His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha yesterday afternoon attended a ceremony to pay tribute to His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand, in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Ascension of the King to the Throne, RTB reported.
The ceremony took place at the Ananda Samakhon Throne Hall in Bangkok. Upon arrival, His Majesty and Her Majesty were greeted by the Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra and wife. Also present were the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit welcomed His Majesty and Her Majesty at the main entrance of the Inner Hall. Their Majesties were also introduced to other members of the Thai Royal family.
Among the monarchs attending the ceremony, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam is the most senior and longest ruler, having ascended the throne in 1967.
Relationships between His Majesty and His Majesty King Bhumibol have been cordial and close since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1984. Relations have been strengthened with the exchange of visits between the monarchs as well as between ministers and senior government officials.
The ceremony was also attended by other kings and queens from 12 other countries including His Majesty Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, the Yang DiPertuan Agong of Malaysia and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Fauziah, His Majesty King Abdullah the Second of Jordan, His Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan and Her Majesty Empress Michiko, His Majesty King Mohammed the Sixth of Morocco and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Salma, His Majesty King Letsie the Third of Lesotho and Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, His Majesty King Carl the Sixteenth Gustaf of Sweden and Her Majesty Queen Silvia, His Majesty King Mswati the Third of Swaziland and Her Majesty Queen Sofia of Spain. Also present were representatives from 13 other countries including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Holland, Norway, Belgium and United Arab Emirates.
The Prime Minister of Thailand in his welcoming speech among others said the meeting of kings and queens and heads of states as well as representatives from various countries portrayed the close relationships, not only among the countries, but also between the leaders and the country of Thailand.
Soon after the national anthem of Thailand, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej delivered a speech. He expressed gratitude to the kings, queens and heads of state as well as representatives from 25 countries attending the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty's Ascension to the Throne. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej also thanked all Thais involved in the celebrations and urged them to be always united and help each other for the prosperity and development of the country.
The ceremony is the highlight of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Ascension to the Throne. His Majesty ascended the throne of the Kingdom of Thailand on June 9, 1946 and as the ninth monarch of the Royal House of Chakri.
Throughout the six decades since 1946, His Majesty the King has worked relentlessly for the well-being of his subjects especially in the remote areas all over the country. His Majesty's hard work has won the hearts of the Thai people across the country.
Yesterday afternoon's ceremony was followed by two other important ceremonies. One of the highlights was the traditional event, the Royal Barge Procession on the Chao Phraya River, followed by the opening ceremony of the exhibition of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Royal Initiatives.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha attended both events. Also present was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna.
- Borneo Bulletin
(13th June 2006)
