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

[Jai Dee]

King of Hearts

"Unity provides the basis for all Thais to preserve and increase long-term prosperity in the country. If Thais uphold these ethics, they will ensure Thailand stands firm." His Majesty the King

Yesterday was truly a day of yellow, the colour which has come to represent absolute loyalty. Several hundred thousand Thais, clad in yellow shirts and waving matching flags, packed the Royal Plaza to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

They struggled to hold back tears of joy as they saw their beloved monarch and Her Majesty the Queen appear at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall to preside over a regal and religious ceremony to pay homage to past Siamese kings. It gave a sense of fulfilment and joy to citizens, who braved the heat and gathered to express their everlasting loyalty to the monarch. They came from all walks of life, wearing matching shirts carrying the Royal Emblem, which rapidly sold out. The Commerce Ministry has ordered another 500,000 to meet demand.

Yellow is the colour of His Majesty, as he was born on a Monday.

Some slept in the plaza to guarantee a good view.

"I stayed here overnight near the Statue of King Chulalongkorn because I wanted the best view of the King," said 40-year-old Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn. "Some people camped out from 5pm and by 9pm I could see hundreds of people settling down."

The crowds began to swarm to the Royal Plaza at 7am, lining up along Rajdamnoen Avenue to the river, and proud to live under the Ninth Reign of the Chakri Dynasty.

Older Thais consider each reign an epoch and this attitude is reflected in a famous novel.

The late MR Kukrit Pramoj wrote "The Four Reigns" to depict the social and political changes witnessed through a protagonist called Mae Ploi during the reigns of King Chulalongkorn, King Vajiravudh, King Prajadipok and King Ananda. The Ninth Reign, which has already spanned 60 years, is a perfect continuation of "The Four Reigns" as it represents a new order.

"It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I couldn't miss this," said 39-year-old Yoyot Riaproi. "I don't think I will have a chance to attend an event like this again."

At 10.11am, when the royal couple arrived at the Throne Hall along with their family, the crowd lowered their umbrellas, which had been protecting them from the scorching sun.

Then they waved national and yellow flags and greeted Their Majesties with a deafening cheer of "Long Live the King".

The Royal Family took part in ceremonies at a pavilion beside the Throne Hall to pay homage to past Siamese kings: Phokhunsri Indradit of Sukhothai, Somdej Phrachao U-thong of Ayutthaya, King Taksin the Great of Thon Buri through to King Yodfa, who founded Bangkok as the capital of the Chakri Dynasty.

The crowd erupted into cheers again when the King appeared at 11.24am on the balcony. This marked the third time during the Ninth Reign that the King had appeared at this spot to greet the people. The Royal Anthem was sung as the sun's intensity reduced. The King received blessings from HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who read a statement on behalf of the Royal Family. The prime minister, and the presidents of the Senate and the Supreme Court followed suit.

The Cabinet, diplomats, parliamentarians, senior civil servants and judges were also present.

Then the King made a brief speech calling for unity among his countrymen.

"Unity is the basis for all Thais to help preserve and bring prosperity to the country," he said.

The King then invited the Queen to the balcony and His Majesty spent about five minutes waving to the crowd, clearly happy.

The Royal Plaza erupted into chants of "Long live Your Majesty".

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra led the crowd with further blessings and many people wept with joy.

Many kept their hands pressed together long after the Royal Family left the balcony.

The King spent a further hour in the Throne Hall but the crowd did not disperse until he left in his car, waving to people who lined the route.

One woman tried to chase the royal motorcade after breaking through a barrier, but was seized by police.

Source: The Nation - 10 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Lights lure more tourists to riverside

Illumination of venues sparks rise in dinner cruises and tours of canals

Tourist attractions along the Chao Phya River in Bangkok have been lit up to attract more visitors.

The illumination of 28 venues started yesterday as part of celebrations for the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne, but the real aim is to increase the number of well-heeled tourists using the capital's main river.

