Bangkok –  The army on Friday announced that hundreds of soldiers would be transported to Prachuab Khiri Khan province to take part in the rehearsals for the trooping of the colours and oath taking on HM the King’s birthday.

Col Sirijan Ngathong, deputy army spokeswoman, said the army would move about 12 battalions of troops and equipment to an infantry unit in the province this Sunday.

The soldiers will be going to Hua Hin from bases in Bangkok, Prachin Buri, Chon Buri, Nakhon Nayok and Lop Buri provinces. They will take part in rehearsals on December 2 and 3 in preparation for the celebrations on December 5.

The celebrations would be performed on December 5 at 10.30 am at a hall in Hua Hin Palace.

The armed forces’ celebration has traditionally been conducted at the Royal Plaza in the presence of HM the King. The monarch has been residing at Hua Hin Palace since his discharge from Siriraj Hospital earlier.

It is believed that the army made the announcement to quell possible rumours of a coup amidst the ongoing anti-government demonstrations in Bangkok and other provinces. Source: The Nation