Thailand Prepares To Celebrate The King's 60th Anniversary Of Accession To The Throne

[Jai Dee]

Programs for Visiting Royals During the Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne

The highlight of the Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne is marked by the presence of reigning monarchs and their representatives from 25 countries in Bangkok on Monday, June 12 and Tuesday, June 13.

The visiting monarchs and royal representatives will be the guests of the government and people of Thailand. The program on June 12 starts with a ceremony to pay tribute to His Majesty the King at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. At 1:00 p.m. the Prime Minister, Cabinet members, diplomats, their spouses, and other distinguished guests will arrive at the venue, waiting for the arrival of Their Majesties the King and Queen.

Their Majesties will arrive at 2:00 p.m., and then at 2:05 p.m., visiting foreign monarchs and royal representatives begin to arrive. The least senior head of state, based on the number of his or her years on the throne, will come first. The most senior one will be the last person to arrive. Their Majesties the King and Queen will greet all visiting royals. At 2:45 p.m., Their Majesties, together with royal guests, will enter the central hall, where the Prime Minister will give a speech of tribute in English to His Majesty. Then His Majesty will give a replying address. Around 3:15 p.m., foreign monarchs and royal representatives will depart. The most senior visiting monarch will leave first, and the others will depart in descending order, by the number of each monarch’s years on the throne. After the departure of all royal guests, Their Majesties the King and Queen will leave.

At 4:00 p.m. on the same day, the Prime Minister will arrive at the Royal Navy Institute, waiting for Their Majesties the King and Queen and royal guests to view the Royal Barge Procession. Their Majesties and royal guests begin to arrive at 5:00 p.m. The Royal Barge Procession with boat song chanting in honor of His Majesty starts at 5:30 p.m. on the Chao Phraya River. The event will end at 6:00 p.m., at which time Their Majesties and royal guests will proceed to the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall, where the exhibition “The King and the Development of Thailand” is held. The Prime Minister will give a report in English on the exhibition. After viewing the exhibition, Their Majesties and foreign monarchs and royalty will attend a reception hosted by the Government.

The program on June 13 will take place at Borommaratchasathit Maholan, the extended part of Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, in the compound of the Grand Palace. Dignitaries begin to arrive at 6:30 p.m. for a reception hosted by His Majesty the King. Their Majesties the King and Queen will arrive at 7:30 p.m., followed by foreign monarchs. After the reception, His Majesty the King will give a speech expressing his thanks to foreign monarch and royal representatives. The Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, who is the most senior visiting monarch, will represent the gathering of foreign royalty to give a speech of tribute to His Majesty. The reception will be concluded by a tea service.

June 12 and 13 have been declared special holidays in Bangkok and its environs to avoid traffic congestion and to facilitate security measures for visiting monarchs from around the world.

Source: The Government Public Relations Department Information Center

[ProfessorFart]

The multimedia presentation and the fireworks display will take place on the bank of Muang Thong Thani Lake, on Chaeng Wattana Road in Nonthaburi Province, on Saturday, 17 June 2006, from 18.00 to 20.10 hours.

Magic! Right on my doorstep and no clash with the football either!

[Jai Dee]

Programs of Ceremonies for the Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne on 8-13 June 2006

Following are programs of royal, state, and religious ceremonies to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne on 8-13 June 2006.

8 June 2006

Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall, 17:00 hrs.

A religious ceremony to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty's accession the throne

9 June 2006

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, 10:00 hrs.

A royal ceremony of merit-making dedicated to past kings and a ceremony to pay tribute to His Majesty

9 June 2006

Sanam Luang grounds, 18:30 hrs.

Candle-lit ceremony with a spectacular fireworks display

10 June 2006

Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall, 17:00 hrs.

A ceremony of bestowing titles upon 69 monks. Ninety-nine monks will chant blessings, followed by a candle-lit procession in the celebration of His Majesty’s 60th year on the throne.

12 June 2006

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, 14:00 hrs.

A ceremony to pay tribute to His Majesty the King by foreign monarchs and their representatives

12 June 2006

Royal Navy Institute, 17:30 hrs.