"Cruising travellers number about 3.4 million a year, including foreigners who spend Bt4,000 a day in Thailand. If this lighting can increase the number of the tourists by 10 per cent, this would sharply raise the tourism income," said Thanitha Maneechot, director of the Office of Tourism Development (OTD).

"The lighting should increase business for restaurants, dinner cruises and tour boats along the river. We have learned that some dinner cruises have been fully booked for three weeks."

With thousands of lights, the river is now one of the most popular places for tourists to visit at night. Hotels, restaurants and public areas on both sides of the river are drawing more customers.

The lighting is a joint project between the OTD, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA).

The OTD and BMA are sharing the investment of Bt56.97 million, with Bt47.92 million being contributed by the OTD. This year, the OTD is expected to pay Bt500,000 in electricity bills, but in the following years the bills will be passed on to BMA.

Meanwhile, the MEA has agreed to waive electricity bills for lights at historical sites and to charge a special rate for lights at other venues.

Thanitha said the illuminated sites include old buildings, temples and historical sites such as Racha Thiwat Temple, Yanaya Temple, Bangkok Noi Train Station, Tha Rat Waradith Pier, Thammasat University, Rama VI Bridge and Phra Pinkhlao Bridge.

"Apart from the river itself, all these places are well known to both local people and tourists. And this year is a special time to visit," said Thanitha.

She said tourists would enjoy the lights every night from now until the end of this year.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said that the project would lengthen tourists' average stay in Bangkok and surrounding provinces by one day and draw more tourists to visit connecting canals.

The TAT will ask the government to install lights at other places such as Bobae Pier and Dhevas Canal in Bangkok's old town.

According to a poll conducted by Ramkhamhaeng University, more than 90 per cent of respondents said they were delighted to see public and private agencies organise activities and events celebrating His Majesty's 60 years on the throne.

Source: The Nation - 10 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Heads of govt laud King

Heads of the three branches of government praised His Majesty the King yesterday during a gathering of Thai and foreign dignitaries to commemorate the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne.

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra

The head of the executive branch addressed HM the King on behalf of the Cabinet and government officials to express loyalty to the monarchy.

Speaking at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Thaksin said the King had been pivotal in ensuring Thailand survived crises and adversity, making the nation respected across the world.

"Your Majesty has devoted energy to uplifting the well-being of the people. Those who have grown up in the provinces have seen the changes the country has experienced over the past 60 years," he said.

Parched countryside has been transformed into fertile agricultural land and irrigation had been transformed, he said.

A land where drugs were grown, forests burned down, where doctors and education were lacking had been transformed - into a place filled with fruit, vegetables and flowers.

"People have learned to rear livestock and organise their holdings into living quarters, with fish ponds and rice paddies generating sufficient income for them to live on," he said.

Numerous projects to benefit the people had blossomed under His Majesty's reign.

The country had witnessed a boom in education and healthcare; doctors now volunteered to treat rural patients; and students received scholarships to study overseas, he said.

Without His Majesty's advice, all government achievements would have been limited, he noted.

Supreme Court President Chanchai Likhitjittha

The head of the judicial branch praised His Majesty the King for his long-standing attention to judicial affairs in order to ensure justice for all. He said the King sometimes summoned judges to assist when the country was in crisis.

"His Majesty wants law practitioners and judges to adhere to the principle of justice so the law is respected and effective enough to win the faith of society. The law can be used in the running of the country and solving national problems, especially several political crises," Chanchai said.

The King told judges to retain their integrity to ensure everyone received a just service, he added.

Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua

Representatives of the legislature praised His Majesty as an intelligent ruler with a democratic understanding and vision. The King had used his wisdom to steer the country through internal conflicts and crises, the senator said.

Suchon said all conflicts in which the King intervened had ended peacefully. The methods used and solutions adopted as a result of royal suggestions had later proven effective.

Numerous Royal initiatives - mostly agricultural, projects - had been successful, he said, including those based on Sufficiency Economics, which had won praise internationally.

