The BMA plans a day-long event aimed at encouraging more than 60,000 city residents to demonstrate their adherence to His Majesty's theory of self-sufficiency. The event will be held from 6am until 9pm.

The BMA will invite people to resolve to keep track of their earnings and expenses. Their names will be compiled on a CD, which will be presented to His Majesty, Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said.

People who make the pledge will receive a self-sufficiency guidebook and a record book to help keep track of their earnings and expenses.

The schedule for the BMA's event was changed recently when the Prime Minister's Office said the government wanted to jointly host the event.

The government also asked the BMA to join it in hosting a separate event at Sanam Luang from 3pm until 6.15pm. Deputy government spokes-man Danuporn Punnakanta said the prime minister and his wife would take part in a religious ceremony to pray for the Three Gems (the Lord Buddha, the Dharma and the monks).

Then the premier will lead a ceremony to pledge allegiance and offer blessings to His Majesty the King.

People joining today's events have been asked to dress in yellow - the colour symbolising the King's birthday.

City clerk Natthanont Thaweesin said the BMA and the government had decided to hold today's events together.

The BMA's schedule will run as planned, with the addition of the PM presiding over the lighting of candles to offer blessings to the King.

Outside Bangkok, the government will hold events at Cabinet Partners' Learning Centres at Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai, Chachoengsao and Surat Thani. The provincial celebrations will also focus on His Majesty's theory of self-sufficiency. Ministers and their wives will preside over the four provincial ceremonies.