Their Majesties the King and Queen and foreign monarchs attend the Royal Barge Procession

12 June 2006

Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall, 18:00 hrs.

His Majesty the King opens the exhibition “The King and the Development of Thailand”, featuring His Majesty’s activities and projects over the past 60 years of his reign

13 June 2006

Borommaratchasathit Maholan Throne Hall (the extended part of Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall),19:30 hrs.

His Majesty the King hosts a banquet for foreign monarchs and the royal guests

Source: The Government Public Relations Department Information Center

[ROFL]

Wow, Im tired just reading this thread, can't imagine how the King is going to feel actually having to participate in the events listed.

Some of these events start at 6AM!

It would be nice if there was a site with a concise scheduele of events, maps etc.

Ok, just found this,

http://www.60thcelebrations.com/en/index.php

Edited June 6, 2006 by ROFL

[Jai Dee]

It would be nice if there was a site with a concise scheduele of events, maps etc.

Have a look at this website.

[ROFL]

Found these dates and locations for this weekends fireworks.

June 9 at 18:00 hrs. - Benjasiri Park, near Queen Sirikit National Convention Center,

June 10 at 20:30 hrs. - Any places between Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (or Rama I The Great) Bridge and Pinklao Bridge. So, Tha Chang, Tha Phrachan, and Tha Phra Athit are good viewing spots... So if you are around Khao San, Tha Phra Athit is only a walking distance.

June 11 at 20:30 hrs. - Nang Lerng Horse Racing Stadium

The ones on the 9th are supposed to be the largest ever in thailand, they had a good article in the paper last week but I mucked up and tossed it.

[libya 115]

I think that it's rather pathetic that Great Britain is sending Prince Andrew to such a significant event. My God why can't Queen Elizabeth come herself? After all she's the second longest reigning monarch in the world isn't she.

The King of Thailand has been an exemplary monarch for his entire reign and must be one of the most well loved monarchs in the world.

Who will represent t6he Government of Thailand i wonder?

H.M. The Queen of England is busy: see below;

Friday, 9th June 2006

The Queen will visit the Pepper Pot Day Centre, 1a Thorpe Close, Ladbroke Grove, London W10, to mark their 25th anniversary.

[Jai Dee]

Regal issue

Thailand Post will this week issue a set of stamps to commemorate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne. The set comprises six stamps, each costing Bt100. The stamps will be available at post offices nationwide from Friday.

Source: The Nation - 07 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin’s Cabinet show their colors

Caretaker PM Thaksin Shinawatra and his Cabinet yesterday wore yellow shirts commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne.

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday ordered Cabinet members to wear the yellow shirts commemorating the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne everyday until June 15.

“On top of wearing them everyday until June 15, the Cabinet will also wear the shirts at the weekly Cabinet meeting every Tuesday until the end of this year,” said Thaksin.

At yesterday’s meeting Thaksin and his Cabinet all wore the yellow commemorative shirts.

Meanwhile, caretaker Commerce Deputy Minister Preecha Laohapongchana said that he has ordered the Internal Trade Department to seek permission from the office of His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary to assume responsibility for manufacturing the yellow shirts.

“When the Internal Trade Department receives royal permission, the department will find a manufacturer that will produce the shirts at a fair price and the shirts will be sold to the public at the Blue Flag flea markets,” he said.

With the Director-General of the Internal Trade Department, Siripol Yodmuangcharoen, Preecha yesterday visited shopping areas around Bangkok, including Bo Beh, Pahurat and Thewet, following public complaints about the high prices and short supply of the shirts.

“The shirts were overpriced in every area today. Many sellers also did not present the price tags. Today, officials expect to fine more than 60 sellers in each area for overpricing shirts and not showing price tags,” Preecha said.

Meanwhile, Siripol said that he had ordered Internal Trade officials countrywide to monitor retailing of the shirts.

“Sellers in Bangkok and other provinces are requested to display price tags, especially on the yellow commemorative shirts,” he said.

Siripol added that the Internal Trade Department has a list of the 141 manufacturers which received royal permission to produce the shirts.