The Senate speaker pledged to protect the throne and to uphold democracy under a constitutional monarch.

Source: The Nation - 10 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Photographs from The Manager - 10 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

The Royal Barge Procession to commence today

The boat songs during the Royal Barge Procession are ready to resonate at full volume along the banks of Chao Phraya River today. The three compositions to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne are composed by Capt. Thongyoi Sangsinghchai. Lt. Nattawat Aramguer, one of officers who will perform the boat singing ceremony today, said the compositions will narrate the beauty of the 52 royal barges such as Suphan Nahong, Narai Song Subhan, and Anek Chart Puchong.

Lt. Nattawat is a Royal Thai Navy officer who has been chosen to take part in this event since 1979. He is stationed at Suphan Nahong barge, and has been trained by Lieutenant Junior Grade Sujin Suwan.

During the reign of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 14 royal barge processions have been carried out, and today will mark its 15th time in the occasion to celebrate the 60th year of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

The Navy will provide full security at the rotal barge procession today

The Navy will use more than 1,700 officers to provide security for royal guests watching the royal barge procession at the naval auditorium this evening.

Navy chief adviser Kamthorn Pumhirun (กำธร พุ่มหิรัญ) said land, water and air security will be provided by naval officers who will also work closely with the police and other agencies concerned in preventing any untoward incident.

Adm. Kamthorn said the Navy will use the side scan sonar, a safety technology, which can detect suspicious movements and objects, in safeguarding areas around the naval auditorium today.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Thailand scores well on the gross happiness index beacuse of the people's love and loyalty for His Majesty the King

Thailand’s gross happiness index in May is at a satisfactory level thanks to the people’s feeling of love and loyalty for His Majesty the King.

ABAC Poll manager Noppadon Kannika (นภดล กรรณิกา) said Thailand scored 6.59 of the full 10 points on the gross happiness index, which was measured from satisfaction in the environment, housing, personal finances, education, natural resources, politics, physical health, mental health, culture and tradition and justice.

Mr. Noppadon said positive factors attributing to Thai people’s happiness included Thailand’s beautiful culture and tradition, help for each other during difficult time, unity of the people and love and loyalty for the King.

Negative factors ruining the feeling of happiness of Thai people included ethical problems concerning politicians, the government and independent organizations, lack of transparency and integrity and violations of freedom of the press, he said.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

The exhibition on His Majesty the King and Sustainable Development is opened today

The exhibition on His Majesty the King and Sustainable Development will be opened for royal visitors after the royal barge procession today.

The exhibition reflects the King’s wisdom in solving Thailand’s problems through various projects on rehabilitation of forests, watersheds, soil and human beings.

The exhibition, held at the Naval auditorium, will be opened for the public free of charge from June 13 to 19.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

People continue to flock to the grand exhibition in honour of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne at Muang Thong Thani’s Impact Arena.

Source: The Nation - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Exhibition for King's 60th may become permanent

Muang Thong Thani show expected to draw 6 million-plus

Government Spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said yesterday the government was looking for a permanent site for the grand exhibition of His Majesty's 60-year reign.

Surapong said the government was considering four places, namely the Agriculture Ministry's museum in Pathum Thani's Klong Luang district, the Science Museum in Pathum Thani, the head office of the Support Foundation of Her Majesty the Queen in Ayutthaya and Don Muang International Airport.

"Prime Minister Thaksin is most keen about using Don Muang Airport," said Surapong, who heads the organising body of the exhibit.

He said the government would also hold more events to honour His Majesty in Los Angeles in the United States, Cambridge in the United Kingdom and at other major cities. The shows would also be held in Thai cities to celebrate the occasion.

Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to the grand exhibition on its final day at Muang Thong Thani yesterday as the organiser expected the number of visitors to break the 6-million mark.

By the end of Saturday, the 16th day of the exhibit, the number of visitors had surged to 5.33 million.

