Prince Naruhito Begins Visit to Thailand

Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito has begun an official visit to Thailand today, arriving in Bangkok this morning. Upon his arrival, the Crown Prince inspected an honour guard.

The Prince was officially welcomed at Government House by the country’s Prime Minister, Ms Yingluck Shinawatra. The national anthems of Japan and Thailand were played at the ceremony, which, due to unfortunate weather, had to take place under umbrellas to protect the duo from the pouring rain.

A lunch was hosted by the Prime Minister in honour of the Crown Prince’s visit.

In the evening, Crown Prince Naruhito travelled to Bangkok’s Grand Palace for an audience with King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Also present was Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Prince Naruhito presented the Queen with a gift during the audience. The King of Thailand, who left hospital for the Prince’s visit, then hosted a dinner for his visitor.

Tomorrow, June 26th, Crown Prince Naruhito will visit Ayutthaya and take part in a boat cruise hosted by the Thai Science and Technology Minister, Plodprasop Suraswadi. The cruise will allow the Prince to inspect the Chao Phraya River, which was one of the major sources of flooding in Thailand last year.

The Crown Prince will also be visiting Cambodia and Laos this week before returning to Japan.

Filed under Japan, Thailand
Tagged Bilateral Relations, Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, Official Visit, Prime Minister Shinawatra of Thailand, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, Queen Sirikit of Thailand.