“The department, therefore, can examine whether or not manufacturers followed the criteria under the royal permission. If not, it is a breach of Trade and Services law article 29 and those wrongdoers will face punishment of a 140,000 baht fine or seven years imprisonment or both a fine and imprisonment,” he said.

Source: ThaiDay - 07 June 2006

[bannork]

I think that it's rather pathetic that Great Britain is sending Prince Andrew to such a significant event. My God why can't Queen Elizabeth come herself? After all she's the second longest reigning monarch in the world isn't she.

The King of Thailand has been an exemplary monarch for his entire reign and must be one of the most well loved monarchs in the world.

Who will represent t6he Government of Thailand i wonder?

H.M. The Queen of England is busy: see below;

Friday, 9th June 2006

The Queen will visit the Pepper Pot Day Centre, 1a Thorpe Close, Ladbroke Grove, London W10, to mark their 25th anniversary.

I believe it's The Duke of Edinburgh's birthday at the same time; still that's no reason not to come, apparently he's still a lively old boy, ah! perhaps why they are not coming !

[Jai Dee]

The guests are here

Britain’s Prince Andrew arrives in Bangkok yesterday. The prince, son of Queen Elizabeth II, is among the royal visitors who will attend celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne. He was welcomed upon arrival at Don Muang airport by caretaker Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai, seen behind him.

Source: The Nation - 08 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

About 2,000 journalists from 25 countries register to cover this week's royal celebrations

About 2,000 media personnel from 25 countries will broadcast live royal celebrations this week to the global community.

Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai (สุรเกียรติ์ เสถียรไทย) said foreign journalists have given much interest in the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne and royal projects. He further said that they have also been impressed with Thai people’s loyalty for His Majesty.

He said the foreign press will have a chance to attend royal ceremonies during June 9th and 13th. They will also visit important places and see royal projects in the country.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Tens of thousands of people turn up to offer His Majesty their best wishes at the Grand Palace and the Royal Plaza

Government officials and members of the general public have continuously visited the Grand Palace to sign books of felicitations offering their best wishes to His Majesty the King on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne.

Ms. Wanpen Chawawongpattanakul (วันเพ็ญ ชววงศ์พัฒนกุล), 55, one of the well-wishers, said after signing the book that she had arrived at the Grand Palace since 8 o’clock this morning. She wished she could bring her 77-year-old mother with her, but her mother was unable to walk.

Ms. Wanpen said she wishes all the best wishes to His Majesty, who has reigned Thailand with righteousness, and she feels proud that His Majesty has been on the Throne for 60 years. After the Grand Palace, she said she will go to the Royal Plaza, joining other people in greeting His Majesty at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall on the Royal Plaza and will also go to Sanam Luang this evening to join in the candle-lit ceremony, led by the Prime Minister, in expressing best wishes to His Majesty once again.

The Bureau of the Royal Household is inviting members of the public to sign the books offering felicitations to His Majesty at the Grand Palace until 5 P.M.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Nation Celebrates His Majesty’s six decades as monarch

Monarchs from all over the world arrived in Thailand this week to honor the longest- serving monarch of them all, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who celebrates the 60th anniversary of his ascession to the throne today.

At the auspicious moment of 19:19 on Friday, June 9, Thai people throughout the country will pause with lighted candles to honor the ninth monarch of the Chakri dynasty, whose name means "strength of the land, incomparable power" but whose role is distilled in one of his titles, "Soul of the Nation."

In the days to come there will be incense and elephants and prayers and parades. On Monday the Chao Phraya River will showcase a procession of 52 royal barges with 2,200 chanting oarsmen.

According to the International Herald's Tribune, the paper quoted "Few other monarchs enjoy the veneration of Thailand's king, and few constitutional monarchs have the moral power of Bhumibol: the power to halt political turmoil with a quiet word and to pull his nation back from possible disaster."

HM the King's most notable interventions were in 1973 and 1992 when, with words alone, he ended bloodshed and caused the resignation of leaders during uprisings against military dictators. The royalty gathered here this week have arrived at one such moment of political crisis - though not a violent one. Mass demonstrations and a failed election have left the country with only a caretaker government.

