The return of the King to Ayutthaya-pics

[Khun Don]

HISTORIC VISIT
HM the King to visit Ayutthaya
May 8, 2012 3:23 pm

His Majesty the King will leave Siriraj Hospital for the first time since being admitting to the hospital in 2009 on a visit to Ayutthaya province this week, Ayutthaya Governor Witthaya Pewpong said Tuesday.

The King and the Queen will visit Thung Makamyong in the province's Phranakorn Si Ayutthaya district, the location of the Monarch's monkeycheek royal project and home to the Monument of Queen Srisuriyothai of the Ayutthaya.

Matichon online quoted the governor as saying the visit will be between Thursday and Sunday, with the decision being made by His Majesty, the governor said.

He was speaking after chairing a meeting of provincial authorities concerned to prepare for the historic visit.

Thung Makamyong was where HM the King harvested paddy for the first time, the governor said.

The province and the people feel honoured that HM the King will make a visit to the province and that it marks the first time that the King has left the hospital since September 2009, the governor said.

The province will organised a variety of shows including light and sound at Thung Makamyong, the governor said, adding he is confident that the venue would be able to receive the large number of people expected to come to receive the King.

THE NATION

[Khun Don]

King's rice field lies forgotten
Published: 12/05/2012 at 03:01 AMNewspaper section: News


A paddy field in Ayutthaya where His Majesty the King harvested rice 16 years ago no longer bears any semblance of this celebrated moment.

387211.jpg
Sawasdi Promthat, 79, stands beside a paddy field whereHis Majesty the King harvested rice inPhra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district of Ayutthaya province 16 years ago. SUNTHORN PONGPAO

Sawasdi Promthat, who owns a farm next to the paddy field in Thung Makham Yong, has fond memories of the King's visit. But she wonders why authorities have not preserved the field where His Majesty harvested the rice.

No physical structure explaining the significance of the place remains in the area, Ms Sawasdi said.

Private ownership of the field has changed hands many times and the road sign leading to the historic field decayed and was eventually removed.

Ms Sawasdi said the present owner of the plot lives in Rayong. A farmer who has leased the land from him still uses it to grow rice.

The royal harvest was part of an experimental rice project in Ayutthaya, an undertaking which was an occasion of great pride for 79-year-old Ms Sawasdi.

She was among the people who greeted Their Majesties the King and Queen during their visit in 1996.

The King came to Ayutthaya and harvested some ripe, golden paddy from the field which had been chosen for the royally initiated rice project.

Reports of Their Majesties' plan to revisit the area in the near future have excited Ms Sawasdi and everyone in the area who heard the news.

The plot where the King harvested the rice sits along Highway 347 in tambon Ban Mai. It is in the area called Thung Makham Yong where His Majesty the King pioneered his kaem ling [monkey's cheeks] water retention scheme.

Ms Sawasdi lives next to Thung Makham Yong and donated some of her land to Her Majesty the Queen for the construction of a monument in tribute to the heroic Queen Suriyothai.

Ms Sawasdi said the historic rice field is highly symbolic for the country's rice cultivation culture.

The Bureau of the Royal Household contacted local administration organisations in tambon Phu Khao Thong and tambon Ban Mai last year to locate the historic paddy field.

The bureau planned to buy the 10-rai plot to construct a memorial dedicated to the King's contributions to Thai farmers. However, there has been no progress in the land's acquisition.

A Thai classical music band in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district is practising hard in preparation for a show that will be staged for the King and Queen when they visit Thung Makham Yong.

The Kerdpol family of musicians are determined to deliver an impeccable two-hour performance.

Wichian Kerdpol, the band leader, said they will perform a song composed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The band will also play another song Wichian's elder brother and national artist Samran Kerdpol wrote to honour His Majesty the King's work.

The Bureau of the Royal Household has not yet announced the date when Their Majesties will visit Ayutthaya.

BANGKOK POST

[Khun Don]

HM off to revisit historic paddy field
Published: 23/05/2012 at 02:12 AMNewspaper section: News


His Majesty the King will leave Siriraj Hospital to visit Thung Makham Yong, a vast paddy field in Ayutthaya, on Friday.