On the final day of the event yesterday, the organiser expected even larger crowds to show up.

By 8am yesterday, people had started queuing to enter the Challenger Building, where the main exhibit of His Majesty was hosted.

Facing huge crowds, authorities asked people to make way for children and the elderly to enter first. They feared many people would be injured should there be a frantic scramble to enter the venue.

Officials also made repeated announcements in attempts to break up the crowds.

They urged people to visit another exhibition of His Majesty's activities inside Impact Arena on the opposite side of the road before coming to view the key exhibition inside Challenge Building.

Everyone in the queue wore yellow shirts in honour of His Majesty.

The organiser said in a press release that it expected the number of visitors yesterday to climb past 6 million.

On Saturday alone, more than 600,000 people turned up, it said.

The show was supposed to have ended on June 4 but because of the strong demand, the organiser decided to extend it for another week to enable more people to attend.

The organiser announced a lot of people had booked CDs and books that were produced to honour His Majesty during this time.

A total of 5,698 paperback books, costing Bt199 each, recounting the life and works of His Majesty were booked by patrons.

The event also saw 1,871 orders for hardcover editions of the book, selling for Bt1,999 each.

Patrons also booked 5,964 copies of a 60-minute CD which tells of His Majesty's life and achievements. The CD cost Bt199.

The event also saw 3,549 orders placed for a 6-hour CD about the King.

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra chaired the closing ceremony yesterday evening.

He led the crowd to light candles and sang songs praising His Majesty.

The Army set off a fireworks display above the exhibition grounds later in the evening.

One visitor, Chaiwut Srimawut, said he and seven other members of his family arrived at the grounds at 9.30am.

Another patron, Sunan Siriwatanakul said he and five members of his family flew from Udon Thani to attend the show.

He said they were impressed by the exhibits of the many accomplishments made by the beloved monarch during the past 60 years.

Source: The Nation - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Navy to hold visits to exhibition of HM's works today

The Royal Thai Navy has announced a temporary suspension to the exhibit of His Majesty's works at the Navy Convention Hall for the day, as the area has to be used for welcoming the royal visitors from various countries who will attend the royal barges procession this evening.

Navy Commander-in-Chief Sathiraphan Keyanon (สถิรพันธ์ เกยานนท์) revealed that since 8 am this morning the Navy has readied the site for welcoming the monarchs who will attend the events in the evening.

He said that starting tomorrow until the 19th, the Navy will once again open the site for public visits tot he exhibit. There will be 9 visiting rounds each day, and interested people may retrieve tickets for attending at Major Cineplex cinemas.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Navy to hold visits to exhibition of HM's works today

The Royal Thai Navy has announced a temporary suspension to the exhibit of His Majesty's works at the Navy Convention Hall for the day, as the area has to be used for welcoming the royal visitors from various countries who will attend the royal barges procession this evening.

Navy Commander-in-Chief Sathiraphan Keyanon (สถิรพันธ์ เกยานนท์) revealed that since 8 am this morning the Navy has readied the site for welcoming the monarchs who will attend the events in the evening.

He said that starting tomorrow until the 19th, the Navy will once again open the site for public visits tot he exhibit. There will be 9 visiting rounds each day, and interested people may retrieve tickets for attending at Major Cineplex cinemas.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Security Beefed Up at premises along Chao Phraya River & The Royal Thai Navy

The Royal Thai Navy has announced that the security on both sides of Chao Phraya River has been tightened, and strict security measures have been implemented.

Both local and international media members have gathered at the conference hall of the Royal Thai Navy, to prepare the broadcast of the Royal Barge Procession in the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne.