Royal visitors include 25 nations: Brunei, Cambodia, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Qatar, Swaziland, Sweden, Bahrain, Belgium, Britain, Bhutan, Denmark, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Spain, Tonga and the United Arab Emirates.

Thailand has always been known for its royal fever. Almost everybody seems to be wearing yellow, the color of the monarchy.

About 8,400 men are to be ordained as Buddhist monks in honor of the king.

And at precisely 9:09 a.m. on Friday, at prisons around the country, 160,000 inmates and 10,000 wardens will simultaneously perform Vipassana meditation as a gift to their King.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Bangkok officers are providing facilitations to the crowd during the royal celebration

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has (BMA) deployed officers to facilitate members of the public who are celebrating the auspicious occasion of the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne.

Mr. Isara Sunthornwat, the BMA Spokesperson, said officers are now providing convenience for hundreds of thousands of people who are celebrating at the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall. Masses of the public are packing in the areas from Dusit Palace to Rajdamnern Road, because they would like to see His Majesty’s royal grace and take part in this royal celebration.

500 municipal officers, 587 public health officers, and 63 fire fighting vehicles have been assembled for this grand occasion. 100 medics have also been deployed in five locations. Due to the large crowd and hot weather, they have medicated the people who may experience dizziness or blackout. Drinking water and sanitary vehicles are also provided to the masses in the areas.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

HM the King greets the crowd from the balcony of Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall on Friday. Huge crowd of people, wearing yellow, gather in front of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall to celebrate the 60th anniversary of HM the King's accession to the Throne.

Source: The Nation - 09 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Picture courtsey The Royal Household Bureau

His Majesty the King, accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family, performed religious ceremonies yesterday at the Amarin Vinitchai Throne Hall in the compound of the Grand Palace to make merit for all Royal ancestors as part of celebrations marking the 60th anniversary today of His Majesty’s accession to the throne.

Source: ThaiDay - 09 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Special banknotes for the royal celebration quickly ran out in Trat

Banknotes, especially made for the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne, were all been exchanged in a very short period of time in Trat Province as the locals there had shown great interest in owning them.

Mr. Somboon Pattanadilok, the Manager of the Government Savings Bank in Trat Branch, said the exchange took place in the bank’s Trat and Chekasaming Branches. The bank's quota was 700 banknotes, and it took less than five minutes for them to be completely run out. As for other commercial banks in other areas, these special banknotes were also quickly depleted following the exchange.

Krung Thai Bank and Nakhon Luang Bank were each granted with 1,000 quotas of banknotes. However, they were not enough for public exchange, and people were only allowed to exchange for only a couple of these special banknotes.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Nearly 20,000 police to provide security for royal visitors

The Thai Police has deployed 18,000 officers to guard the monarchs of 25 countries who has arrived in Bangkok for celebrations of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

Issaraphan Snitwong na Ayudhaya, deputy police commissioner-general, said the officers represented came from various divisions of the police force. Special Branch Police will be tasked with providing personal security for the visiting royals.

In addition, 55 high-ranking officers fluent in English are to escorts the foreign royalties. The kings and princes will be escorted by 35 male officers while 20 female officers will escort queens and the princesses. They will closely follow the royals everywhere, staying within a metre of them, from the time they leave their rooms until they go to bed.

The Special Branch, the Metropolitan Police and the entourage of guards of each royal personage have already geared up security at hotels and embassies.

The Crime Suppression Division will lead royal motorcades while the Highway Police will stay at the rear of royal processions.

The Tourist Police will guard the royals away from public events.

The Metropolitan Police Region 1 has set up a special weapons and tactics (SWAT) force for emergencies.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Residents in Chanthaburi engaged in durian-throwing competition in celebrating HM's 60th Anniversary on the Throne

Tourists and residents in Phlabphla_narai (พลับพลานารายณ์) Sub-district in Muang District of Chanthaburi Province are engaging in a durian-throwing competition aimed at conserving and promoting the durian farm career in the locality.