The field is where the kaem ling (monkey cheek) royal project to divert flood water was initiated by the King 16 years ago, when he harvested rice from the royal experimental rice field on May 14, 1996.

His Majesty, accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen, will leave Siriraj Hospital at 4pm and arrive at Thung Makham Yong in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district at 5.20pm.

The schedule of the trip was announced during a meeting yesterday of high-ranking Ayutthaya officials who gathered to prepare for the visit.

It will be His Majesty's first trip outside Bangkok and its neighbouring provinces since he was admitted to the hospital on Sept 19, 2009.

According to the schedule, Their Majesties the King and the Queen will stay at Thung Makham Yong for about two hours to watch various folk performances, including a light and sound show and a boat procession, organised in their honour by provincial authorities and the residents of Ayutthaya.

Authorities said there will be 59 vessels participating in the maritime procession and nine elephants will take part in the procession on land.

After that Their Majesties will leave the field for Siriyalai Villa in Koh Muang neighbourhood of Ayutthaya for dinner.

About 9,000 officials will be involved in organising the royal visit.

Ayutthaya governor Witthaya Piewpong said large crowds from throughout the province are expected to gather to welcome Their Majesties.

BANGKOK POST

[Khun Don]

Excitement builds in Ayutthaya
The Nation May 23, 2012 1:00 am


Excitement is mounting across the country in anticipation of His Majesty's first trip outside of Greater Bangkok in recent years. The much-beloved monarch is set to visit Ayutthaya on Friday.

The King's trip will also be special because he has rarely left Siriraj Hospital since he was admitted for medical treatment in 2009.

"It's a big honour and an extreme delight for Ayutthaya residents," Ayutthaya Governor Wittaya Phiewpong said yesterday.

His Majesty will visit Thung Makham Yong in Ayutthaya's Muang district and pay respect to the statue of Queen Suriyothai there. Thung Makham Yong was where Suriyothai climbed aboard an elephant in battle against an invading army and sacrificed her life to defend her king in 1549.

Under an initiative of His Majesty, Thung Makham Yong is also a "monkey cheeks" area for water retention during the flood season. According to Wittaya, it has saved a number of people from floods each year.

During the dry season, Thung Makham Young is a public park that can accommodate a huge number of people.

Wittaya said the park has been spruced up in preparation for the royal visit, which will not only include the King but Her Majesty the Queen. The pageantry will include an elephant parade. And a procession of boats, to replicate an old-time floating market, is also planned.

Rehearsals took place yesterday and will be repeated today.

Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University has been preparing 2,500 decorative krathong floats for the King's visit.

His Majesty, who will turn 85 this year, commands much love and respect from his people, having reigned in Thailand for more than six decades. When his health was better, he travelled extensively to reach out and extend help to his people, especially those in remote areas.

On May 14, 1996, His Majesty visited Thung Makham Yong and personally laboured to harvest a rice crop there.

Wittaya said he plans to ask the King's permission to use the actual sickle from 1996 on a statue that commemorates that rice harvest. The sculpture stands at Thung Hantra in Ayutthaya, but the sickle is a replica.

The authentic sickle has a pearl handle and it features the emblem marking His Majesty's Golden Jubilee, as well as the name of Ayutthaya province.

Wittaya said after the statue was cast the provincial government launched a project to encourage residents to grow rice for consumption themselves.

"The project has already kicked off in two districts," Wittaya said. "In August, the locals will be able to harvest the rice." He said the programme would be expanded to 14 other districts.

Ayutthaya Rice Research Centre director Apichart Lawanprasert said His Majesty was the "King of Agriculture".

"He's my inspiration. His Majesty has done so many things for the country's agricultural sector. He has provided many solutions to farmers," Apichart said.

The area at the monument can accommodate 20,000 visitors and residents, who can wait for and watch the royal motorcade as it passes along the route, said Dissathorn Watcharothai, deputy secretary-general of the Royal Household Bureau. There are 10,000 sets of documents about the royal visit that will be given away, he said. He added that a grand rehearsal of the ceremonies will be held tomorrow - the eve of the royal visit.

