King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Diamond Jubilee, June 2006

[purple_platinum]

Thanks for the link, Godford!
Willem-Alexander & Maxima just arrived. Maxima is wearing pink-colour & a hat.

several more from getty & profimedia :

1-2 King Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan arrives at a military airport in Bangkok, 12 June 2006.
3-4 Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of United Arab Emirates holds a garland during the welcoming ceremony at military airport in Bangkok, 12 June 2006.
5-7 Crown Prince Willem-Alexander & Crown Princess Maxima of Netherlands

[purple_platinum]

12 June 2006

It looks like all the royal guests have arrived in Bangkok just in time for the ceremony which will begin shortly...

The list of arriving royals according to their order of arrival :
- Queen Sofia of Spain
- King Carl XVI Gustaf & Queen Silvia of Sweden
- Prince Albert II of Monaco
- King Abdullah II of Jordan
- Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of United Arab Emirates
- Crown Prince Willem-Alexander & Princess Maxima of Netherlands

several more articles about the King's Jubilee :

Thailand king's got that swing

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- For so many Thais, King Bhumibol Adulyadej is a father figure for the nation. But for a small group of jazz musicians, he is also the King of Swing.
Every Saturday, Thailand's beloved 78-year-old monarch breaks out his saxophone to jam with 10 other local musicians.

Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has also played with jazz legends like Benny Goodman, Stan Getz, Lionel Hampton and Benny Carter.
"He is simply the coolest king in the land," the late Hampton quipped in a 1987 article in "Sawasdee" magazine.
Bhumibol is well-known among Thais and some of the world's jazz legends as an accomplished musician and composer.
http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/as...ion=cnn_latest


Unique Gifts for Visiting Foreign Monarchs (12/6/2006)

The Government has prepared two unique gifts for foreign monarchs and royal representatives attending the Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne on June 12 and 13.
One of the gifts is a Thai painting created by artists who are art teachers at the Bang Sai SUPPORT Center in Ayutthaya Province. Another gift is an exquisite shawl made from golden thread silk, called pha mai yok thong. The specially woven Thai silk was produced by villagers of Ban Tha Sawang in the northeastern province of Surin.

(...)
Thai Airways International has also installed the Royal Ceremonial Emblem at the front door of its aircraft. A documentary on His Majesty’s life and work is also shown on all THAI flights throughout the month of June, when highlights of the celebrations are taking place.
http://www.60thcelebrations.com/engl...ail.php?id=128


Heartfelt Congratulations to His Majesty the King by World Leaders (12/6/2006)

In his message sent from the Vatican on June 9, Pope Benedict XVI said that he joined with all the citizens of Thailand in recognizing the many blessings His Majesty had received over the last six decades, and in expressing appreciation of the loving service His Majesty had rendered to his subjects through his assiduous care to promote unity, religious tolerance, and compassion for the poor.

A short message from Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom said that she sent to His Majesty, the Royal Family, and to the Thai people her best wishes for the future and her sincere hope that the bonds of friendship between Thailand and the United Kingdom would continue to strengthen.

King Gyanendra of Nepal was unable to attend the celebrations here. He thanked His Majesty for the kind invitation, saying that he and his Queen would like to participate in this joyous and historic occasion, but recent developments at home require their presence in the country. He extended to His Majesty cordial and heartfelt felicitation for his continued reign, long life, health, and happiness.

US President George W. Bush said in his message that the world has changed dramatically since His Majesty first ascended to the throne in 1946. Thailand has been fortunate to have His Majesty’s quiet wisdom and compassionate and steady hand to guide it ever since. He said that the American people have been particularly touched by His Majesty’s humanitarian works, including his generous aid following Hurricane Katrina last year.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, said that His Majesty has over the years made enormous contribution to promoting the stability and development of Thailand. “Thailand and China, Kith and Kin,” is the shared aspiration of the peoples of the two countries. By caring for and supporting the cause of China-Thailand friendship over the years, His Majesty has played an irreplaceable role in advancing bilateral relations.

