In commemoration of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn's 72nd Birthday

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn (RAMA X) is the second of four children and the only son of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (RAMA IX) and Queen Sirikit. In commemoration of His Majesty’s 72nd birthday on 28th July 2024, the office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has designated a special event callsign “HS72KING” to mark this auspicious event. The King’s 72nd birthday is a significant milestone in Thai culture because it completes a 6-year cycle.

The use of the “HS72KING” callsign on amateur radio frequencies will serve not only as a tribute to the King but also as a means to promote and enhance the spirit of camaraderie and community among radio operators. This event allows participants to send their best wishes and congratulations to His Majesty, fostering a sense of national pride and unity. The activities surrounding this special callsign will include broadcasts on various bands and multiple communication modes (CW, SSB, FM, FT8, Satellite, etc.), creating a vibrant atmosphere of celebration on the airwaves.

Looking back to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Coronation Day on 3rd-5th May 2019, the Royal Thai Navy together with the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King (RAST) organised the activation of “HS10KING/mm” from Thailand’s first and only aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet (CVH-911) to celebrate the event.

One year later, General Sukit Khamasundara from the NBTC and Dr Jakkree Hantongkon (HS1FVL) RAST President, presented His Majesty with his advanced class amateur radio license and his own personal callsign “HS10A”. With the support of G Simon Radio Company Ltd, the ICOM distributor in Thailand and South East Asia, RAST also donated an ICOM IC-7300 HF transceiver, an ICOM IC-9700 VHF/UHF transceivers, as well as other radio equipment and antennas to His Majesty at Amphon Sathan Hall in Dusit Palace. The IC-7300 and IC-9700 are actually very special in that both have the serial number (S/N) 10 for RAMA X.

As a patron of RAST, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn (HS10A) has long been a supporter of amateur radio activities in Thailand. By endorsing and participating in this special event, His Majesty continues to inspire and encourage the growth and development of amateur radio in the country. This royal endorsement not only elevates the status of amateur radio but also highlights its importance as a tool for education, emergency communication, and international goodwill. The “HS72KING” event stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and influence of His Majesty on the amateur radio community and beyond.

RAST will be activating “HS72KING” between 1st July and 29th July 2024. QSL via HS6MYW. For more information, please check https://www.qrz.com/db/HS72KING

Figure 1. RAST representatives Dr Panit Chantrabhakdee (HS1AAZ) and Pimchanok Palakawongse na Ayudhaya (E23PKO) presented ICOM IC-7300 and ICOM IC-9700 to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn on 24th September 2020

Figure 2. NBTC Chairman Sukit Khamasundara addresses his Majesty King Vajiralongkorn on behalf of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission at Dusit Palace on 24th September 2020

As part of the grand royal celebration, the Royal Thai Navy will also hold “The Royal Barge Procession” down the Chao Praya River. This incredible and rare spectacle dates back to the Ayutthaya period in 1350-1767. The procession usually comprises of 52 intricately decorated barges, powered by over 2,200 oarsmen selected from sailors of the Royal Thai Navy. It will be 1,200m long and 90m wide. The four major royal barges are the Suphannahong (or Golden Swan), the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, the Anantanakkharat (or Multi-headed Naga), and the Anekkachatphutchong (or Innumerable Naga Figures). The event is scheduled to take place on 27th October 2024.

Figure 3. HS1AN Nonthaburi Amateur Radio Association activating HS72KING

Figure 4. HS1AT Radio Amateur Association Angthong activating HS72KING

Figure 5. HS2AB Chanthaburi Amateur Radio Club activating HS72KING

Figure 6. HS2AP Radio Amateur Society of Prachinburi activating HS72KING

Figure 7. HS3AU Ubon Ratchathani Amateur Radio Association activating HS72KING

Figure 8. HS4AR Roi-ET Amateur and C.B. Association activating HS72KING

Figure 9. HS4AS Radio Amateur Society Sakhon Nakorn activating HS72KING

Figure 10. HS5AR Chiang Rai Ham Association activating HS72KING

Figure 11. HS6AB Amateur Radio Society of Phetchabun activating HS72KING

Figure 12. HS6AU Radio Amateur Society of Uthaitani activating HS72KING

Figure 13. HS7AN VR Nakhon Pathom activating HS72KING

Figure 14. HS7AP Amateur Radio Association of Phetchaburi activating HS72KING

Figure 15. HS8AS Radio Amateur Society of Suratthani activating HS72KING

Special thanks to NBTC HS0AB for the pictures of the HS72KING event held by various amateur radio associations across Thailand.