webfact Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 ROYAL VISIT Excitement builds in Ayutthaya The Nation AYUTTHAYA: -- Excitement is mounting across the country in anticipation of His Majesty's first trip outside of Greater Bangkok in recent years. The much-beloved monarch is set to visit Ayutthaya on Friday. The King's trip will also be special because he has rarely left Siriraj Hospital since he was admitted for medical treatment in 2009. "It's a big honour and an extreme delight for Ayutthaya residents," Ayutthaya Governor Wittaya Phiewpong said yesterday. His Majesty will visit Thung Makham Yong in Ayutthaya's Muang district and pay respect to the statue of Queen Suriyothai there. Thung Makham Yong was where Suriyothai climbed aboard an elephant in battle against an invading army and sacrificed her life to defend her king in 1549. Under an initiative of His Majesty, Thung Makham Yong is also a "monkey cheeks" area for water retention during the flood season. According to Wittaya, it has saved a number of people from floods each year. During the dry season, Thung Makham Young is a public park that can accommodate a huge number of people. Wittaya said the park has been spruced up in preparation for the royal visit, which will not only include the King but Her Majesty the Queen. The pageantry will include an elephant parade. And a procession of boats, to replicate an old-time floating market, is also planned. Rehearsals took place yesterday and will be repeated today. Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University has been preparing 2,500 decorative krathong floats for the King's visit. His Majesty, who will turn 85 this year, commands much love and respect from his people, having reigned in Thailand for more than six decades. When his health was better, he travelled extensively to reach out and extend help to his people, especially those in remote areas. On May 14, 1996, His Majesty visited Thung Makham Yong and personally laboured to harvest a rice crop there. Wittaya said he plans to ask the King's permission to use the actual sickle from 1996 on a statue that commemorates that rice harvest. The sculpture stands at Thung Hantra in Ayutthaya, but the sickle is a replica. The authentic sickle has a pearl handle and it features the emblem marking His Majesty's Golden Jubilee, as well as the name of Ayutthaya province. Wittaya said after the statue was cast the provincial government launched a project to encourage residents to grow rice for consumption themselves. "The project has already kicked off in two districts," Wittaya said. "In August, the locals will be able to harvest the rice." He said the programme would be expanded to 14 other districts. Ayutthaya Rice Research Centre director Apichart Lawanprasert said His Majesty was the "King of Agriculture". "He's my inspiration. His Majesty has done so many things for the country's agricultural sector. He has provided many solutions to farmers," Apichart said. The area at the monument can accommodate 20,000 visitors and residents, who can wait for and watch the royal motorcade as it passes along the route, said Dissathorn Watcharothai, deputy secretary-general of the Royal Household Bureau. There are 10,000 sets of documents about the royal visit that will be given away, he said. He added that a grand rehearsal of the ceremonies will be held tomorrow - the eve of the royal visit. His Majesty's public appearance has always brought much happiness to his people. The upcoming trip will be particularly special because he has rarely left the Siriraj Hospital since he was admitted for medical treatment in 2009. "It's the big honour and extreme delight for Ayutthaya residents," Ayutthaya Governor Wittaya Phiewpong said about the king's upcoming visit. His Majesty will visit Thung Makhamyong in Ayutthaya's Mueang district and pay respect to the statue of Queen Suriyothai there on May 25. Thung Makham Yong was where the late queen fought against an invading army and sacrificed her life in defending the Kingdom during the Ayutthaya Period. Thung Makham Yong, according to Wittaya, has also been an area earmarked as "monkey's cheek" or an area that will serve water-retention purpose during flood season under a His Majesty's initiative. This monkey cheek has saved a number of people from floods before. During the dry season, Thung Makham Young is a public park that can accommodate a huge number of people. Wittaya disclosed that his authority had already revamped the park in preparations for the king's visit. Her Majesty the Queen is expected to accompany him too. Grand performances including an elephant parade and a procession of boats to replicate a floating market in the good old days are also planned. Performance rehearsals took place yesterday and will also repeat today. Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat has been preparing 2,500 decorative floats or Krathong for their beautiful procession during the king's visit too. His Majesty, who will turn 85 later this year, has commanded much love and respect from his people. Reigning Thailand for more than six decades, he had traveled extensively to reach out and extend help to his people especially those in remote areas when his health still allowed him to. On May 14 1996, His Majesty visited Thung Makham Yong and harvested rice crop by himself there. Wittaya yesterday said he planned to ask for His Majesty's permission to place the sickle that he used in 1996 in the hands of his rice-harvesting statue. Cast to highlight His Majesty's attention to paddy fields, the statue has now stood at the Thung Hantra in Ayutthaya but with a sickle replica. The authentic sickle has a pearl handle and it features the emblem marking His Majesty's 50th Golden Jubilee. The name of Ayutthaya's province has appeared on this sickle too. Wittaya said after the statue was cast, his provincial government also launched a project to encourage Ayutthaya people to grow rice for consumption themselves. "The project has already kicked off in two districts. In August, the locals will be able to harvest the rice," the Ayutthaya governor said, adding that locals in 14 other districts will also follow suit. Ayutthaya Rice Research Centre director Apichart Lawanprasert said His Majesty was the King of Agriculture. "He's my inspiration. His Majesty has done so many things for the country's agricultural sector. He has provided many solutions to farmers," Apichart said. -- The Nation 2012-05-23 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webfact Posted May 23, 2012 Author Share Posted May 23, 2012 HM the King to Visit Ayutthaya This Friday AYUTTHAYA: -- Their Majesties the King and the Queen will visit Thung Makham Yong in Ayutthaya Province this Friday. The Royal Household Bureau has announced that Their Majesties the King and the Queen will visit Thung Makham Yong this Friday. The field is the site of a royal water retention project and was a paddy field in which His Majesty harvested rice from the royal experimental rice field 16 years ago. Their Majesties will leave Siriraj Hospital at 4.30 P.M. and arrive in Ayuttahya at 5.20 P.M. to pay homage to Queen Suriyothai Monument. After that, Their Majesties will travel to Thung Makham Yong to watch local performances and receive a report on the water retention projection for 45 minutes. The Ayutthaya provincial administration will showcase the sickle used by His Majesty the King when he harvested the rice from the royal experimental rice field in 1996. -- Tan Network 2012-05-23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beano2274 Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Nice to see his Majesty is feeling well enough to go outside of Bangkok, I know plenty of people will be going to see him including my other half. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webfact Posted May 23, 2012 Author Share Posted May 23, 2012 HM the King to visit Ayutthaya on Friday BANGKOK, May 23 -- His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej will visit Thailand's former capital of Ayutthaya on Friday, the first long distance trip outside Bangkok since he was admitted to Siriraj Hospital on September 19, 2009 with symptoms of fever, lung inflammation and fatigue. HM the King has recovered but has remained in hospital ever since, both for physical therapy and nourishment to regain his strength. Rajaprachanukroh Foundation chairman Dissathorn Watcharothai on Tuesday chaired a meeting in preparation for the trip which was attended by Ayutthaya governor Witthaya Piewpong. Their majesties the King and Queen and the members of Royal Family will leave Siriraj Hospital at 4.30pm, and are expected to arrive at Ayutthaya at around 5.20pm. HM the King will visit Thung Makham Yong in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district, the location of the ‘monkey cheek’ water retention area royal project designed to retain and divert flood water and home to the monument of Queen Srisuriyothai of Ayutthaya. The monarch harvested rice from the royal experimental rice field in Thung Makham Yong on May 14, 1996. Their Majesties are expected to enjoy various activities including a light and sound show and a folk boat procession prepared by local residents. A large crowd of well wishers is expected to gather at Thung Makham Yong and along the route from Siriraj Hospital to Ayutthaya. (MCOT online news) -- TNA 2012-05-23 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hellodolly Posted May 23, 2012 Popular Post Share Posted May 23, 2012 It is good news for Thailand to see the King well enough to travel a little bit. Long live the King 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greer Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Excellent news that His Majesty is well enough to travel and see his people out in the countryside again! We all wish our beloved King continuing improvement in his health, and a long life as the father of our country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daboyz1 Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Good to see him getting out and about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skywalker69 Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 It is good news for Thailand to see the King well enough to travel a little bit. Long live the King +1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noitom Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Great news! This will lift the spirits of everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webfact Posted May 23, 2012 Author Share Posted May 23, 2012 King to be presented historic Ayutthaya land by Yingluck Samrit Jiamjarernporn The Nation An elephant was painted white during a rehearsal of a show to be staged before Their Majesties the King and the Queen during their visit to Ayutthaya BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her family are planning to present a