President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation said that during the decades of His Majesty’s rule, Thailand has made considerable progress in its political, social, and economic development, and has become an active and influential member of the world community. At the same time, it has retained its national identity and unique cultural and historic heritage. His Majesty has always enjoyed well-earned authority and respect in the world.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo expressed her sincere admiration for His Majesty’s enduring and tireless efforts to lead the Thai nation with vision, integrity, and compassion. Singaporean President S.R. Nathan said that over the last 60 years, Thai people have enjoyed peace, progress, and prosperity under His Majesty’s benevolent reign. They have looked to His Majesty as a pillar of strength and fortitude. The message from President Roh Moo-hyun of the Republic of Korea indicates that the outstanding guidance His Majesty has provided in bringing national unity and economic prosperity to Thailand throughout his reign is most impressive and highly admirable.
http://www.60thcelebrations.com/engl...ail.php?id=128

[purple_platinum]

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...s_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_....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_....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...l_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


more pictures from ANP-EPA :

[purple_platinum]

pictures from last night's fireworks from dailynews & manager (Thanks to Krissy_au !!!)





The Ceremony for the Foreign Monarch and the Royal Representatives to pay tribute to HM the King has started at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.
All the Thai Royal Family are there, dressed in golden colour tone. I counted 10 ladies (princesses i think) plus the Crown Prince. You can watch the ceremony live on the 60celebrations's website.
The throne hall looks very magnificent & splendid. Just what you expected from the Thai RF.

The middle-east royals just pay their tribute.
Philippe & Mathilde are entering, and greeting the monarch. Mathilde is wearing the gown from Frederik & Mary's wedding. They're both wearing the Belgian sash.

Then, Haakon & Mette-Marit entered. Haakon in white naval suit, while Mette-Marit in deep blue gown (i cant see clearly if it's recycled or not). She's wearing a tiara. They're both in Norwegian sash.

Willem-Alexander & Maxima come after them. Maxima in red gown.

[Maxie]

W-A and Maxima arrived too! Pics by ANP...

[purple_platinum]

Princess Lalla Salma is wearing white dress.
Prince Albert just entered wearing white naval suit, followed by King Sihamoni of Cambodia also wearing white suit.

followed by King & Queen of Malaysia.
Then, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg in his military uniform (black one) & luxembourg yellow sash.

then, King Abdullah of Jordan.
afterward King of Lesotho, with his consort who's looking beautiful in her dress.

The arrival is based on the seniority. The most senior (Brunei) will arrive the last.
The dress code is full uniform, with the ladies in gala dresses.

14.15 (bangkok time) : Emperor & Empress of Japan just enterred. Michiko in deep blue top (or is it black?) & white dress.
14.17 : King & Queen of Swaziland ? (i think)

14.18 : King Carl Gustaf & Queen Silvia both wearing thai order & sash.

and the last one just arrived : King of Brunei.

Now, the royals are sitting & chatting in the throne hall after listening to a music performance. Henrik is talking to Sirindhorn, and so on.

The next event will be the royal barge procession


(picture from manager - thanks to krissy_au for the link)


14.50 (bangkok time)
The government representative just gave a speech in english.
Now, it's King Bhumibol's turn to present a speech in Thai.
I think it'll be followed by representative from the foreign royals (Sultan of Brunei)

before the speeches they also took the time for some official photograph

15.30 (bangkok time)
the royals are leaving the ananta samakhom throne hall by cars (each got their own car and entourage)

Prince Andrew just left who look quite dashing in his naval uniform.
Queen Sofia wore a blue dress with thai sash.

[purple_platinum]

12 June 2006

HM the King's speech at the Royal reception at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall
(Unofficial translation)

I am very pleased to be among prominent persons particularly Royal monarchs and dignitaries from many countries who have joined the ceremonies on this auspicious occasion.

I would like to express my thankfulness to prime minister for his well wishes on behalf of the Thai people and for his mentioning my Royal Projects throughout 60 years.

I would like to mention to all of you that it is not the duty of any individual in particular but the duty of all Thais to try to do their best in any work for the benefit and prosperity of the country.

As a Thai myself, I also have duties like other Thais.

I would like to thank all who have worked with their best efforts and have lent cooperation to me.

I also would like to thank all monarchs and royal dignitaries who attended this occasion

May the Triple Gems and all other sacred entities protect you from all sufferings and danger, and give you happiness.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006...s_30006332.php


first pictures of the Ceremony to Pay Tribute to HM the King by Foreign Monarchs and Their Representatives on 12 June 2006

from manager.co.th (thanks to krissy_au for the link) & nation

[purple_platinum]

World's royalty honour Thai King

Bangkok (dpa) - Royalty from around the globe gathered in Bangkok on Monday to honour Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 78, in joining celebrations marking his 60th year on the throne, making him the world's longest-reigning monarch.
Visiting royals from 25 countries, including 13 monarchs, 4 royal consorts, six crown princes and two royal representatives, gathered at the ornate Ananta Throne Hall in Bangkok Monday afternoon where they passed on their best wishes to the Thai King, his royal consort Queen Sirikit and the royal family.

