The Royal Thai Government has officially launched the “Thailand Grand Invitation Year”, a colourful, high profile campaign designed to commemorate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne.
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra officiated at the launch press conference on 16 February, 2006 at Government House.
His Majesty is already the world’s longest reigning monarch, and the year will see a series of dazzling events and celebrations to honour the life and times of His Majesty and all that he has done for the Thai people.
Thailand is renowned for its ability to stage spectacular events and splendid festivals. The Grand Festival of Events to be held nationwide will showcase all the grandeur, pageantry, glorious traditions and culture of the realm.
June will be the month when the most important events will be held.
According to the Royal Household, 29 countries have reigning monarchs. As of last month, royals from 22 countries have graciously accepted the invitations to join the Thai celebrations including Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, the King and Queen of Sweden, the King of Jordan, the King of Monaco, and Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom.
The Royal Barge Procession will be held on Monday, June, 12 followed by a gala dinner for the Royal guests and ambassadors on 13 June. Both these days will be government holidays in Bangkok and surrounding provinces to alleviate the traffic problem and facilitate security arrangements.
In addition to these two events, the Royal Thai Army procession will take place on 23 June. The government will organize an exhibition in honour of His Majesty the King at the Impact Exhibition Hall, Muang Thong Thani, from 26 May, until 4 June, 2006.
Preparations are also under way for the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, International Horticultural Exposition, 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 Governor Mrs Juthamas Siriwan said, “We are hoping that the campaign will attract 13.8 million international visitors in 2006, generating tourism income of 480,000 million baht.”
The campaign has been divided into a series of events, as follows:
GRAND DESTINATIONS: Outstanding tourism products which are ready to receive visitors such as Rattanakosin Island, Royal Palace by Night, Royal Project, historical destinations, national parks, etc.
GRAND EVENTS: Celebrations by the public and private sectors such as Royal Barge Procession, March to Pledge Allegiance to the Royal Flag, Jazz Music Festival, Andrea Bocelli’s concert performance, Launch of the Commemorative Coin, etc.
GRAND FESTIVALS: Traditional festivals well known to visitors such as Songkran, Loi Krathong, Bangkok’s International Festival of Dance & Music, and Pattaya International Music Festival.
GRAND SERVICES: Presentation of outstanding services in the fields of accommodation, cuisine, shopping, transportation, etc.
GRAND OPENING: Opening of new attractions and facilities by the public and private sectors such as Suvarnabhumi Airport, various tourist attractions and new products and facilities in the provinces.
Many international conferences and events are also being held in Thailand this year: 1) Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) 55th annual conference between 23-27 April 2006, Pattaya; 2) the Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) and Corporate Travel World between 10-12 October, 2006, Pattaya; 3) International Spa & Wellness Conference and Exhibition, between 3-5 May, 2006, Bangkok.
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