His Majesty's public appearance has always brought much happiness to his people. The upcoming trip will be particularly special because he has rarely left the Siriraj Hospital since he was admitted for medical treatment in 2009.

"It's the big honour and extreme delight for Ayutthaya residents," Ayutthaya Governor Wittaya Phiewpong said about the king's upcoming visit.

His Majesty will visit Thung Makhamyong in Ayutthaya's Mueang district and pay respect to the statue of Queen Suriyothai there on May 25. Thung Makham Yong was where the late queen fought against an invading army and sacrificed her life in defending the Kingdom during the Ayutthaya Period.

Thung Makham Yong, according to Wittaya, has also been an area earmarked as "monkey's cheek" or an area that will serve water-retention purpose during flood season under a His Majesty's initiative. This monkey cheek has saved a number of people from floods before.

During the dry season, Thung Makham Young is a public park that can accommodate a huge number of people.

Wittaya disclosed that his authority had already revamped the park in preparations for the king's visit. Her Majesty the Queen is expected to accompany him too. Grand performances including an elephant parade and a procession of boats to replicate a floating market in the good old days are also planned.

Performance rehearsals took place yesterday and will also repeat today.

Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat has been preparing 2,500 decorative floats or Krathong for their beautiful procession during the king's visit too.

His Majesty, who will turn 85 later this year, has commanded much love and respect from his people. Reigning Thailand for more than six decades, he had traveled extensively to reach out and extend help to his people especially those in remote areas when his health still allowed him to.

On May 14 1996, His Majesty visited Thung Makham Yong and harvested rice crop by himself there.

Wittaya yesterday said he planned to ask for His Majesty's permission to place the sickle that he used in 1996 in the hands of his rice-harvesting statue. Cast to highlight His Majesty's attention to paddy fields, the statue has now stood at the Thung Hantra in Ayutthaya but with a sickle replica.

The authentic sickle has a pearl handle and it features the emblem marking His Majesty's 50th Golden Jubilee. The name of Ayutthaya's province has appeared on this sickle too.

Wittaya said after the statue was cast, his provincial government also launched a project to encourage Ayutthaya people to grow rice for consumption themselves.

"The project has already kicked off in two districts. In August, the locals will be able to harvest the rice," the Ayutthaya governor said, adding that locals in 14 other districts will also follow suit.

Ayutthaya Rice Research Centre director Apichart Lawanprasert said His Majesty was the King of Agriculture.

"He's my inspiration. His Majesty has done so many things for the country's agricultural sector. He has provided many solutions to farmers," Apichart said.

[Khun Don]

HIs majesty the king takes 50 steps without his cane
Samrit Jiamjarernporn
The Nation
May 24, 2012 1:00 am

His Majesty the King is on his way to full recovery and was able to take 50 steps without needing his cane, Privy Council member Chalit Phupasuk revealed yesterday.

He added that His Majesty should be moving out of Siriraj Hospital soon.

Chalit was speaking while handing out gifts granted by Their Majesties the King and Queen to poor people in Lampang yesterday.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her family are planning to present a historic field in Ayutthaya's Thung Makham Yong to His Majesty because it is at this plot where the King himself harvested a rice crop in 1996.

"We will present the 7-rai field to His Majesty," Yingluck said yesterday. "This historic field should be conserved."

She refused to elaborate, saying that details would be provided only after the plot was handed over to the much-beloved monarch. The plot is said to be worth about Bt20 million.

Her intention to present the land plot to the King comes just two days before the monarch is set to make another historic visit to Thung Makham Yong.

Accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the much-revered King will make a personal visit to Thung Makham Yong tomorrow.

It will be his first trip out of Greater Bangkok in recent years. Since His Majesty was admitted to Siriraj Hospital for treatment in 2009, he has hardly left its compound.