"As we celebrate this anniversary, it is not the length but the accomplishments that is the true legacy of your majesty's reign," said Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is a speech made before the visiting royalty and King Bhumibol.
Thaksin praised the king's well-known accomplishments in rural development and his "unifying role that has enabled Thailand to move forward over the past 60 years."
Responding to the prime minister's speech, King Bhumibol said, "National development is not the duty of one person but of everyone, it is the responsibility of every Thai."

King Bhumibol's role as the world's "Development King" was already acknowledged by the international community last month when United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan presented the monarch with its inaugural lifetime achievement award in rural development.
King Bhumibol ascended the Thai throne on June 9, 1946, following the sudden death of his elder brother King Ananda.
Hundreds-of-thousands of Thais paid tribute to the beloved monarch on Friday by gathering outside the Ananta Throne Hall to catch a glimpse of the king who made a balcony appearance to address the nation on the importance of national unity.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_....php?id=102519

Speeches in Honor of the Most Joyful Occasion of the Sixtieth Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne (12/6/2006)

His Majesty the King urged Thai people from all walks of life firmly to uphold virtue and unity, which had enabled them to bring progress and prosperity to the country. The statement was part of his royal address delivered on June 9, when he appeared on the balcony of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall to greet the crowds of well-wishers outside.

The event marked the 60th anniversary of his reign. For Thai people, it was considered the most joyful occasion for the Sixtieth Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne. His Majesty also thanked all Thais for their best wishes and unity, something that he said boosted his morale.
His Majesty’s address came after the speeches of tribute by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, representing the royalty; Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, representing the Cabinet, government officials, and state workers; Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrue, in his capacity as Parliament President, representing parliamentarians; and President of the Supreme Court Charnchai Likitjittha, representing the judiciary.
In his speech, the Crown Prince said that members of the royalty vowed to uphold honesty, unity, and loyalty to His Majesty. They would also perform their duties fully and refrain from any acts that might make His Majesty unhappy. He said that throughout the 60 years of His Majesty’s reign, His Majesty has been firm in his kingly virtues in order to protect people from disasters and bring them happiness.

http://english.60thcelebrations.com/...ail.php?id=126

World's royals descend on Bangkok

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- Royals and dignitaries paraded into Thailand's throne hall to honor the world's longest serving monarch, Bhumibol Adulyadej, as he marks 60 years since he became the Thai king.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall for the ceremony on Monday as the royal anthem played for the Thai king and queen. The foreign guests arrived in processions, paid their respects to Bhumibol and greeted his family members one by one with handshakes.
...

At Bangkok's airports, attendants in white tunics held purple parasols to shield royals while women in colorful silk clothes strewed flower petals on a red carpet as they arrived.
A smiling Princess Sirindhorn, Bhumibol's 51-year-old daughter, greeted Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia early Monday at Bangkok's international airport. Sirindhorn then greeted Spain's Queen Sofia and King Abdullah II of Jordan at the city's military airport.
The visitors received jasmine flower garlands. Their royal hosts led them to limousines, which took them into Bangkok on roads closed to normal traffic.
http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/as...ion=cnn_latest

more pictures from reuters via yahoo & anp-epa :

1-2 : Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (R) welcomes Japan's Emperor Akihito (C) and Empress Michiko before participating in the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej's ascent to the throne at Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok June 12, 2006.
3 - Sweden's King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia
4 - Brunei' s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
5 - Lesotho's King Letsie III
6-9 : Morocco's Princess Lalla Salma

[purple_platinum]

The King & The Queen of Thailand along with the Thai RF have arrived at the Royal Naval Institute to view the Royal Barge Procession. They are now receiving their royal guests one by one.
Princess Sirindhorn & Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn greet the royal guests at the door, while the King & Queen greet them a few steps inside.
The royal guests didn't have that much time, but they managed to change from their full uniform & gala dresses into a normal suit.

The royal barge procession should've start at 5.30 pm according to the schedule, but now, it's already almost 10 minutes late.

here you can find the full text of the Thai Prime Minister's speech.

All pictures released are official ones (by pool photographed), released by the government house so it'll take a while before we see many many pictures. Please be patient..
more pictures from profimedia



more pictures from reuters via yahoo :

1 - Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojamarn greet Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg in Bangkok June 12, 2006.
2- Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni
3 - Malaysia's King Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum
4 - Bahrain's Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa
5 - Norway's Crown Prince Haakon
6 - Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan
7 - Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

[Princess Robijn]

TM The King and Queen of Sweden:
http://www.anp-photo.com/downloadpic....pp?id=3180167

The grouppicture:
http://www.anp-photo.com/downloadpic....pp?id=3180191

HIM The Empress of Japan:
http://www.beneluxpress.nl/downloadp....pp?id=3180021
http://www.beneluxpress.nl/downloadp....pp?id=3180049

HM The Queen of Spain:
http://www.anp-photo.com/downloadpic....pp?id=3180025


from ANP

[purple_platinum]

from ANP-EPA :

Denmark's Prince Consort arrives at the river city for shopping during his site seeing tour in Bangkok, 12 June 2006.
(looks like Henrik is not done with his shopping.. River City is a very famous high class shopping center for paintings, statues, and other art objects)



1 - This handout photo released 12 June 2006 shows Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia arriving for a ceremony to express best wishes to the Thai King at the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok.
2-3 Jordan's King Abdullah
4 -Swaziland Queen Inkhosikati LaDube and King Mswati III
5 - This handout photo released 12 June 2006 shows Monarch and Royalty from 25 countries posing for a group photograph with Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej (C) and Queen Sirikit at the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok.
6-7 Malaysia's King Syed Sirajuddin with Queen Fauziah
8 Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
9 Prince Albert of Monaco
10 Spain Queen Sofia leads the Spanish delegation into royal festivities at the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall

[purple_platinum]

12 June 2006

from profimedia :



from ANP-EPA & reuters-yahoo :



from AP-Polfoto :

1 - Belgium's Prince Philippe & Princess Mathilde
2 - Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni'
3-5 Japan's Emperor Akihito & Empress Michiko
6 - Denmark's Prince Henrik
7-9 - Spain's Queen Sofia
9 - Morocco's Princess Lalla Salma

[krissy_au]

from what i heard, queen sirikit and queen sofia are very good friends.

[purple_platinum]

more from manager.co.th, polfoto & profimedia :




1-2 Sweden's King Carl Gustaf & Queen Silvia
3 Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri
4 Liechtenstein's Prince Alois
5 Sultan of Brunei

[purple_platinum]

pictures of the Royal Barge Procession on Chao Phraya River (from manager.co.th)




more from profimedia :

1 - Prince Albert of Monaco
2 - Malaysian King & Queen
3 - Tonga's Crown Prince Tupouto'a
4 - Sultan of Brunei
8 - Thailand's Queen Sirikit talks with Bruneian Queen Saleha

[Alexandria]

Originally Posted by purple_platinum

12 June 2006

from profimedia :

This group shot is absolutely amazing and phenomenal. The gold and gilded backdrop for all those royals posing for a group shot is spectacular. It's events like this with the crisp white uniforms on the men and the beautiful gowns on the women, the glittering jewels, all the medals and orders that remind me of why it is that I like royalty so. Rarely do you get events with such glamour and sparkle. Even the Academy Awards have nothing on these Jubilee celebrations!

[purple_platinum]

Bangkok, THAILAND: Some 20,000 "Kra Tong Say" candles float along the Chao Praya river in Bangkok to celebrate 60 years on the throne for Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 12 June 2006.
(photo from manager)

Photos from the Thai Government's website in BIG size..

also from the thai government but smaller size :

[purple_platinum]

finally.. pictures of Haakon & Mette-Marit
(both from ANP)

[grevinnan]

White is usually the formal summer uniform at least for most countries navy.

[purple_platinum]

The Royal Barge Procession is really a solemn ceremony. On the webcast, they mostly show the procession along the Chao Phraya River, not really showing the faces of the royals.
However, watching it, and hearing the chanting and chanting, all in praising of the King, it made me shiver quite a bit.
It was indeed a rare ocassion where millions of Thai all dressed in yellow watched it at the riverbanks.



now, it's nighttime in Bangkok (almost 10 PM)
Golden Grand Palace is illuminated with lit up fountains and floating lanterns along the Chao Phraya River as the Royal Barge Procession takes place at the highlight of the 60th anniversary of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne in Bangkok Monday, June 12, 2006.



couple of pictures of Thai people celebrating this joyous event



(all photos from manager.co.th & ap-polfoto)