King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Diamond Jubilee, June 2006 - Page 3

purple_platinum · #41 06-07-2006, 02:50 PM

last ones from the photo exhibition (also from 60th celebrations' website)

purple_platinum · #42 06-08-2006, 05:38 AM

Undated handout photo made available 05 June 2006 by the Thai Royal Bureau shows portraits of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Thailand 08 June 2006 begins three days of solemn religious services to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th year to the throne, leading up to celebrations next week with royalty from 25 nations.
(from ANP-AFP PHOTO/Royal Bureau)

1 - at the Grand Palace
2 - with Queen Sirikit
3 & 4 - King Bhumibol Adulyadej celebrate the throne at the Royal Palace in Bangkok

purple_platinum · #43 06-08-2006, 05:40 AM

Shop owner Wittaya, 65, who uses only one name, and his dog Suchi sit beside a portrait of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in central Bangkok on Thursday 08 June 2006. Wittaya, who took over the 50 year old shop from his father, like the overwhelming majority of Thais loves his King and made special frames for the occassion. The King - the world's longest-serving monarch - will have a five-day celebration starting Friday 09 June,
(ANP-EPA/UDO WEITZ)

Young girls practice a traditional dance in preparation for King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th year on the throne in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, 08 June 2006. The King - the world's longest-serving monarch - will have a five-day celebration starting Friday 09 June, attended by royals from 25 countries, including Japan's Emperor Akihito and Prince Albert of Monaco.
(ANP-EPA/JULIAN ABRAM WAINWRIGHT)

Thai students learning at Prangthip Kindergarten in Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday 08 June 2006. The entire student body of Prangthip Kindergarten had donned yellow shirts to honour 78-year-old Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej who on 09 June celebrates his 60th year on the Thai throne, making him the longest reigning monarch in the history of Thailand. Yellow T-shirts bearing the royal emblem of King Bhumibol have become the fashion statement of the year for Bangkokians and are reportedly in short supply given the huge demand. Yellow is the colour of the royal house and of the king's birthday on December 5, 1927. (ANP-EPA/NARONG SANGNAK)

5-year-old Thai student, Saruta Ariangpichitch, shows her drawing with Thai flags during class at Prangthip Kindergarten in Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday 08 June 2006. The entire student body of Prangthip Kindergarten had donned yellow shirts to honour 78-year-old Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej who on 09 June celebrates his 60th year on the Thai throne, making him the longest reigning monarch in the history of Thailand. Yellow T-shirts bearing the royal emblem of King Bhumibol have become the fashion statement of the year for Bangkokians and are reportedly in short supply given the huge demand. Yellow is the colour of the royal house and of the king's birthday on December 5, 1927. (ANP-EPA/NARONG SANGNAK)

purple_platinum · #44 06-08-2006, 06:37 AM

Royal liaison officers at the ready

After many late-night practice sessions for nearly a month now, a group of liaison and security officers for royal visitors during the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne say they are ready for action. The key to the job, taking care of monarchs and royal guests during their stay in Thailand, is a once in a lifetime opportunity and they will be doing their best to ensure there are no mistakes.

Performing as liaison officers are C-8 officials of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Police, meanwhile, will be responsible for security-related tasks which officially kicked off with the arrival of the first royal guest, Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom, yesterday.
Each liaison officer has one assistant, or two if a royal guest is accompanied by a spouse, said Pasan Teparak, consul-general in Dubai, who returned to Thailand especially for the task.
A number of C-9 and C-10 officials will be stationed at designated hotels to coordinate with security and hotel staff.

The royal guests will stay at 13 different hotels and will arrive at the royal ceremonies one by one.
Arrival will be arranged in accordance with royal seniority. Those who have reigned longer will be the first to arrive and vice-versa. Therefore, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei will be the most senior visiting monarch.
Apart from the royal functions, the royal guests also have their own programmes in the city and in the provinces.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/08Jun2006_news12.php

Navy force to handle security

A navy force of 1,700 will maintain tight security for overseas dignitaries at the Royal Barge Procession on Monday.
''The navy is fully prepared to protect, although there should not be any actions by those with ill-intent at this prestigious event to honour His Majesty the King. If there are, then they should not slip past our officials,'' chief of staff Admiral Werapon Waranon, who heads the navy's dignitaries security centre, said yesterday.