historic field in Ayutthaya's Thung Makham Yong to His Majesty the King because it is where he himself harvested a rice crop in 1996. "We will present the 7-rai field to His Majesty," Yingluck said yesterday. "This historic field should be conserved." She refused to elaborate, saying that details would be provided only after the plot was handed over to the muchbeloved monarch. The plot is said to be worth about Bt20 million. Her intention to present the land plot to the King comes just two days before the monarch is set to make another historic visit to Thung Makham Yong. Accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the muchrevered King will make a personal visit to Thung Makham Yong tomorrow. It will be his first trip out of Greater Bangkok in recent years. Since His Majesty was admitted to Siriraj Hospital for treatment in 2009, he has hardly left its compound. Thung Makham Yong is in tambon Ban Mai, Mueang district, Ayutthaya province. The area is of much significance not only because His Majesty visited it in 1996 but because it is here that Queen Suriyothai of the Ayutthaya Period fought bravely against an invading army and sacrificed her life defending the Kingdom. His Majesty has planned the visit to Makham Yong because he wishes to supervise one of his royally initiated projects there. Their majesties the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family are scheduled to leave Siriraj Hospital at 4.30pm, and are expected to arrive in Ayutthaya at around 5.20pm tomorrow. Many agencies have planned grand performances for the royal members. The shows will include an elephant parade, a procession of boats, and more. Locals in Ayutthaya are eagerly awaiting the King's visit. Sommai Sakthanawat, 55, said he and all family members would close their food shop for a glimpse of His Majesty. "We are so glad that he is coming to our home town," he said. "We want to welcome him and chant 'Long Live the King'." Somnuk Rattanapin, 78, said she planned to wait for His Majesty from the morning. His upcoming visit has brought her much delight. "I have always wanted to see him again. I saw him once when I was a village scout," she said. Lek Sripisut, a 65yearold dessert vendor, said she was glad because the King's visit meant his health was improving. "When he's ill, I am sad," she said. Pree Chuankamon, 67, said he loved the King a lot and always followed news about him. Thiraporn Lawansiri, 27, said her whole family was excited about His Majesty's upcoming visit. "We are waiting for the day we can welcome him and express our wishes for his good health and a long and happy life," she said. -- The Nation 2012-05-24 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bristolgeoff Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 very good news for the king.he is getting stronger.long may he reign Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webfact Posted May 24, 2012 Author Share Posted May 24, 2012 His Majesty the King takes 50 steps without his cane Samrit Jiamjarernporn The Nation BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King is on his way to full recovery and was able to take 50 steps without needing his cane, Privy Council member Chalit Phupasuk revealed yesterday. He added that His Majesty should be moving out of Siriraj Hospital soon. Chalit was speaking while handing out gifts granted by Their Majesties the King and Queen to poor people in Lampang yesterday. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her family are planning to present a historic field in Ayutthaya's Thung Makham Yong to His Majesty because it is at this plot where the King himself harvested a rice crop in 1996. "We will present the 7-rai field to His Majesty," Yingluck said yesterday. "This historic field should be conserved." She refused to elaborate, saying that details would be provided only after the plot was handed over to the much-beloved monarch. The plot is said to be worth about Bt20 million. Her intention to present the land plot to the King comes just two days before the monarch is set to make another historic visit to Thung Makham Yong. Accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the much-revered King will make a personal visit to Thung Makham Yong tomorrow. It will be his first trip out of Greater Bangkok in recent years. Since His Majesty was admitted to Siriraj Hospital for treatment in 2009, he has hardly left its compound. Historic field Thung Makham Yong is in tambon Ban Mai, Muang district, Ayutthaya province. The area is of much significance not only because His Majesty visited it in 1996 but because it is here that Queen Suriyothai of the Ayutthaya Period fought bravely against an invading army and sacrificed her life defending the Kingdom. His Majesty has planned the visit to Makham Yong because he wishes to supervise one of his royally initiated projects there. Their Majesties the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family are scheduled to leave Siriraj Hospital at 4.30pm, and are expected to arrive in Ayutthaya at around 5.20pm tomorrow. Many agencies have planned grand performances for the royal members. The shows will include an elephant parade, a procession of boats, and more. Locals in Ayutthaya are eagerly awaiting the King's visit. waiting for a glimpse Sommai Sakthanawat, 55, said he and all family members would close their food shop for a glimpse of His Majesty. "We are so glad that he is coming to our home town," he