His Majesty, who is celebrating his 60th year on the throne, is recuperating from minor injuries suffered in a fall on June 29.

Merit-makers at the Buddha Monthon gave alms and vowed to do good deeds for His Majesty.

Asalha Puja Day, or Sangha Day, commemorates the day Lord Buddha delivered the first discourse.

It was the day the Sangha came into existence and thus the Holy Triple Gem became complete. It is also recognised as the day Buddhism was established. It falls on the full moon of the eighth month in the lunar calendar.

Built to commemorate the 2,500th year of the Buddhist Era, the Buddha Monthon is one of Thailand's most important religious sites.

Deputy Public Health Minister Anutin Charnveerakul called on people to do good deeds as a tribute to His Majesty.

"Embrace sufficiency economy and adjust your attitudes accordingly," he said.

 "Then, you can bring happiness to your family. Happy families form happy villages. We will then be a happy country."

Anutin also encouraged people to abstain from drinking alcohol during the Buddhist Lent, saying that drunk driving was a major cause of road accidents.

Phra Thepwisuttikawee, deputy dean for academic affairs and planning at Mahachulalongkornrajavi-dayala, the university for monks, said everyone should stop causing havoc in the country and do good deeds to honour His Majesty.

"Do good things and bless you," the monk said.

In Khon Kaen, people made merit at the Nong Waeng Temple and expressed wishes for His Majesty's quick recovery and long life.

In Ubon Ratchathani, local villagers released birds and fish and made donations to save the lives of cattle destined for slaughterhouses.

One merit-maker at Ban Ta Kok Hae Temple said the people's good deeds were dedicated to His Majesty.

Similar merit-making activities took place across the country.