Historic field

Thung Makham Yong is in tambon Ban Mai, Muang district, Ayutthaya province. The area is of much significance not only because His Majesty visited it in 1996 but because it is here that Queen Suriyothai of the Ayutthaya Period fought bravely against an invading army and sacrificed her life defending the Kingdom.

His Majesty has planned the visit to Makham Yong because he wishes to supervise one of his royally initiated projects there.

Their Majesties the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family are scheduled to leave Siriraj Hospital at 4.30pm, and are expected to arrive in Ayutthaya at around 5.20pm tomorrow.

Many agencies have planned grand performances for the royal members. The shows will include an elephant parade, a procession of boats, and more.

Locals in Ayutthaya are eagerly awaiting the King's visit.

waiting for a glimpse

Sommai Sakthanawat, 55, said he and all family members would close their food shop for a glimpse of His Majesty. "We are so glad that he is coming to our home town," he said. "We want to welcome him and chant 'Long Live the King'."

Somnuk Rattanapin, 78, said she planned to wait for His Majesty from the morning. His upcoming visit has brought her much delight.

"I have always wanted to see him again. I saw him once when I was a village scout," she said.

Lek Sripisut, a 65-year-old dessert vendor, said she was glad because the King's visit meant his health was improving.

"When he's ill, I am sad," she said.

Pree Chuankamon, 67, said he loved the King a lot and always followed news about him.

Thiraporn Lawansiri, 27, said her whole family was excited about His Majesty's upcoming visit.

"We are waiting for the day we can welcome him and express our wishes for his good health and a long and happy life," she said.

[Khun Don]

Province pulls out stops for royal visit
Food, medical care laid on for spectators

Published: 25/05/2012 at 01:58 AMNewspaper section: News


AYUTTHAYA : Provincial officials say they are fully prepared for His Majesty the King's visit to Thung Makham Yong paddy field in the province Friday and are looking forward to his arrival.

Ayutthaya governor Witthaya Piewpong said Thursday the province is "100 percent" ready for the royal visit, which starts in the early evening.

His Majesty the King, accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, will leave Siriraj Hospital at 4pm and arrive at Thung Makham Yong in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district at 5.20pm.

It will be His Majesty's first trip outside Bangkok and its neighbouring provinces since he was admitted to the hospital on Sept 19, 2009.

The King harvested rice from the royal experimental rice field in Thung Makham Yong on May 14, 1996. The field is in the same area as the kaem ling (monkey cheek) water retention royal project which was initiated by the King 16 years ago.

The paddy field will be divided into 18 zones to hold the estimated 20,000 people who are expected to turn up for the event, the Ayutthaya governor said.

Security checkpoints will be set up, with security staff using metal detectors to scan people who enter the paddy field, Mr Witthaya said.

Authorities from the provincial administrative organisation will provide free meals and drinking water.

People who cannot make it into the field can greet His Majesty the King along the 25km Pathum Thani-Ayutthaya road No 347 which the royal motorcade will pass on its way to the paddy field.

Free drinking water and medical services will be also provided along the route.

Meanwhile, a report from the Thaiinsider.com website said an aide to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has clarified reports that the Shinawatra family was donating rice paddy land in Ayutthaya to the King.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was in fact making the donation herself, not on the family's behalf, he said.

Ms Yingluck earlier said she will donate seven rai of land worth 20 million baht at Thung Makham Yong in Ayutthaya on behalf of the Shinawatra family to His Majesty the King when he visits the area Friday.

A source said the land is part of the same experimental rice field from which the King harvested rice in May 1996.

Wim Rungwattanajinda, deputy secretary-general to the prime minister, told the media on Wednesday the land belonged to a farmer who sold it.

Mr Wim said the prime minister bought the land this year because she considered the land an historical area and wanted to donate it to the King.

A report said Ampon Kitti-ampon, the cabinet's secretary-general, had asked the Land Department to buy the land from its owner to donate to the King during the royal visit Friday.

However, a check of Ms Yingluck's assets and liabilities, as declared to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, turned up no sign of land in Ayutthaya as listed among her assets.

The clip below, uploaded to YouTube by cosovo999, shows His Majesty the King harvesting some rice in the field in Ayutthaya province on May 14, 1996.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=aXm-tGf8Rkc

BANGKOK POST

[Khun Don]

Crowds gather to welcome King's visit
Published: 25/05/2012 at 05:21 PMOnline news: Local News


Tens of thousands of people flocked to Thung Makham Yong's vast paddy fields in Ayutthaya on Friday to await the visit of their Majesties the King and Queen late in the afternoon.

It is the King's first trip outside Bangkok and its immediate area since he was admitted to Siriraj hospital on Sept 19, 2009.

Huge crowds were also waiting to greet their majesties on the sides of the 25 kilometres long of No 347 road heading to Thung Makham Yong.

There was tight security throughout the area.

Prayoon Phanpol, 64, a resident of tambon Thanu Thong in Ayutthaya’s Uthia district, who has lost her left leg, told reporters this would be the first time she had the opportunity to see the King and the Queen.

She was happy that HM the King was now strong enough to visit the people in Ayutthaya.

Nom Kamhomthong, 82, of Ban Nam Thap in Ayutthaya’s Bang Pa Han district, said she has never seen the King in her life and she will wait for the King to offer him a good health blessing.

A French tourist currently visiting Thailand said he was glad to learn that the King was coming to Thung Makham Yong late this afternoon. Even though he is a foreigner, he also loves and respects the Thai King -- as do many other foreigners throughout the world, he said.

His Majesty, accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen and members of the royal family, was scheduled to leave Siriraj Hospital at 4pm and arrive at Thung Makham Yong in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district at 5.20pm.

According to the schedule, Their Majesties will stay at Thung Makham Yong for about two hours and watch various folk performances, including a light and sound show and a boat procession, organised in their honour by provincial authorities and the residents of Ayutthaya.

Authorities said there would be 59 vessels participating in the boat show and nine elephants would take part in the procession on land.

After that Their Majesties were to leave the field for Siriyalai Villa in Koh Muang neighbourhood of Ayutthaya for a formal dinner.

BANGKOK POST + PICS

[Khun Don]

King makes historic return
Monarch's first trip outside Greater Bangkok in 3 years - Yingluck donates paddy field plot to His Majesty - Huge crowds pour in from other provinces

Published: 26/05/2012 at 03:58 AMNewspaper section: News


AYUTTHAYA : History repeated itself yesterday at Thung Makham Yong when His Majesty the King made a momentous return to a royally initiated paddy field where he harvested rice 16 years ago.

391543.jpg
His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn arrive at Thung Makham Yong. THITI WANNAMONTHA

The visit by His Majesty was his first outside of Greater Bangkok in nearly three years. The King, who turned 84 on Dec 5 last year, has resided at Siriraj Hospital since Sept 2009, when he was admitted for lung inflammation.

Massive crowds could be seen at both Siriraj and along the route to Ayutthaya with citizens hoping for a glimpse of their revered monarch. Cheers of "Long Live the King" could be heard reverberating across the plain as soon as the door of the royal van opened, chanted by adoring crowds clad in the royal colours of pink and yellow and waving flags of the country and crown.

The King, wearing a green military uniform, arrived at Thung Makham Yong about 6pm, accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The monarch paid homage to the memorial of Queen Sri Suriyothai from the royal vehicle before moving on to an exhibition centre where he was greeted by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Ayutthaya governor Witthaya Piewpong and other senior officials.

Ms Yingluck said His Majesty's visit has brought great joy to the people of Ayutthaya and neighbouring provinces.

"We are all deeply gratified to see His Majesty strong," she said.

Thung Makham Yong has an important place in Thai history as it showcases the royally initiated kaem ling (monkey cheek) project to store water for use in the dry season and ease flood problems in the rainy season, the premier said.

Ms Yingluck also presented the title deed of a 7-rai, 3-ngan land plot at Thung Makham Yong field which she and her family donated to the King.

The plot is the paddy field where the King came to harvest rice 16 years ago on May 14, 1996.

"My family and I would like to donate this land to His Majesty for use at your discretion," Ms Yingluck said.