The Royal Thai Navy has assigned officials to provide strict security in the areas, and military dogs will be assisting the officials to test the security systems.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Report: The Royal Barge Procession to commemorate HM the King's 60th Year on the Throne

One of the most extravagant and grandest spectacles in the Kingdom of Thailand is the Royal Barge Procession. In the evening of June 12th, 2006, the procession will be organized for the 15th time since the reign of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The procession is approximately three kilometres in length, and it will start at 19:30 hours on June 12th, 2006 along the Chao Phraya River, from Wasukri Port to King Rama I Bridge in Bangkok. His Majesty the King and the royal dignitaries will attend the splendid spectacle. At the same time, monarchs and their representatives from 28 countries will visit to join the celebrations. His Majesty the King and the royal dignitaries will attend the splendid spectacle.

During this majestic celebration, 52 royal barges will be rowed by 2,082 crewmen from the Royal Thai Navy. The formation of the vessels is 1,200 meters long and 90 meters wide. The four major royal barges include Subanahongsa, or Golden Swan, the Anatanagaraj, or Multiple-headed Naga, the Anekajatibhujonga, or Innumerable Naga Figures, and the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX.

Seating areas to view this spectacular event will be provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Bangkok Noi Railway Station, the Royal Navy Club, the Naval Hydrographic Department and Thammasat University. Restaurants along the river en route from Wasukri Pier to the Temple of Dawn will also be selling seats for this event, but viewing from public piers and on Phra Pinklao Bridge is not allowed.

Prior to the grand royal commemoration, Ploenchit-Surawong Expressway and routes around Anantasamakom Palace and Royal Thai Navy Conference Hall are closed temporarily to facilitate the event. The Royal Thai Navy and relevant units have beefed up their security measures, to ensure maximum safety to visiting monarchs during the celebration.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Oarsmen will have to work especially hard against current in today's royal barges procession

The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy has indicated that the royal barges procession to take place this evening has been fully readied.

Admiral Sathiraphan Keyanon (สถิรพันธ์ เกยานนท์) said the 52 barges and 2,032 oarsmen are fully ready to perform in front of Their Majesties the King and Queen and the foreign royalty this evening.

The oarsmen will have to work very hard in today's performance as the barges will be traveling against strong water current. However, the condition would make it easier to keep formation, compared to traveling in the same direction of water flow.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

TRT members urged to remain silent during auspicious ceremony

Executive member of Thai Rak Thai party Suranand Vejjajiva(สุรนันทน์ เวชชาชีวะ) has instructed party members to remain silent about politics during the auspicious ceremony marking HM the King's diamond jubilee.

Mr. Suranand referred to the meeting invitation of Election Commission for the representatives of the political parties and the general meeting of the party. He said the meetings should take place after the auspicious celebration.

As for the statement of former TRT Mps from Udonthani(อุดรธานี) province, Theerachai Saenkaew (ธีระชัย แสนแก้ว) that 20 million members of TRT would make a movement if the party decides to dissolve itself, Mr. Suranand disclosed that he had a phone conversation with Mr. Theerachai where he has been advised not to give any interview regarding politics.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

World's royalty arrive for HM The King's Diamond Jubilee

Japan's Emperor and Empress and the Sultan of Brunei were among royals who arrived yesterday in Thailand ahead of lavish celebrations marking His Majesty the King's 60th year on the throne.

The rests of the 25 nations arrived today during which they will witness one of Thailand's spectacular traditions, the Royal Barge Procession.

HM the King will today showcase his guests to a rarely seen parade of 52 carved royal barges down the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, and will tomorrow host a gala dinner inside the gilded halls of his Grand Palace.

Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko and Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah are among royals who have already arrived and have done a little bit of the tour of the country.

Jordan's King Abdullah II and Spain's Queen Sofia will arrive today.

Britain's Prince Andrew and Monaco's Prince Albert II have already arrived, along with royalty from Bahrain, Morocco and Lesotho.

Aside from the official celebrations, many visiting royals are also taking in the city's sights. Denmark's Prince Consort Henrik took a cruise down the Chao Phraya before heading to an antiques market.

Other royals planned to visit the bustling weekend market and tour the city's temples.

The government has already cleared Bangkok's busy streets and has declared Friday a national holiday.

Workers and students in the capital have also been given Monday and Tuesday off.

