The impressive ceremonies not only explored Thailand's relationship with its monarchy throughout history, and particularly His Majesty's personal relationship with his subjects, but also highlighted our rich arts and culture.

His Majesty himself being such a great artist, we were afforded the rare opportunity to view so many of his incredible creations - paintings, photographs, literature, musical compositions - thanks to special private and public exhibitions. With the utmost devotion, millions of visitors flocked to Muang Thong Thani's Impact Arena to admire the exhibition that was held there of His Majesty's various projects.

Many even took the time to visit more than once.

Because of the exceedingly warm reaction, the government, which hosted the exhibition in conjunction with the private sector, decided to extend the show for another week. Although it ended last weekend, those who unfortunately missed out may still be able to see it, as the government has announced plans to set it up permanently in Bangkok.

In addition to His Majesty's own artwork, the government and private sector took the opportunity on this auspicious occasion to promote and preserve our arts and culture. Traditional ceremonies like the Royal Barge Procession and art forms such as the khon masked dance once again were brought to life. Traditional Thai costumes rarely seen these days were featured by our Royal Family. Beautiful Thai silks, delicate handicrafts, fabulous Thai cuisine, even traditional architecture were all used as cultural greetings for our royal guests.

Thailand excels at hospitality even at normal times, but for celebrations centring on the Royal Family, everything must be especially perfect. But if the preservation of our arts and culture is to be sustained, they must be supported in the same manner in which His Majesty has devoted himself to the Kingdom: keeping the philosophy of sustainable development in mind at all times. Only then can we hope to reverse the recent trend that has seen our arts and culture become neglected.

Take, for example, the wearing of yellow shirts with red hearts. Many consider it simply a symbolic way to pay respect to the King and display their love for him.

Naturally, I have nothing against anyone who wears yellow out of a sincere love and respect for His Majesty. But one does not have to wear a certain colour in order to remain true to His Majesty's personal philosophy that he has taught us throughout his life; simply act in accordance with it.

His Majesty is an excellent role model. Although he loves art - indeed art is in his blood - he gives top priority to his duty to ensure an enjoyable and healthy life among all of his subjects. And only when he has seen to that, then His Majesty turns to his music, his photography and his writing.

And His Majesty's subjects truly have benefited from his lifelong sense of responsibility and love of art.

It's like planting a tiny seed and letting it grow and spread throughout the Kingdom until it can be happily appreciated. That's what His Majesty has been doing for decades.

His Majesty has inspired numerous art projects, but some people pay attention only to their superficial appearances instead of the more spiritual aspects. If they were to concern themselves more deeply with the philosophy behind each of His Majesty's projects, they would discover some truly inspirational work.

Now that the recent celebrations have ended, and our royal guests have all returned home, the impressions of the grand ceremonies remain uppermost in our hearts. Instead of only occasionally highlighting this rich heritage, why not allow it to become a part of our everyday lives?

A good start would be to consider ways of preserving in a sustainable manner our arts and culture, for our own generation and for those to come. That would be some challenging homework for the government, especially the Culture and Education ministries and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

But it's time to plant some cultural seeds, as it takes a generation to grow.

Phatarawadee Phataranawik