej, with Queen Sirikit, waves to crowds in Bangkok

King Bhumibol with Queen Sirikit Adulyadej, with Queen Sirikit, waves to crowds in Bangkok

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King Bhumibol appeared briefly and read a shortened version of the birthday speech he gave to officials on Tuesday.

A man signs a book offering his best wishes for the king (04/12/2007)

A man signs a book offering his best wishes for the king (04/12/2007)

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Thai people, many of them wearing yellow to symbolise their devotion, have been signing greetings books and saying prayers for the monarch.

Thai people light candles outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok (05/12/2007)

Thai people light candles outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok (05/12/2007)

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In the evening thousands of people, including members of the military and police force, gathered to light candles and sing songs for the king.

A Thai Buddhist monk and a Catholic bishop talk during a religious ceremony in Bangkok (03/12/2007)

A Thai Buddhist monk and a Catholic bishop talk during a religious ceremony in Bangkok (03/12/2007)

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Celebrations have been going on for several days and included a religious ceremony involving Thai Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Christians.

Actors, dancers and elephants depict an ancient war scene in Bangkok ((02/12/2007)

Actors, dancers and elephants depict an ancient war scene in Bangkok ((02/12/2007)

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A spectacular parade on Sunday saw lavishly decorated elephants and performers depicting ancient war scenes in the streets of Bangkok.

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