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

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

People are already lining up the banks of the Chao Phraya in wait for the royal barges performance

People from several provinces are arriving along the banks of Chao Phraya (เจ้าพระยา) river to await the royal barges procession in the evening despite the intense heat from the sun.

At the base of Rama VIII bridge on the Phranakhorn (พระนคร) side, next to the Bank of Thailand, a large number of people in yellow shirts have come from the provinces and within the capital to take up the space along the riverbanks, not seeming to mind the half-day wait for the event. These people have started arriving since early morning.

In the meantime the Navy has brought in chairs and is working with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to provide seating accomodation for those whom purchased tickets to the performance. Navy officials are also conducting hourly safety inspection to foster maximum security.

Regarding press coverage of this historic event, the Navy is only allowing media personnel whom have registered with the Public Relations Department and carry the permits to enter the site at the Navy Convention Hall area, but their movement is being restricted in order to ensure the highest safety.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

HM the King greets Japan's Empress Michiko while Emperor Akihito talked to HM the Queen (not in the picture) during a ceremony at Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall to commemorate the 60th anniversary of HM the King's accession to the Throne.

Source: The Nation - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

His Majesty thanks royal guests

His Majesty the King thanked the royal guests from 25 nations for attending the celebration of His Majesty's 60 years on the Throne.

In his speech made in reply to a speech of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, His Majesty said he was glad to be among important persons from all institutes in the country and among the royals from 25 nations.

His Majesty thanked the prime minister for wishing him best in the name of Thai people and for mentioning his works for the Thais during the past 60 years.

His Majesty said it is the duty of all Thais, including himself, to work for the country.

"I also would like to thank the royal heads and royal families of various countries for attending this ceremony," His Majesty said.

Source: The Nation - 12 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Gold Stamps issued by Thailand Post were sold out in the 1st hour of sale

200,000 sets of Thailand Post’s golden stamps to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne were sold out within an hour of sale.

In the open market however, the 600-baht sets have been sold for around 1,500 baht. Nevertheless, Thailand Post has issued 10,000 more stamps to satisfy the rising demand of the general public. The additional sets are being sold at Impact Arena and Central Pinklao Department Store.

In addition, it will launch stamps to commemorate the Royal Barge Procession, which will take place this evening. Each stamp will be sold for 18 baht. They can be bought at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani and the Na Phra Lan and Dusit post offices.

Source: ThaiSNews - ประจำวันจันทร์ที่ 12 มิถุนายน 2549

[Jai Dee]

Thai King's 60th Anniversary Celebration In The Spotlight

BANGKOK, June 12 (Bernama) -- Thailand came under the world spotlight today as monarchs and royal representatives from 25 countries gathered in the Thai capital to attend the grand celebration marking the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne.

Monday and Tuesday see the highlights of the year-long celebrations as the royal dignitaries flew in from various parts of the world to honour the revered 79-year-old King.

King Bhumibol, who was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States on Dec 5, 1927, succeeded to the throne on June 9, 1946.

The government has declared last Friday, today and Tuesday as public holidays.

Among the royalties attending the functions are Malaysia's Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid, King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, Emperor Akihito of Japan and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, the most senior among the visiting monarchs.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin and Raja Permaisuri arrived here yesterday where they also attended a dinner reception at the official residence of Malaysian ambassador to Thailand, Datuk Shaarani Ibrahim.

State and royal ceremonies started on Friday where several hundred thousand people clad in yellow shirts gathered outside the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall to pay their respects as the King appeared on the balcony to deliver a speech to the nation marking his 60th year as monarch.

Today, the visiting monarchs and royal representatives offered their best wishes to the King at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.

The royal hosts and their guests then proceeded to the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall where King Bhumibol opened an exhibition featuring his royal activities and projects over 60 years of his reign.

Later, the King and Queen invited the visiting monarchs to view the grand royal barge procession along the Chao Phraya River.

Described as one the grandest processions ever, the 40-minute event comprised 2,082 oarsmen in traditional costumes rowing 52 royal barges from the Wasukri landing to the Memorial Bridge in Bangkok.

Tomorrow, the King will host a banquet for his guests at Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall within the Grand Palace.

The visiting monarchs are from Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Britain, Brunei, Cambodia, Denmark, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Morocco, Holland, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Tonga and the United Arab Emirates.

The first to arrive here was Britain's Prince Andrew who represented his mother, Queen Elizabeth, the world's second-longest reigning monarch, having celebrated her golden jubilee in 2002.

The Thai government has lined up various events throughout the year to celebrate the anniversary.

The 17-day grand exhibition in honour of the King which ended yesterday, attracted 17 million visitors while millions of shirts and T-shirts in yellow colours were sold like hot cakes.

Source: Bernama - 12 June 2006

[george]

Royal Barge Procession celebrates Thai king's reign

BANGKOK: -- Royal dignitaries joined Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej Monday at the Royal Navy Convention Hall along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River for a procession of ornate royal barges, the most anticipated majestic event of the five-day celebrations for the 60th year of the King’s reign.

Chants echoed across Chao Phraya River, splashing and flowing amongst temples, churches, former embassies and now, against high rise hotels, modern skyscrapers and graceful bridges of modern Bangkok.

Tens of thousands of people lined the 4.2-kilometre (2.6-mile) route, filling every public space along the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Recreating the fierce pageantry of an ancient Siamese war fleet, the battleships and attendant river craft of earlier times sailed in saluting the mists of the past into the ceremonial present, as monarchs and royal

representatives from 25 countries watched at the invitation of the Thai monarch.

Ordered in five columns, the battleships – the most powerful Royal Barges are Subanahongsa, Ananta-nagaraj, Anekajatbhujonga and Narayana Song Suban.

The procession started from Tha Wasukri Royal Pier to Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) for approximately 60 minutes.

Powerful chants filled the late afternoon stillness as over 2,000 Thai Navy officers pulled at their oars and chanted in salute to the King.

King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit received their guests at the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters on the west bank of the river. With the Thai royal family, they viewed the procession as part of the celebrations of His Majesty’s 60th anniversary of accession to the throne.

Thailand’s traditional Royal Barge Procession reflects the ancient connection between the Thai people’s way of life, connecting land and water, canals as well as rivers, main transportation routes in the past. The forebears of the 52 warships carried King Narai from Lopburi to Saraburi in the 17th century, but the former fleet was burned in the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767.

Powerfully chanted, haunting poetry chanted by Lieutenant Nattawat Aram-Klur echoed across the waters of approaching night, Royal Barge Songs, composed for this occasion by Captain Tongyoi Sangsinchai, filled the skies and flowed across both banks.

The clear, powerful chant of the barge song not only signals to the crews but also focuses their strength, enabling their to peak performance.

The scene perhaps brought back memories to many of the ancient processions on Egypt’s River of the Pharoahs, the Nile, or the classic music of Handel’s Old London from royal barges in England.

Following the colourful and stately barge procession, King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit with their royal guests visited the Royal Navy Conference Hall to view an exhibition on His Majesty the King and Development.

--TNA 2006-06-13

[Jai Dee]

The foreign press is impressed with the International Broadcasting Center

The foreign media have been impressed with the services of the International Broadcasting Center (IBC) during the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s ascension to the throne.

Foreign journalists thanked Thailand and IBC for helping arrange their travels to Bangkok to cover royal ceremonies and other celebrations and for preparing broadcasting technologies and equipment needed to send news and information and images back to their countries.

They also said IBC staff are friendly and helpful. IBC, which arranges for live broadcast of the royal celebrations via satellite, is located at the headquarters of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

The Joe Louis Theatre will present its achievement award to His Majesty the King

The Joe Louis traditional Thai small puppet troupe will present the trophy it won from a world puppet performance competition to His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of his reign.

The Joe Louis Theatre won the best traditional performance award at the World Festival Puppet Art 2006 held at the Czech Republic’s capital of Prague last week.

Pisut Yangkhiewsod (พิสูตร ยังเขียวสด), the group’s manager, said the performance titled “The Myth of Rahoo and the Lunar Eclipse” won the hearts of the audience and judges with its beautiful music and the show which well reflected precious Thai cultures and traditions.

The troupe arrived in Bangkok from Prague yesterday.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 June 2006

See also this thread.

[Jai Dee]

Thailand strengthens bilateral relations wiith many countries during the visit of foreign monarchs

The Kingdom of Thailand and its bilateral relations with different small countries in Asia Pacific have strengthened following the visit of foreign monarchs during the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne.

Monarchs from almost 30 countries have come to Thailand on this special occasion. This is an opportunity for Thailand to build up closer relations with other nations such as Tonga. As a result, both nations would become more involved with each other, and Thai people have become more familiarize with these foreign countries.

In the commercial sector, the total trade value between Thailand and Tonga is lower than one million US dollars, and most of the trade is from the exports of Thailand. Most of the exported items include fabrics and plastic materials.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

HRH Prince Henrik of Denmark visited a shoe factory in Ayutthaya

His Royal Highness Prince Henrik, the Prince Consort of Denmark took a trip to Ayutthaya Province to take a look at the ongoing activities in ECCO Public Company Limited. During his visit, provincial administrations and members of the public presented a warm welcome to the Danish prince.

HRH Prince Henrik visited ECCO, an exported shoe company, and it is located in Ayutthaya’a Nakhon Luang District. Ayutthaya Governor Somchai Chumrat and other high-level officials as well as a large number of locals were giving a warm welcome to the Danish prince upon his arrival.

While Prince Henrik visited ECCO, the company’s representatives provided facts and information of the site and drove a golf cart to transport HRH to three buildings there.

ECCO is a Thai company under the Saharatanakhon Industrial Estate. The company produces all types of footwear for both men and women. The products are being sold in Thailand and other countries. Its marketing ratio ranks highly in comparison to other shoe factories in the world.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

A permanent exhibition on HM the King's 60th Year on the Throne is likely to be set up

A permanent exhibition devoted to the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne will be organized this year. The event will likely be held at Don Muang Airport in Bangkok.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, the government plans to buy a plot of public land to build a new building, or modify existing buildings at Don Muang Airport to accommodate the Royal exhibition following the relocation to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

The government’s plan to establish a permanent exhibition follows the enormous popularity of the recent exposition to celebrate His Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee at Impact Muang Thong Thani exhibition centre.

The 17-day event was held between May 26th and June 11th, and it received millions of visitors.

Hence, people have complained that the previous exposition closed too soon, causing many people to miss out the show, especially the ones living outside Bangkok.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

The Narai Song Suban Royal State Barge cruises past the Grand Palace on the Chao Phya River yesterday to mark King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 60 years on the throne.

Source: The Nation - 13 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Historic barges seemed to 'float off into heaven'

Chao Phya procession provides royals with a breathless experience; His Majesty enjoys magnificent sight for the first time

A slight rain started in the afternoon but ended in time for the Grand Royal Barge Procession to embark on its majestic journey to glorify His Majesty the King's 60 years on the throne.

The Royal Barge Procession, which started from the Wasukri Pier near Bangkok's Bangkhun Phrom, floated along the Chao Phya River at a leisurely pace - neither too fast nor too slow. The 2,200 oarsmen did not have to use all their muscles to guide the 52 royal barges forward as the current flowed from the north bringing along sediment that gave the river an orange hue.

Thousands of people packed both sides of the River of Kings to watch this historic exhibit of the picturesque royal barges, unseen anywhere else in the world. The Royal Barge Procession, which has been held 14 times during the Ninth Reign, celebrates the past and present glory of Thailand as a land of rich culture and tradition.

More from The Nation here.