The Phlabphla_narai Sub-district Municipality is celebrating the 60th year Anniversary of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne, and part of the activity is durian-throwing. The competition is modeled to imitate the farmer's real task of collecting the fruit before setting out to sell it. Each team of two sends one member onto a cable car lifted nine meters above the ground, after which they begin tossing down ten durians to the other member who has to catch the fruits. The team with the best time wins the competition. The fruits must not be damaged, and they must be orderly lined up.

Following the competition with ten teams, Mr. Sanan Chantharawadi (สนาน จันทราวดี) and Mr. Withaya Phetcharat (วิทยา เพชรัตน์), who are fruit farmers from Khlongnarai (คลองนารายณ์) Sub-district, took the winning title.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Report on yellow shirt sales from various parts of BKK

Many members of the public have shown great interest in purchasing the 60th year anniversary shirts from the Department of Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce in Bangkok this morning.

As many as 10,000 people visited the Ministry of Commerce this morning starting from 7 AM, and formed a line that extended beyond the ministry's gate despite cue cards having been handed out. Even then, a large number of people still came forth for the shirts. Unfortunately, some people have not been able to make their purchase although they have come since morning.

At Thewet (เทเวศน์) Road merchants have brought the yellow 60th year celebration shirts to sell at 450 baht, while the "we love the king" shirts were being sold at 280 baht for adult-size and 100 baht for children-size. Other 60th year anniversary garment accessories were also being sold. It was noticed that the "we love the king" shirts sold much better than the more expensive yellow shirts attached with the 60th year anniversary icon. Many buyers also changed right in front of the stores where they purchased their shirts.

Along Khaosan (ข้าวสาร) Road, many shops are selling the yellow 60th anniversary shirts at between 400-490 baht, along with other yellow shirts without the celebration emblem at lower prices. However, businesses at Khaosan are not going well today as people are thinking that the shirts will become less expensive from today onwards.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Paying Deep Tribute to His Majesty the King to Mark the 60th Year of His Reign

June 9th marks the anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne. His Majesty assumed his kingship on the 9th of June 1946, following the passing of his brother, King Ananda Mahidol, Rama VIII. His Majesty has reigned for 60 years now, and enjoys high honor for his work. He has earned distinction as the world’s longest-reigning monarch.

Thai people throughout the whole Kingdom are celebrating the auspicious occasion of the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne this year. The Cabinet, during its meeting on June 6th, declared 9th of June 2006 a special public holiday, so that government officials and the general public would be free to join the Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne. It earlier declared June 12th and 13th special holidays in Bangkok and its vicinity to avoid traffic problems during the visit of foreign monarchs from all over the world to take part in the celebrations of His Majesty’s 60th anniversary on the throne.

The Cabinet urged government officials and state enterprise workers to join various events, as part of the celebrations in Bangkok and other provinces. Thai people, especially government officials, are wearing yellow shirts with the Royal Ceremonial Emblem for the celebrations as an expression of love and respect for His Majesty the King. Yellow shirts will continue to be worn until the end of 2006. Yellow is the color of Monday, the birthday of His Majesty the King.

At 5:00 P.M. on June 8th, Their Majesties the King and Queen performed a merit-making ceremony to pay homage to the ashes of royal ancestors at Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall in the Grand Palace compound. On today’s morning, a program has been set for Their Majesties the King and Queen to perform a merit-making ceremony in dedication to past kings at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, after which His Majesty will appear on the balcony of the throne hall to receive tributes from various groups of well-wishers. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn represents the royalty in paying tribute to His Majesty, the Prime Minister represents the Cabinet, officials, and people from all walks of life, the Parliament President represents parliamentarians, and the president of the Supreme Court represents the judiciary.

At 5:00 P.M. on June 10th, Their Majesties the King and Queen will proceed to Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall for a royal ceremony in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of his reign. At the ceremony, His Majesty has entrusted His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn with presenting commemorative prayer fans to 69 monks who were bestowed new titles. The Crown Prince will also give offerings to 99 senior monks. The congregation of monks will chant blessings.