The centre is tasked with beefing up security and facilitating travel by land and sea of overseas monarchs, members of royal families, heads of state and representatives on Monday.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/08Jun2006_news08.php

500,000 more yellow shirts to go on sale
Huge demand, but profiteering persists

The Commerce Ministry will arrange the manufacture of an extra 500,000 yellow shirts bearing the royal insignia, to be sold at 200-250 baht each, by next week to cater to the huge demand and stamp out profiteering.
The official shirts commemorating the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne are in short supply.

The Internal Trade Department has sought permission from the office of His Majesty's principal private secretary to distribute more of the shirts featuring the commemorative insignia.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/08Jun2006_news10.php

**Warren** · #45 06-08-2006, 06:58 AM

Thank you for all the work in putting this together purple_platinum; much appreciated. :)
The Royal Barge Procession on Monday to be followed by the Banquet for the visiting Royalties on Tuesday should be truly spectacular and glittering.

purple_platinum · #46 06-08-2006, 07:07 AM

Arches and Exhibits in Honor of His Majesty the King
(6/6/2006)

As part of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has built a total of 31 arches and exhibits along Ratchadamnoen Avenue, in Sanam Sua Pa area, and at the corners of Chitralada Villa Road. The project is meant to honor His Majesty, who is the world’s longest-reigning monarch.

On Ratchadamnoen Nai Avenue, there is an arch on Auspicious White Elephants. All “white” elephants found in Thailand are known as “auspiciously significant elephants.” They become the King’s exclusive property. The discovery of one of these animals is considered an auspicious omen; the elephants are presented to the monarch so that his reign may prosper. Regarded as an honorary human being, each “auspiciously significant elephant” is awarded a lordly title and thereafter leads a correspondingly lordly life.

On Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue, exhibits are grouped into two parts, namely the Royal Regalia and the Royal Offerings. The five Royal Regalia include the Great Crown of Victory, the Sword of Victory, the Royal Staff, the Royal Fan and Fly Whisk, and the Royal Slippers. The Royal Offerings found on this avenue are Golden Floral Trays, a Set of Incense Sticks and Candles, and the Nine-tiered Bai Si.

(from bangkok post & 60th celebration's site)

purple_platinum · #47 06-08-2006, 07:40 AM

Bush congratulates His Majesty on 60th anniversary

US President George W Bush sent a congratulating message to His Majesty the King on the occasion of 60th anniversary accession to the throne, the Foreign Ministry announced Thursday.

"It is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt congratulations and deepest respects on the occasion of your 60th jubilee," read the message which arrived in Bangkok on June 6.
"The world has changed dramatically since you first ascended to the throne in 1946, and your great nation has been fortunate to have your quiet wisdom and compassionate and steady hand to guide it ever since," said Bush in his message.
"The American people have been particularly touched by your humanitarian works, including your generous aid following Hurricane Katrina last year," added Bush.
"The United States and the Kingdom of Thailand share a special relationship that reaches back 173 years. The bonds of friendship between our two nations remain as strong as ever, and the American people join the Thai people in wishing you many more years of health and happiness," read Bush's message.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/brea...ewsid=30006070

PAYING TRIBUTE

US President George W Bush and the US Congress are drafting separate statements to commemorate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne, highlighting the fact that His Majesty was born in the US and the King's role in promoting democracy in Thailand.
Virasakdi Futrakul, Thai ambassador to the US, said the statements reflect the long-standing relations between the two countries, which the King has played a vital role in promoting.
The concurrent resolution, jointly drafted by both houses of the US Congress, will emphasise that under the reign of His Majesty, Thailand has become a democratically governed constitutional monarchy in which Thais enjoy rights and free and fair elections.

