TRIBUTE TO A GREAT KING

Undoubtedly the highlight of the year in Thailand was the sumptuous celebrations of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great's 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne.

The occasion was an historic one for Thailand and saw an unprecedented gathering of royalty from around the world to honour His Majesty, known as the ‘development king’ for the dedication to improving the lives of his people that has won him admiration and respect across all sections of Thai society and around the world.

For four days in June, His Majesty King Bhumibol was honoured for his work by kings, queens and royalty from many countries.

The celebration also gave His Majesty's people the chance to get a glimpse of their beloved King as he appeared on the balcony outside the Throne Hall and to hear his wise words as we look towards the future.

Overwhelmed by hundreds of thousands of well-wishers in yellow shirts, His Majesty, the world's longest-reigning monarch, said the gathering had given him strength.

It was a highlight of year-long celebrations under which TAT branded 2006 as ‘The Grand Invitation’. The pomp and ceremony of the Royal Barge procession on the Chao Phraya River was, for many, an unforgettable experience.

Featuring 52 bejewelled barges, more than 2,000 oarsmen from the Royal Thai Navy were involved in the 1,200-metre-long and 90-metre-wide procession to Wat Arun.

While the ceremony provided a glittering showcase of the kingdom for foreign visitors, the King's work itself was the centrepiece of the occasion, reminding us that in tourism, as with all industries in Thailand, we owe so much to His Majesty for the stability he has brought the kingdom that has allowed us to develop the welcoming, friendly face Thailand shows the world.

Throughout 60 years on the throne, His Majesty has initiated more than 3,000 projects, mostly to help the rural poor through water management, agricultural projects and environmental rehabilitation.

Since 1950, when the young king supported efforts to battle a major cholera epidemic, his programmes have evolved from emergency assistance to development, improving rice cultivation, animal husbandry, and protecting important environmental resources such as mangrove swamps.

His Majesty’s works have also been a gift to the world.

Crop substitution projects for hill tribes have resulted in Thailand – once a major heroin producer – being now almost free of opium poppy.

General Prem Tinsulanonda, President of the Privy Council and Statesman, praised his work and dedication.

"His Majesty has been called a working monarch by some, a development king by others. But in the centre of his heart lies the people of Thailand. That is why our beloved monarch, the soul of the nation, has already been, and will always be, the leading force for human development in this country" he said.

"For this, we, the Thai people, are deeply grateful."

We join with all the Thai people in thanking His Majesty, congratulating him on his 60 years on the throne and wishing him health and happiness in the years to come.