Then members of the Royal Family, privy councilors, the Prime Minister, the Parliament President, the President of the Supreme Court, military officers, and government officials will perform a ceremony of passing consecrated candles from one person to another three times. According to ancient traditions, the ceremony, called wian tian is a form of blessing for His Majesty the King.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

HM the King delivers a royal address asking all Thais to maintain their goodness and unity for the benefit of the country

At least half a million Thais gathered with excitement at the Royal Plaza and all through the Ratchadamnoen Road in Bangkok’s old capital area, to greet His Majesty the King and listen to His speech on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of His accession to the Throne.

In the royal address delivered from the balcony of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall just before noon, His Majesty the King thanked the government and the Thai people for successfully holding the celebrations on His Diamond Jubilee in grandeur. He said he was delighted at the presence of huge crowds coming from every corner of the country. All the good wishes his subjects showed for Him are great encouragement and made Him think of the virtue which is the basis of love and unity. He realized that those elements have brought about unity among the Thais and the prosperity to this country.

His Majesty praised the Thai people for their kind thoughts and assistance shown to each other. He urged everybody to continuously behave honestly, sensibly and within established rules. As long as those elements remain in the hearts of the Thai people, His Majesty expressed confidence that the nation will be prosperous forever.

After the speech, His Majesty, accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen, stood on the balcony for about 15 minutes during which he waved his hands to acknowledge the greetings from the 500,000-strong crowd.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Thai king calls for unity as he marks 60 years on throne

BANGKOK -- Hundreds of thousands of adoring Thais thronged Bangkok's Royal Plaza on Friday to cheer and wave yellow flags as their king marked his 60th year on the throne by calling for unity following months of political upheaval.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-serving monarch, wore a glittering golden gown and greeted the crowd from the palace balcony in only the third such appearance of his royal career, amid the salutes of booming cannons.

"Unity is a basis for all Thais to help preserve and bring prosperity to the country in the long run," the king said in his five-minute speech. "If Thais uphold these ethics, it will ensure that Thailand will stand firmly," he said.

The crowd welcomed his appearance with a deafening roar. Many of them began gathering late Thursday to turn the roads near the Royal Plaza into a sea of yellow -- with their yellow shirts and flags symbolizing the monarchy.

After his speech, Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit stood on the balcony and waved to the gathered Thais, who cried, held their hands together in reverence and chanted, "Long Live The King."

"I feel like I am getting to meet with our father," popular Thai actor Sarawuth Poomthong said in the muggy heat. "This has always been one of my dreams to see the king."

Regarded by many Thais as semi-divine or as the soul of Thailand, the 78-year-old king is much-loved for launching development projects to benefit the rural poor and using his moral influence to calm the country during political turmoil.

Royalty and heads of state from around the world have descended upon Bangkok for the festivities, which will include fireworks, feasts and a river parade featuring dozens of gilded ceremonial boats.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been a lightning rod for the country's recent turmoil with critics massing in the street to protest his alleged corruption and demand his ouster, told the crowd that the king has helped keep the country centered.

"Thailand has been savaged by many crises and the people have lived with happiness significantly because of the king's power," Thaksin told the crowd.

Although a constitutional monarch with limited powers, the king has used his prestige over the years during political crises to force opposing parties to compromise for the sake of peace and stability.

In April, the king rapped the nation's top courts for failing to resolve the political deadlock that left Thailand with no working legislature after inconclusive April 2 elections that were boycotted by the opposition. After being called on the carpet by the king, the nation's top court annulled the vote, paving the way for new polls.

"The king has been a center of faith, a source of moral support and power for the nation, who has driven the country with perseverance, balance and good conscience," Thaksin said.

Thailand has declared a five-day public holiday for the events, closing Tuesday with a royal banquet.

Heads of states and representatives of royal houses from 25 countries -- including Japan's Emperor Akihito, Britain's Prince Andrew and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands -- were expected to attend the celebrations.

Thais have been celebrating informally for weeks, with everyone from street vendors to office workers, television anchors and Cabinet members donning yellow shirts in the king's honor. Yellow corresponds by tradition with the day he was born, Monday.

