News from yesterday, 12 June 2006
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.
http://english.60thcelebrations.com/english/news_detail.php?id=126
The Whole Kingdom in Homage to the Soul of the Thai Nation (13/6/2006)
Various celebration activities marking the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the throne have been cited as a testimony of the union of all Thais in paying homage to the soul of their nation. The statement was part of the speech of tribute to His Majesty by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the gathering of visiting monarchs and royal representatives from 25 countries.
The gathering took place at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall on June 12 at the ceremony of offering best wishes to His Majesty on this auspicious occasion. In his statement on behalf of Thai people, Prime Minister Thaksin indicated that throughout the past 60 years, as a Working King, His Majesty has been to all Thais, more than a sovereign. He has toiled alongside and shared the joys and sorrows of ordinary Thais. His Majesty has traveled the entire Kingdom, near and far, however inaccessible, becoming the most widely traveled monarch in Thai history.
http://english.60thcelebrations.com/english/news_detail.php?id=130
King modest in his speech
His Majesty the King told many of the world's monarchs that 'as a Thai person' he has a simple duty to preserve and protect the nation; then, along with thousands of Thais, his royal guests witnessed the grand spectacle of the 15th Royal Barge Procession of our King's 60-year reign
All the hard work just his duty as a Thai
His Majesty the King yesterday presided over one of the largest gatherings of monarchs, addressing them with simple words that resounded in the splendour of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. Speaking at the formal welcome for royal guests from 25 countries around the world, the King emphasised that he had engaged in development work throughout his reign out of a sense of duty ''as a Thai person''.
''I would like to say to all of you that the fostering of a country is not the duty of any one person in particular. But it is the responsibility of all Thai people to do their duty to the best of their ability in order to preserve and develop the country so that it enjoys progress, security and happiness,'' he said.
''As a Thai person I therefore have the same duty as all other Thais,'' he added.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/13Jun2006_news01.php
ROYAL GRANDEUR ON THE RIVER
'He-i, he-i,'' the chanters began, and oarsmen holding paddles aloft started to row, embarking on a historic journey to glorify His Majesty the King. Like slivers of gold on a bed of silver, the vessels basked in an aura of pink during the fading light of day.
Spectators along the Chao Phraya river were gripped by the magnificent spectacle of the Royal Barge Procession, which dates back to the reign of King Rama I.
By 11am, space under the Rama VIII bridge, where the 52 vessels set off, was packed and crowds lined public spots along the river.
...
At 6.09am, navy commander Adm Sathiraphan Keyanont presided over the traditional royal barge goddess worshipping ceremony, followed by a morale boost by royal barge commander Vice Adm Supakorn Buranadilok.
At 9am, the royal barges glided down the Chao Phraya from the navy dockyard to Wasukri pier.
At 2pm, when 2,300 oarsmen and officials had boarded the 52 barges at the Rama VIII bridge, the crews invited spectators to join in two minutes of meditation and sent well-wishes to the King.
The crowds cheered and took photos of the spectacle.
The royal barges set off earlier than scheduled, having to paddle against a strong current.
About 100 correspondents from 50 overseas news organisations covered the 15th procession during the reign of His Majesty the King from the Royal Navy Convention Hall.After the procession, Nuchari Longcharoen, 28, said she was impressed and proud.
''This ceremony has a grandeur that is not seen anywhere else in the world,'' she said.
Retired government official Anek Hiranrak, 66, said: ''The celebration is a show of the King's might and the loyalty of his subjects.''
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/13Jun2006_news02.php
Royal Barges renew pomp, spirit of monarch
BANGKOK, June 12 (TNA) - Royal dignitaries from around the world joined Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej Monday at the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters along Bangkok's Chao Phraya River for a procession of ornate royal barges, a sacred event evoking visions of a long ago past.
The most anticipated event during the five-day celebrations marking the 60th year of the King's reign, the flotilla glided past the Royal Navy Convention Hall where asembled royalty and dignitaries from around the world watched the unfolding splendour from a comfortable vantage point.
Chants echoed across the Chao Phraya River, splashing and flowing carrying blessings to His Majesty the King--amid ancient temples, churches, former embassies and now, against today's high rise hotels, skyscrapers and the 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.
http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=22534
A few more photos (not the best quality but i think, they're unposted yet) - source : Thai PRD
