Spectacular Royal barge procession in June

Details have been announced for visitors to witness one of Thailand's most spectacular royal events, the Royal Barge Procession, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

His Majesty is already the world's longest reigning monarch, and the Royal Barge Procession along the Chao Phraya River will be one of a series of dazzling events and celebrations to be held this year to honour the life and times of His Majesty and all that he has done for the Thai people.

The Royal Barge Procession will take place on 12 June 2006 at 19:30. The procession will sail from Wasukri Royal Pier to the Temple of Dawn. His Majesty the King will preside over the performance along with Head of States from 29 Nations.

The procession will comprise 52 barges with 4 royal barges: Suphannahongse, Anantanagaraj, Narai Songsuban H.M. King Rama IX, and Anekchatbhuchongse. Crew of all the barges are drawn from various departments of the Royal Thai Navy.

In 1982, a total of 2,100 navy men manned the 51 barges in the procession.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is providing viewpoints for interested visitors who will watch the

Royal Barge Procession, as follows:

1. Bank of Thailand riverside lawn: Before the main event on June 12, there will be three rehearsals on June 2, 6 and 9. All are available for public viewing. This is the only good place to clearly view the starting point of the procession in natural light without light and sound. Refreshments will be served. Entrance fee is 1,000 baht.

2. Riverside III Cruise: The rehearsals will be held on June 2, 6 and 9, 2006. Visitors onboard the cruise ship will dock alongside the Chao Phraya River to enjoy the light and sound show of the procession. Cocktails and drinks will be served. Ticket price is 3,000 baht.

For more details, please check out http://www.60thcelebrations.com/en and www.tatnews.org In addition to these events, the Royal Thai army procession will take place on June 23. The government will organize an exhibition in honor of His Majesty the King at Impact Exhibition Hall, Muang Thong Thani, from May 26 until June 4, 2006.

Preparations are also under way for the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 - International Horticultural Exposition for His Majesty the King, to be held from 1 November 2006 to 31 January 2007, in the northern capital of Chiang Mai.

All these events are expected to be widely broadcast and covered worldwide. (TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND)