Bangkok Travel Disruption - Royal Celebration on 8-14 June 2006

[RaymndTan]

Info for ALL BKK Cheongsters

Bangkok Travel Disruption - Royal Celebration on 8-14 June 2006

All business travellers who intend to fly to or from the Bangkok or transit through the airport on stop overs between 8-14 June should expect disruption to their itineraries because the airspace over Don Muang International Airport will be closed to all flights during the arrival and departure of foreign dignitaries attending the 60th anniversary celebrations of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's ascension to the throne (world's longest-reigning monarch).

Although airlines and airport staff are working on contingency plans, the successful implementation of these plans will be limited by the fact that the arrival and departure schedules of the VIP guests will only be announced at the last minute for security reasons, thus exacerbating air traffic congestion at the airport. Visitors are advised to anticipate delays and to factor these into their itineraries. They should also contact the relevant airline to check for any changes to their flight schedules, and arrive early for check-in to prevent their seat from being allocated to stand-by passengers. Visitors who plan to drive within the city centre should also be aware that increased security measures have been put in place in anticipation of the celebration.
These measures will add to traffic congestion, particularly in the city centre and along assigned roads that will be closed for the festivities and official guest motorcades".

[Malaysian Datuk]

Thanks for the head-up bro....wont be travelling there though.....

Long Live His Majesty the KING!

[taka77]

Nbz ........... book my everything already then now this .......... better pray they dun close the drinking holes so early ............ if not all the angmohs will die cok stand .............

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 30 May 2006 :-

Part of river to be closed for barge rehearsals

A section of the Chao Phraya river will be closed to boat traffic for five days during rehearsals for the royal barge procession to mark the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

Thawalrat Onsira, chief of the Marine Department, said the section from the Memorial Bridge to Thon Buri Bridge will be closed to allow rehearsals today from 6 am to 11 am and 4.30 to 10 pm. The next rehearsals are scheduled for June 2 at 10.30 am-12.30 am and 3-10 pm, June 6 at 6.30-8.30 am and 3-10 pm, and June 9 at 3-10 pm. Closure on June 12, procession day, will be from 7-9 am and 2-10 pm.

No boats will be allowed to moor on the Chao Phraya river and adjacent areas - Pak Klong Bangkok Noi, Pak Klong Mon and Pak Klong Bangkok Yai, he said.

Chaisak Angsuwan, director-general of the Aviation Department, said aviation safety measures have been prepared for foreign VIP guests.

He said commercial airlines have been informed of flight plan changes and were prepared to land at U-tapao airport if requested.

Meanwhile, the King and the Royal Family will make an appearance on a balcony of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall to receive respects from the public on June 9 at 11 am, after a ceremony to pay their homage to the late kings of the Chakri dynasty at a royal pavilion behind the Chakri Mahaprasat Throne Hall.

Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Visanu Krue-ngarm, chairman of the panel responsible for organising the royal celebrations, said the change of venue from the Chakri Mahaprasat Throne Hall followed Her Majesty the Queen's advice.

He said a religious ceremony would be held at Ammarinthorn Vinitchai Throne Hall on June 8.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[aroymakmak]

I will go to bangkok from 9-12 Jun, have booked it before knowing the celebration of the Thai King.

Have planned to have dinner at Chao Praya & boat cruise to Ayuttaya. Can anyone pls advice will there be any problem?? Which tour should i book for the trip.

Thank you in advance.

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangakok Post dated Thursday 1 June 2006 :-

Dogs, vendors to be kept off streets

Stray dogs and street vendors will be kept out of sight of the foreign dignitaries attending the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne this month, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said yesterday. Prasarn Bamrungpan, deputy director of the BMA's health department, said city officials will catch stray dogs along the routes used by the foreign guests of the King, and around the areas where they will stay.

The officials are surveying the population of stray dogs for the task, which is expected to take four days.

The dogs caught will be sent to a centre in Prawet district and later taken to a similar centre in Thap Than district of Uthai Thani province.

The administration has also asked vendors on 39 routes to be used by the foreign VIPs during the celebrations to suspend trading from June 6 to 19, as the agency plans to clean up and beautify the streets, deputy city clerk Rattaphol Meethanathavorn said. ''We hope they will give full cooperation,'' he said.

The committee on the celebrations for His Majesty the King's 60th year on the throne has instructed all civil servants to wear yellow T-shirts to work every day until June 15 in a bid to honour the monarch during the celebration period. Yellow is the birth colour of His Majesty, who was born on a Monday.

The committee also wants civil servants to wear yellow every Monday after June 15 until the end of the year.

Defence inspector-general Gen Montree Supaporn announced yesterday that firework shows will be held in different locations in Bangkok from June 9 to 11.
He said the series will involve as many as 30,000 fireworks worth tens of millions of baht, engineered by world-class specialists. The fireworks are made using advanced technologies that minimise smoke and noise but enhance colours and introduce animation. Even if it rains during the period, the fireworks will be intact because they will be perfectly sealed.

On June 9, a fireworks show is set to take place at 6pm at the Benjakitti public park near the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. The show will be synchronised with live orchestra music.

On June 10, a show will take place at 8.30pm above the section of the Chao Phraya river between the Rama I Memorial bridge and the Phra Pin Klao bridge.

This show is sponsored by Japan, will feature 7,000 fireworks and will last for 15 minutes.

On June 11, a show will take place at 8.30pm at the Royal Turf Club and will feature 1,010 fireworks that will continue for 20 minutes. Public admission is free.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Saturday 3 June 2006 :-

King's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations : Thousands watch Chao Phraya drill

Thousands of spectators lined the banks of the Chao Phraya river yesterday for the first dress rehearsal of the Grand Royal Barge Procession, which is to be held on June 12 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne. The actual procession on June 12 will be viewed by Their Majesties the King and Queen and royal guests - the monarchs and heads of state from 26 nations - at the Royal Navy Institute (Ratchanavik Sapha), situated by the Chao Phraya.

The authorities concerned held a full rehearsal to make sure that the event will be on schedule and that no mistakes will be made. The procession started at about 4.30pm from the Wasukri Pier near the National Library to the Memorial Bridge.

A total of 2,082 oarsmen rowed the 52 traditional-style barges, four of them major royal barges - the Suphannahongsa or Golden Swan, the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, the Anantanagaraj or Multiple-Headed Naga, and the Anekajatibhujonga or Innumerable Naga Figures. There are 12 barges with animal figureheads and 36 smaller ceremonial barges.

By 5.30 pm., the procession had arrived at the Royal Navy Institute as scheduled, with the 45-minute boat song describing His Majesty's contributions to the country, the beauty of the barge procession and the beauty of Thailand.

About 20,000 krathongs and 600 floating lanterns will be launched on the night of June 12 to give Their Majesties and the royal guests a splendid view before leaving.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 6 June 2006 :-

Five-day Diamond Jubilee celebration declared

The cabinet has declared Friday 9 June 2006 as a holiday, in addition to next Monday and Tuesday, to mark the royal Diamond Jubilee.

The government had previously declared next Monday 12 June and Tuesday 13 June as official holidays to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne. The new decision adds Friday, or June 9, the actual anniversary day.

Celebrations, public and private, are scheduled throughout the weekend. Foreign royalty is to begin arriving in Thailand tomorrow.

Thailand is now fully prepared for Royal and state ceremonies marking the auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne this month, including security measures, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Monday.

All preparations for the country's grand celebrations for His Majesty the King's Diamond Jubilee are now fully complete, according to the prime minister.

Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited says it is fully prepared for welcome receptions of heads of 26 states who are due to arrive in Thailand to join the royal ceremony of His Majesty the King’s 60 years of accession to the throne.

Chotisak Arsathaviriya, President of AOT, said as a manager of the Bangkok International Airport, the company is fully ready for the preparation of the receptions on its two own parts of responsibility.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 6 June 2006 :-

Let the Diamond Jubilee begin

Preparations are completed for Royal and state ceremonies marking the auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne, including security measures, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said here on Monday.

All preparations for the country's grand celebrations for His Majesty the King's Diamond Jubilee are now fully complete, according to the prime minister.

Speaking to journalists when he attended a rehearsal for Royal and state ceremonies at the Ananda Samakom Throne Hall, the prime minister invited members of the Thai public to gather and loyally welcome His Majesty the King and members of the Royal Thai Family at the Ananda Samakom Throne Hall on June 9 when the revered and beloved Thai monarch would preside Royal ceremonies marking His Majesty's 60 years on the throne and would deliver a Royal address before the public.

The prime minister said that the government had installed large projectors at Royal Plaza in front of the Ananda Samakom Throne Hall and along nearby Rajadamnoen Avernue for the public to view the Royal ceremonies with the Royal address.

Mr Thaksin also affirmed that preparations to welcome the world royalty and distinguished guests invited to attend the Royal and state ceremonies had been fully complete.

The world royalty will stay in Thailand between June tomorrow and June 21, when they will be welcomed with national uniqueness and tightened security measures, according to Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai,

"Kings and Queens from 25 countries worldwide have confirmed to join the Royal and state ceremonies in Bangkok marking the auspicious occasion," he said.

The world royalty will be honourably received and welcome at the Royal Thai Air Force Airport and the Don Muang International Airport by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Some of the world royalty will visit areas and tourist destinations outside Bangkok, including those in the northern province of Chiang Mai, the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, the eastern province of Chonburi, the central provinces of Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi and the southern province of Phuket, according to the deputy premier.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Tuesday 6 June 2006 :-

Cabinet declares Friday June 9 a national holiday

The cabinet yesterday declared Friday June 9 a national holiday to commemorate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne. Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai said the cabinet agreed that Friday should be a public holiday nationwide. Earlier, June 12-13 were declared public holidays in the Bangkok area.

Government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said people should join the royal celebrations to express their loyalty to the King.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[thaiboy]

MP all closed starting from fri.........this news out 2 week ago

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Thursday 8 June 2006 :-

Royal Jubilee Celebrations : Royal liaison officers at the ready

After many late-night practice sessions for nearly a month now, a group of liaison and security officers for royal visitors during the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne say they are ready for action. The key to the job, taking care of monarchs and royal guests during their stay in Thailand, is a once in a lifetime opportunity and they will be doing their best to ensure there are no mistakes.

Performing as liaison officers are C-8 officials of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Police, meanwhile, will be responsible for security-related tasks which officially kicked off with the arrival of the first royal guest, Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom, yesterday.

Each liaison officer has one assistant, or two if a royal guest is accompanied by a spouse, said Pasan Teparak, consul-general in Dubai, who returned to Thailand especially for the task.

A number of C-9 and C-10 officials will be stationed at designated hotels to coordinate with security and hotel staff.

The royal guests will stay at 13 different hotels and will arrive at the royal ceremonies one by one.

Arrival will be arranged in accordance with royal seniority. Those who have reigned longer will be the first to arrive and vice-versa. Therefore, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei will be the most senior visiting monarch.

Apart from the royal functions, the royal guests also have their own programmes in the city and in the provinces.

Several of the liaison officers are already familiar with this kind of assignment.

Dusit Manapan, director of the Department of International Organisations' Social Division, said he was experienced in escorting members of the Royal Family during their visits overseas.

He will be the liaison officer for the Sultan of Brunei.

Pornpop Uampidhaya, director of Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs' International Law Development Division, said practice runs have built up confidence.

''But we need to stay alert all the time for any problems. The most important thing is to be familiar with the plan, the routes and the people involved,'' he said.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Thursday 8 June 2006 :-

Public invited to big celebration Friday 9 June 2006

The government has invited civil servants, state enterprise employees and the general public to a ceremony paying tribute to His Majesty the King at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall Friday, spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said Wednesday.