Virasakdi said the resolution is likely to mention that His Majesty the King has enjoyed a special relationship with the US as he was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1927.
When the King visited the US in 1960, he addressed a joint session of the US Congress and said that visiting his birthplace was the reason for his US visit.
His Majesty said: "I have the natural human desire to see my birthplace. I expect some of you were also born in Boston, or, like my father, were educated at Harvard. I hasten to congratulate such fortunate people. I am sure they are with me in spirit. We share a sentiment of deep pride in the academic and cultural achievements of that wonderful city."

At that time, one of the local newspapers ran the headline "The King from Massachusetts."
The Bush and Congress statements are expected to be announced shortly, after the Memorial weekend in the US, said Virasakdi.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/spec...g/june0801.php

_______

There is a special site provided by the Nation that has detailed profile of the Royal Guests attending. It's very good!
Here it is :

The King of Hearts

A Program of the Regal Events (by The Nation)

purple_platinum · #48 06-08-2006, 12:29 PM

Paying Deep Tribute to His Majesty the King to Mark the 60th Year of His Reign
(8/6/2006)

June 9 marks the anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne. His Majesty assumed his kingship on 9 June 1946, following the death of his brother, King Ananda Mahidol, Rama VIII. He has reigned for 60 years now and enjoys high honor for his work and 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 6, declared 9 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 12 and 13 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.
(..)
At 5:00 p.m. on June 8, 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 the morning of June 9, 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.
(...)
http://www.60thcelebrations.com/engl...ail.php?id=123

Buddhist prayer in honour of HM the King

BANGKOK, June 8 (TNA) - A panel of Thailand's top monks from significant Buddhist temples across the country's capital--Bangkok-offered a prayer in honour of His Majesty the King Thursday evening, marking the auspicious occasion of the beloved monarch's 60 years on the throne.
Their Majesties the King and Queen, as well as His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and other members of the Royal Families attended the blessing prayer, organized at Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall in the Royal Grand Palace.
http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=22432

US President congratulates HM the King

BANGKOK, June 8 (TNA) - US President George W. Bush sent a congratulatory message to Thailand's monarch, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as part of the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne,
The US president stated in the message praising HM the King for his dedication and life-long work in contribution to the development and better livelihood of the Thai people, and his kindness bestowed to his subjects and other people in the world. The president's message also conveyed the American people's appreciation for His Majesty's aid which was offered to the US when Hurricane Katrina struck the US south central Gulf coast and the City of New Orleans last August.
(...)

Other world leaders who had sent messages of blessing and congratulations to the Thai monarch, now the world's longest reigning monarch, include the presidents of China, South Korea, Singapore, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, and Vietnam, as well as North Korea's Supreme Council, he said.
http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=22431

purple_platinum · #49 06-08-2006, 12:38 PM

an interesting editorial...

60 years for Thai king who rules by whisper
By Seth Mydans International Herald Tribune

BANGKOK Kings and queens from around the world gathered here this week to honor the longest-serving monarch of them all, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who celebrates the 60th anniversary of his rule on Friday.
Amid elaborate ceremonies with their roots deep in Siamese history, the royal visitors will witness the almost mystical devotion of Thailand's people to the man who is the anchor of their culture and traditions within a chaotically modernizing world.

At the auspicious moment of 19:19 p.m. on Friday, June 9, his subjects will pause with lighted candles to honor the 9th 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, culminating on Monday with a rare procession of 52 royal barges, with 2,200 chanting oarsmen.

They will proceed, as one newspaper put it, "at a proper tempo, neither too fast nor too slow," and "they will look as if they are about to float to heaven and merge seamlessly with the Grand Palace, bathed in shiny gold."
But for all the ritual that surrounds him, and despite the absence of a formal political role for the monarchy, King Bhumibol, 78, is far from a ceremonial ruler.
(...)

It is known as "reserve power," a carefully husbanded aura that the king has created through the force of his personality and has used delicately and sparingly over the years.

"I know things but I shut my mouth," the king said once.

When he speaks, even by indirection as he did at a recent moment of political tension, newspapers carry banner headlines like one in the daily newspaper The Nation: "The King Whispers."
(...)

"The King Can Do Wrong," read another banner headline.

The remarks came in his annual birthday speech last December when he said: "When you say the king can do no wrong, that is wrong. We should not say that."
He added: "As a matter of fact there should be criticism, because when we do something we want to know if people agree or disagree."

But this is also a king who understands majesty. He is at the pinnacle of a traditional hierarchical order that underlies the Thai values he represents.

Two years ago he published a small and affectionate biography of a stray dog he had adopted, named Tongdaeng, that could be read as a parable of classical virtues he represents.
It offered a picture of fealty that many of the visiting monarchs might envy.

"Tongdaeng is a respectful dog with proper manners; she is humble and knows protocol," the king wrote. "She would always sit lower than the king; even when he pulls her up to embrace her, Tongdaeng would lower herself down on the floor, her ears in a respectful drooping position, as if she would say, 'I don't dare.'"

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/06/08/news/thai.php

ps. i read the book on Tongdaeng. oh gosh... it's a really good one! a really unique perspective on the beloved dog of the King. I can't believe there is such a dog as noble & so humble like that. here's the cover of the book.

mandyy · #50 06-09-2006, 03:40 AM

Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej performs religious rites during a merit-making ceremony at the Audience Hall of Amarindra Vinitchai Bangkok, 08 June 2006. The king, the world's longest-reigning monarch, and his family paid homage to deceased members of the royal family with prayers and candles in a private ceremony broadcast live around the country.

From Profimedia

From Polfoto

mandyy · #51 06-09-2006, 07:41 AM

In this photo released by the Thailand Public Relations Department, Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and Queen Sirikit, wave to the crowd during ceremonies Friday, June 9, 2006, in Bangkok, Thailand.

From Profimedia

mandyy · #52 06-09-2006, 07:42 AM

More photos from Profimedia

mandyy · #53 06-09-2006, 08:13 AM

Article from HELLO
Thailand came to a standstill on Friday as a crowd of a million well-wishers flocked to Bangkok's Royal Plaza to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the country's much-loved monarch. Millions more watched on their TV sets as 78-year-old King Bhumibol, clad in an ornate golden coat, addressed the nation 60 years after his coronation...............
http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty.../kingbhumibol/

purple_platinum · #54 06-09-2006, 12:44 PM

JUNE 9th, 2006

Evening prayers for the King

A sea of candlelight and fireworks lightened the night sky over Bangkok's Sanam Luang grounds Friday night as hundreds of thousands of Thais joined a candle-lighting ceremony to pray for His Majesty the King on the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne.
The evening gathering, which climaxed at exactly 19:19 (7:19 p.m. Thailand time) was separate from the earlier audience His Majesty granted to the entire nation in the afternoon.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_....php?id=102128

pictures from AFP-Getty :
1-3 Bangkok, THAILAND: A fireworks display rises above the capital Bangkok, 09 June 2006. Hundreds of thousands of Thais attended a candle-light vigil to pay tribute to Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, on the 60th anniversary of his rule as fireworks erupted over the gilded spires of historic palaces and temples.

More from Getty :
1, 3-10 : Bangkok, THAILAND: Thousands of Thais hold a candlelight vigil near the Grand Palace in Bangkok, 09 June 2006. Hundreds of thousands of Thais attended a candle-light vigil to pay tribute to Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, on the 60th anniversary of his rule as fireworks erupted over the gilded spires of historic palaces and temples

2 : Bangkok, THAILAND: Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (R) along with his wife Pojaman stand in respect for Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Sanum Laung grounds in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok, 09 June 2006.