King Bhumibol was named king on June 9, 1946, after the death of his older brother.

Nearly all Thais revere the king also because of his lifelong dedication to helping the country's have-nots. The king has often mingled with common folk in backwater villages where he has seeded hundreds of development projects.

"Wherever there are people who are suffering -- no matter how remote, the king has visited and offered help," Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn told the crowd before his father's speech. "Whenever there was chaos which posed a threat to the country, the king was never afraid to tackle it." (AP)

Source: Mainichi Daily News - June 9, 2006

[Jai Dee]

Rayong will build and repair houses for the poor to mark His Majesty the King's diamond jubilee of his ascension to the throne

The Rayong provincial administration has joined hands with the private sector and foundations in the province to build and repair houses for the poor.

Rayong governor Saner Chantra (เสนอ จันทรา) said this assistance to poor people is a tribute to His Majesty the King on his 60th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.

Mr. Saner said 60 houses will be repaired with a budget of 7.2 million baht this year and 300-500 houses will be built within 2009 using another 60 million baht.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

More than 100,000 people celebrated the diamond jubilee of His Majesty the King's ascension to the throne yesterday

Hundreds of thousands of people in Bangkok turned out to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s ascension to the throne all day long yesterday.

The people first gathered at the Royal Plaza near the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall where the King performed a merit-making ceremony in the morning, then attended several activities and celebrations held by different government agencies.

In the afternoon, the people, most of them wearing yellow shirts, lined up both sides of the Chao Phraya River to watch the rehearsal of the royal barge procession. After that, they moved to Sanam Luang to attend a candle-lit ceremony.

There was also a firework display at Benjakitti public park in the evening.

Many bought books about the King, music albums honouring the King and souvenirs.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

The government will use His Majesty the King's advices as guidelines in doing its job

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his government will heed His Majesty the King’s advices given at a royal ceremony marking the 60th year of his reign yesterday.

Pol. Lt. Col Thaksin said he and his ministers will use the King’s advices that all Thais have compassion for each other, help each other, respect the law and think right as guidelines in administering the country.

Mr. Thaksin asked the people to settle their conflicts, obey the law and fully serve their country.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

A firework display lights up the sky over Sanam Luang last night after caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra led a candlelight vigil in tribute to His Majesty the King.

Source: The Nation - 10 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Capital becomes a sea of yellow as royal flags wave

Bangkok was awash with yellow yesterday, not just from the T-shirts and polos sported by the throngs of celebrants but the countless flags commemorating the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne.

Surachai Dilokpatanapong, the owner of Bovorn Store near Bang-lamphu, told ThaiDay yesterday that he had been selling from 200 to 300 flags daily over the past several days. There was great demand for the yellow royal flags as well as the national flag in various sizes, he said, as he rushed to join his staff in selling flags and royal souvenirs. “Any item related to HM the King is perfect for sale. People love to have them,” he said.

Flag sales at Tipwan Rojanasatapornkij’s Thongwanchart store nearby were just as brisk. “We have so many customers that we have no time for lunch,” Tipwan said, her shop teeming with both retail and wholesale buyers, many of whom had joined the gathering at the Royal Plaza in the morning.

“This is the best year for my business in its 20 years of existence. I am very grateful that we have the King,” she said, adding that she was selling at least 500 flags a day.

Septuagenarian couple Yaowanit and Somwang Patrapal were among those shopping for the yellow flags and other memorabilia.

“We participated in the Royal Plaza gathering. Later, we will watch the royal barge rehearsal,” said a sprightly Yaowanit.

Source: ThaiDay - 10 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

A community forest project is being carried out in Phetchabun's Lom Kao district

People in Phetchabun’s Lom Kao (หล่มเก่า) district are growing trees in 5,000 rai of land to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s ascension to the throne.

The reforestation project covers 3,500 rai in Ban Huay Khoi (บ้านห้วยข่อย) and another 1,500 rai in Ban Lao Perm (บ้านเหล่าเพิ่ม).

Local people will protect the community forests from encroachment by land speculators.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 June 2006