From 6 am to 1 pm, traffic police will bar vehicles from the following places: U-Thong Nai Road from U-Thong Nai intersection to the Throne Hall's Tuay Thep Samoson Gate; the Royal Plaza; Sri Ayutthaya Road from Wat Benjamabopit intersection to the offices of the 1st Infantry Division (King's Guards); Rajdamnoen Nok Road from the Royal Plaza to Makkawan Bridge; and Phitsanulok Road up to Wang Daeng intersection.

Members of the public who attend the event are asked to wear yellow shirts. If the crowd is very large, police may close more roads, Surapong said.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from The Nation dated Thursday 8 June 2006 :-

THAI warns passengers

Thai Airways International (THAI) yesterday urged passengers on flights from tomorrow until June 15 to make a careful assessment of how celebrations of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne will affect traffic on routes to Bangkok International Airport.

In a statement yesterday, THAI recommended that passengers leave their residences approximately four hours prior to flight departure. As some roads will be closed during the national holidays celebrating His Majesty's anniversary, passengers are advised to plan accordingly, especially from June 11-14, the airline said.

Passengers who need more information on traffic conditions can call (02) 545 3181-9, THAI said.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork

[KatoeyLover69]

Report from Bangkok Post dated Friday 9 June 2006 :-

Royal guests' security ready : Roads around Throne Hall closed to traffic

After months of preparation, the military and police say they are fully prepared to provide security protection for the royal guests attending the Royal Jubilee for His Majesty the King. Supreme Commander Ruengroj Mahasaranont said yesterday the security forces were ''more than 100% ready'' to serve and protect.

The police are assigned to escort royal visitors from 25 countries during their visit and stand guard at their residences in 13 different hotels.

All security officers have undergone months of counter-terrorism training.

Gen Ruengroj said intelligence units have kept an eye out for terrorist movements, although no reports have suggested any cause for alarm.

Many of the security officers previously guarded high-level participants at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in 2003.

Gen Ruengroj said the soldiers take an oath of allegiance before the King every year and are duty-bound to do their best in his honour.

Huge crowds expected Roads and areas surrounding the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall have been closed to traffic since midnight, six hours earlier than planned, to cope with the crowds of people expected to view today's historical events close-up.

Closed are Uthong Nai road, the entire Royal Plaza of Dusit Palace and both lanes of Si Ayutthaya road from the Royal Plaza intersection to the 1st Division of the King's Guard intersection.

Two lanes of Ratchadamnoen Nok avenue, from Royal Plaza intersection to Makawanrangsan bridge, were also closed.

Cars are also barred from entering Phitsanulok road from Suan Misakawan intersection to Wang Daeng intersection.

Traffic police commander Panu Kerdlarppol said throngs of people travelled to the Royal Plaza last night to see the King who is scheduled to appear on the balcony of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall during the royal ceremony this morning.

From June 11-14, trucks with 10 or more wheels, those fitted with trailers and those carrying fuel will not be allowed on the roads in inner Bangkok, added Pol Maj-Gen Panu.

Pol Capt Phinit Maneerat, spokesman of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said security will be ensured for those camping out overnight at the Royal Plaza to catch the celebrations.

Police operation centres will be set up at Wat Benchamabophit, Makawanrangsan bridge and Phan Fa intersection.

The BMA will deploy 10 mobile toilets from the Misakawan intersection to Phan Fa intersection.

Eight giant LED screens will be set up along the Royal Plaza-Makawanrangsan bridge route so the crowds can watch the live broadcast of the King greeting the people.

At least 2,000 foreign journalists have arrived in Thailand to report on the royal celebrations, according to caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai.

The foreign reporters will be allowed to cover events in the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and on Monday and Tuesday.

They will also be taken on a tour to visit royal projects in Chiang Mai.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork