This year, the year 2006, the sixth year of this century, is a year that will go down in history. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. No king in the history of the Kingdom has reigned longer than His Majesty, King Bhumibol, making him the longest reigning living Monarch in the world today.

To honour their king, the people of Thailand are holding year-long celebrations and, for the occasion, the people of the world are invited. Prime Minister Taksin in an opening ceremony on the 16 February made it known that this will be a year to remember. He extended a warm and gracious invitation to all four corners of the earth, to all people of all nations, to come join him and the people in the country’s nationwide CELEBRATE THAILAND campaign.

“Man has always searched for reasons and excuses to celebrate,” the Prime Minister said, “and no one knows how to celebrate better than the Thai people. It’s in our blood. The Thai way of life is, in fact, a continuous series of celebrations. This year, certainly, is very special as the Thai people focus their year-round celebrations to be held nationwide to honour their beloved King.”

The Prime Minister’s words ring true. Thailand is renowned for her ability to welcome and satisfy everyone, young and old, from every nation and every race. A programme of the major events has been prepared and is shown in part here. The theme is “this is the year to celebrate Thailand.”  To entice people to come to Thailand, the venues are wide and varied. Some of the events will be truly spectacular, such as the Royal Barge Procession. The monarchies of at least 29 countries are expected to witness the event. That in itself will be exciting to see.  Bangkok, of course, will be at the heart of the celebrations and the whole city will be lit up. An illuminated night in Bangkok is a night to be remembered.

Last week I mentioned that I would take readers this week to King Narai’s palace in Lopburi but I think this report on the celebrations for the inaugural of King Bhumibol’s 60 years of reign is important to travellers to Thailand.

This past January, as part of the year-long ceremony, Bangkok saw The Royal Throphy: Europe vs. Asia Golf Championship and the Grand Chinese New Year celebrations which were staged with great success. But there is more to come, much more.
February: The Grand Bangkok International Film Festival, 17-27 February 2006.

March: The Grand Music & Dance Festival, Patthaya Beach, 17-19 March 2006.
The Grand International Kites Festival, Hua Hin, 11-15 March 2006.

April: The Grand Songkran Festival. Nationwide, 13-15 April 2006.

May: The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Bangkok, 11 May 2006.

June: The Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne, Nationwide, 9 June 2006. Major dress rehearsals of the Grand Royal Barge Procession, 6-9 June 2005.
The Grand Royal Barge Procession, Bangkok 12 June 2006.
The Grand Opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

July: The Grand Festival & International Candle Carving Competition, Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani, 5-l I July 2006.

August:  The Grand Celebration of H.M. the Queen's Birthday, Nationwide, 12 August 2006.

September: The Grand International Boat Races, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, 9-10 September.

October: The Grand Royal Barge Procession and Robe Offering, Bangkok.

November: Andrea Bocelli and the Royal Concert at the World Heritage Site, Phra Nakhon Si, Ayutthaya.

The Grand Loi Krathong Festival, Nationwide, 5 November 2006.
The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, Chiang Mai, 1-12 November 2006.

December: The Grand Celebration of H.M. the King's Birthday, Nationwide, 5 December 2006.
The Grand Jazz Festival, Bangkok, 19-20 December 2006
The Grand New Year's Celebration, Bangkok, 31 December 2006 - I January 2007.

Royal Orchid Holidays will be offering many special tours and fares during the celebrations. I will keep readers posted, so stay tuned. And e-mail, address below, if you have any questions.

So, in the words of the Prime Minister, “As the honored guest to launch the THAILAND GRAND INVITATION 2006 campaign, I say to one and to all, come, CELEBRATE THAILAND."

Next week we will get back to King Narai and Lopburi as promised.

Announcing Grand invitation 2006

Bangkok lights up at night

Temples for the visitors

Tourist come to admire the Thai architecture

A musician and his daughter

Everyone smiles for the camera

Take it easy at a SPA

Long boat races around the country

Boat races in Bangkok on the river

The Royal Barge Procession

Near empty beaches, here at Hua Hin

Time out for an elephant ride

Spectacular ceremonies, as the Oriental 125th
birthday

Take a drive trip aboard Ocean Rover in Phuket