said. "We want to welcome him and chant 'Long Live the King'." Somnuk Rattanapin, 78, said she planned to wait for His Majesty from the morning. His upcoming visit has brought her much delight. "I have always wanted to see him again. I saw him once when I was a village scout," she said. Lek Sripisut, a 65-year-old dessert vendor, said she was glad because the King's visit meant his health was improving. "When he's ill, I am sad," she said. Pree Chuankamon, 67, said he loved the King a lot and always followed news about him. Thiraporn Lawansiri, 27, said her whole family was excited about His Majesty's upcoming visit. "We are waiting for the day we can welcome him and express our wishes for his good health and a long and happy life," she said. -- The Nation 2012-05-24 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatherfluffybottom Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Good on him, fresh air will do him well, for a man that was in ill health (and his age) 50 steps is quite an achievement. Hopefully he doesn't get over crowded by the 100's of 1000's of spectators wanting a glimpse. The only downside is.....I doubt the elephant enjoys being painted white!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kananga Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Excellent news that His Majesty is well enough to travel and see his people out in the countryside again! We all wish our beloved King continuing improvement in his health, and a long life as the father of our country. Yes, I also wish their beloved king continuing improvement and a long life as the father of their country. God save the Queen! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drdoom6996 Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 This is a great man, both here in Thailand and world wide. He is an inspiration to Thais and farangs alike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al007 Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 (edited) I come from England where we also have a hard working monachy, but I doubt as hard as the Thai Monachy. It is very wonderful to watch the love and respect for the monachy in Thailand, in the UK and Colonies there is a love and respect for the monachy but I do not believe anything like as strong as the love for the monachy here May the King recover and have some healthy years left, my own mother died a few days ago aged 94 and was still driving until a few weeks ago Edited May 24, 2012 by metisdead : Font resized. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webfact Posted May 24, 2012 Author Share Posted May 24, 2012 Thai king to leave Bangkok for first time since 2009 Bangkok, May 24, 2012 (AFP) - Thailand's ailing king will travel outside of the capital Bangkok on Friday for the first time in more than two years to visit the ancient capital Ayutthaya, officials said. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, has rarely left the hospital where he has been staying since September 2009, aside from occasional official appearances. But recently his health has shown signs of improving. The 84-year-old monarch will leave Bangkok in the late afternoon and travel by car to Ayutthaya to pay homage to 16th-century-queen Suriyothai, famed for sacrificing her life to protect her husband, according to an official schedule. He will also inspect irrigation activities, receive a gift of land from the family of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and watch folk dancing, before returning to hospital the same evening. -- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-05-24 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biplanebluey Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 It is good news for Thailand to see the King well enough to travel a little bit. Long live the King +1 +2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anterian Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Will the Royal couple travel by motorcade or by helicopter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BirdsandBooze Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I come from England where we also have a hard working monachy, but I doubt as hard as the Thai Monachy. It is very wonderful to watch the love and respect for the monachy in Thailand, in the UK and Colonies there is a love and respect for the monachy but I do not believe anything like as strong as the love for the monachy here May the King recover and have some healthy years left, my own mother died a few days ago aged 94 and was still driving until a few weeks ago I`m no royalist but I reckon the Queen and Princess Anne work just as hard as the royal family here if you look at the number of engagements they undertake in the course of a year. Good to see the KIng out and about again - one of the few genuine good guys here. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kananga Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I come from England where we also have a hard working monachy, but I doubt as hard as the Thai Monachy. It is very wonderful to watch the love and respect for the monachy in Thailand, in the UK and Colonies there is a love and respect for the monachy but I do not believe anything like as strong as the love for the monachy here May the King recover and have some healthy years left, my own mother died a few days ago aged 94 and was still driving until a few weeks ago I`m no royalist but I reckon the Queen and Princess Anne work just as hard as the royal family here if you look at the number of engagements they undertake in the course of a year. Good to see the KIng out and about again - one of the few genuine good guys here. I'd say more so. The Queen is 86 and is always out and about meeting people and doing what rich people born into a life of wealth and power do, like going out with an entourage the size of Bangalore and umm meeting people and stuff to justify the ridiculous financial burden they bestow upon the tax payers. Personally when I look at the problems in the UK I think she could have done a hell of a lot more but I think they're all a bit guilty of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seismic Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I come from England where we also have a hard working monachy, but I doubt as hard as the Thai Monachy. It is very wonderful to watch the love and respect for the monachy in Thailand, in the UK and Colonies there is a love and respect for the monachy but I do not believe anything like as strong as the love for the monachy here May the King recover and have some healthy years left, my own mother died a few days ago aged 94 and was still driving until a few weeks ago I`m no royalist but I reckon the Queen and Princess Anne work just as hard as the royal family here if you look at the number of engagements they undertake in the course of a year. Good to see the KIng out and about again - one of the few genuine good guys here. I.. on the other hand am a royalist, and British, but I do get a little lump in the throat (after 30 years here) When I hear the good news like this. His majesty is, beside being an awesome jazzman, a tremendous unifying force for the people of Thailand and like so many others I wish him all the best and continued good health. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MILT Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 This news brings tears of joy to my heart! He is Divinity embodied! May the Great King of Thailand continue to full health. He is a Great example of what a humble humanitarian is about. I have nothing but admiration and respect. Long may the King Live and inspire the good in all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaiChai Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I am really glad to hear his majesty is recovering and can leave hospital soon. Long live the king! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webfact Posted May 25, 2012 Author Share Posted May 25, 2012 People begin occupying Ayutthaya's Thung Makham Yong BANGKOK, May 25 -- People began occupying Ayutthaya's Thung Makham Yong early this morning claiming vantage points, waiting to catch a glimpse of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej during his visit to Thailand's former capital of Ayutthaya later today. Preparations were completed for various activities including an evening light and sound show and a folk boat procession prepared by local residents. Police and other authorities are applying strict security to manage the huge crowds which are gathering in the province, particularly at historic Thung Makham Yong. HM the King will visit Thung Makham Yong in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district, the location of the ‘monkey cheek’ water retention area royal project designed to retain and divert flood water and home to the monument of Queen Srisuriyothai of Ayutthaya. The monarch harvested rice from a royal experimental rice field in Thung Makham Yong on May 14, 1996. HM the King, accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, will leave Siriraj Hospital at 4.30pm, and are expected to arrive at Ayutthaya at around 5.20pm. Their Majesties were scheduled to pay homage to the statue of Queen Srisuriyothai before enjoying the performances. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will donate seven rai of land valued at Bt20 million at Thung Makham Yong to HM the King when he visits the area. The trip will be the monarch’s first long distance trip outside Bangkok since he was admitted to Siriraj Hospital on Sept 19, 2009 with symptoms of fever, lung inflammation and fatigue. HM the King has recovered but has remained in hospital ever since, both for physical therapy and nourishment to regain his strength. (MCOT online news) -- TNA 2012-05-25 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MALJR Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 Great news. It's good to see he is able to travel now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratcatcher Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 I am sure just about anybody who has a TV saw the magnificent display put on for His Majesty's visit to Ayuttaya this evening. The British can always be counted on to put on a grand performance for H.M. the Queen, but this was a wonderful traditional Thai spectacle what with the elephants and the whole atmosphere, it just goes to prove how revered, respected and loved the Royal family is in Thailand. It was fantastic, and to most people very moving to see the King & Queen enjoying the performance, taking pictures and smiling. Wonderful ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webfact Posted May 25, 2012 Author Share Posted May 25, 2012 please continue: Return of the king The Nation Full story: //CLOSED// Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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