12 June 2006
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Kingdom of royalty
In a world first, members of 25 royal families are arriving to honour the world's longest-reigning monarch, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Never before have so many of the world's royal families appeared in the same place at the same time. The kings, queens and royal representatives of 25 nations are taking part in a grand celebration in Bangkok to honour His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60 years on the throne, and in the process will make this historic chapter in the Kingdom of Thailand a major part of global history.
Most of the royal guests began to arrive in Bangkok yesterday and they were all looking forward to attending a full ceremony today at 4pm at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall at the Royal Plaza to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne. His Majesty the King has already been recognised as the world's longest-serving monarch.
Then, Their Majesties the King and Queen will accompany the royal guests to the Royal Navy Conference Hall to watch a royal exhibition and a royal barge procession, which is the highlight of the jubilee celebration. A total of 52 royal barges paddled by 2,200 oarsmen will sail down the Chao Phya River at about 6.30pm for the world to witness the unique royal ceremony and cultural heritage of Thailand.
Their Majesties the King and Queen will host a state dinner for the royal guests at the Chakri Throne Hall in the Grand Palace tomorrow to cap the celebrations, which began on June 8.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/06/12/headlines/headlines_30006315.php
Two days of Royal celebrations
Today and tomorrow are the highlights of the year-long grand celebrations of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne. State and Royal ceremonies are being held marking the auspicious occasion and members of the world royalty are invited to join.
Programmes today start in the morning at Ananda Samakom Throne Hall, where monarchs and Royal representatives from 25 countries offer their best wishes to His Majesty the King, according to a press release of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Following the ceremony, His Majesty and the Royal guests will proceed to the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall, where the King will open an exhibition featuring his Royal activities and projects over the 60 years of his reign.
The next programme will be a grand Royal Barge procession along the Chao Phaya River this evening.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=102512
Royal barges highlight today's celebrations
Commemorative celebrations marking His Majesty the King's 60-year reign will enter the fourth day Monday with a spectacular Royal Barge Procession as the highlight.
To be held from 7.30 p.m. until about midnight on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River, the procession will comprise 52 barges including the four Royal Barges -- Subanahongsa, Anantanagaraj, Anekajatbhujonga, and Narayana Song Suban -- manned by 2,082 Royal Thai Navy crew.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=102502
King to receive royal guests
The painstaking preparations for the grand celebration of His Majesty the King's Diamond Jubilee culminate today as heads of state and royalty from 25 countries assemble in Bangkok to honour the world's longest reigning monarch.
History will be made in the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall for the second time in four days when the King presides over the ceremony to receive the royal guests coming to attend the grand events marking the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/12Jun2006_news01.php
Silk shawls convey message of patience
Surin _ The exquisite silk shawls to be presented to royal guests from 25 countries during the celebrations marking His Majesty the King's 60 years on the throne convey a message to his well-wishers _ patience.
The shawls, each 2.2-metres long, were handmade by residents of Tha Sawang village in Muang district of the northeastern province of Surin. They have been making them since May 1.
The intricate patterns on the cloth forced them to weave the fabric slowly, advancing only three centimetres a day. But their work is finally finished and all 25 shawls are ready to be presented to the royal guests today.
"Everyone needs to put their soul into the weaving, have a passion for it, stay calm and be patient," said experienced silk weaver Wannee Kongduangdee, 30.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/12Jun2006_news02.php
Princess visits market
In her second visit to Thailand, Her Royal Highness
Princess Lalla Salma Bennani, the consort of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, paid a visit to the Chatuchak Weekend Market yesterday.
While she wanted an authentic and natural atmosphere she did not allow the media to follow her during the visit.
Besides a warm welcome from shopkeepers and other shoppers, she was presented with souvenirs from the market director and some shopkeepers. She also bought three pairs of hand-made wicker sandals for Bt1,000.
The princess also showed an interest in Thai silk products, stone accessories and leather shoes.
The princess then visited the fruit and vegetable market of the Market Organisation for Farmers next to the Weekend Market.
(...)
Meanwhile,
Prince Henrik, the husband of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, took a sightseeing boat trip on the Chao Phya River on his 72nd birthday yesterday.
The prince, in yellow T-shirt with the Royal Emblem on the left pocket, took the boat at the Oriental Hotel pier.
He smiled and greeted people welcoming him at the site.
He celebrated his 72nd birthday at a dinner hosted by the Royal Danish Embassy in Thailand.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/06/12/national/national_30006311.php
Prince Albert II of Monaco impressed by Thai handmade products
CHIANG MAI, June 12 (TNA) - His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco is interested in Thailand's northern handicraft products, saying he will suggest other members of the Monaccan Royal Family to visit Thailand in the future.
His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco flew directly from the Middle East to Thailand's northern province of Chiang Mai Sunday morning and stayed overnight in the northern resort city, where he visited an exhihition in honour of His Majesty the King at the Huai Hong Krai Royal Development Study Centre and Doi Suthep.
He also visited many other places in the northern city where renowned handmade community-based products are produced, including Thai silk products, sa paper products and handmade umbrellas.
His Serene Highness Prince Albert II said that Thai silk products are beautiful and attractive and expressed his appreciation to sa paper products and the renowned handmade "Bo Sang" umbrellas, according to local authorities.
http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=22522
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