Mr Witthaya then reported to His Majesty the King about the Thung Makham Yong development, and also presented a donation of 9,999,999 baht from state officials and Ayutthaya residents.

About 6.35pm, the King went to a pond pavilion to watch traditional performances, including boat songs.

At 7.20pm, the prime minister presided over a candle-lit ceremony to ask for blessings for His Majesty's good health and happiness. The King left at 7.30pm.

Mr Witthaya said Ms Yingluck decided to buy the land plot from its previous owners just two days ago.

"I think Prime Minister Yingluck wants to keep the land as a historic site. Here is the place where our King developed an irrigation project and once harvested rice," said the governor.

La-or Manorom, a 44-year-old worker from eastern Rayong, said she went to Prachuap Khiri Khan province to collect her family and then travelled with them all the way to Ayutthaya to pay respect to the King.

"Once in my life, I want to see the King. What I did today means nothing, compared with what the King has done for the country for more than 60 years. He is the best teacher for how to make life happy based on his sufficiency economy philosophy," she said.

Songserm Isarakankul, the owner of a green-bean noodle plant in Kanchanaburi, said he had brought more than 20 kilogrammes of the noodles to Ayutthaya to present to the King.

Mr Songserm said his family has presented the noodles they make to the King for 40 years whenever they had a chance to do so. Mr Songserm said his own mother once had the chance to present the noodles to His Majesty when the King visited a temple in Kanchanaburi where he had asked about how it was produced.

Foreigners also joined Thai people in soaking up the joyous atmosphere.

Michelle Reedy, a 45-year-old Australian who now works as a mahout at Ayutthaya Elephant Kraal, said the elephant keepers put in their utmost efforts in training 11 elephants to take part in the special occasion to welcome the King and the royal family.

"I feel good to do this for His Majesty the King," she said.

Nantiya Patthong, 48, from Bangkok said this was a great opportunity to see His Majesty the King.

"I'm very glad to see the large number of people turning up. It is a good sign that most people still love him. Nothing in the world is enough to thank him for what he has done for us except to show we still love and respect him," she said.

BANGKOK POST

[Khun Don]

Return of the king
The Nation May 26, 2012 1:00 am

30182861-01_big.jpg

Millions watch on TV as country rejoices over monarch's historic visit to Ayutthaya; numerous shows staged Trip to be recorded in National Archives; King accepts from PM title deed of land where he harvested rice crop in 1996

Dressed in a military uniform, His Majesty the King yesterday left Siriraj Hospital for his first personal short trip out of Bangkok in recent years, bringing much delight to the whole nation.

"Long live the King" echoed across the country, during the muchbeloved monarch's televised trip to Ayutthaya.

Millions of people were glued to their TV sets and rejoiced at the sight of His Majesty. Many of them were moved to tears.

"I love him so much," Napaporn Thaveethanakij, 76, said from her home in Samut Prakan, tears of joy glittering in her eyes.

A number of people also gathered along the way from Siriraj Hospital, waving flags, to express their love and loyalty to His Majesty. Since being admitted for treatment in 2009, the King has rarely left the medical facility's compound.

His trip to Ayutthaya's Thung Makham Yong yesterday, therefore, carried much significance. His subjects were overjoyed as they all wished to see their beloved monarch in good health and with much happiness.

Fine Arts Department deputy directorgeneral Sureerat Wongsangiam said the trip would be recorded in the National Archives of Thailand.

"We will record the details of the trip right from the time the royals left Siriraj Hospital until their return. We will also include photos of people greeting the royals along the way," she said.

His Majesty, accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, left Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok at around 4.30pm. The motorcade moved along many roads, including Highway 347, to reach Ayutthaya. Along this 85kilometre stretch, crowds of people waited to greet the beloved royal members.

Thung Makham Yong was filled with people as they flocked in huge numbers to get close to the royals. All 10,000 copies of printed programmes about His Majesty's trip were taken up in less than 10 minutes.

Several people had camped out at the park since Thursday to make sure they had the best spot to catch a glimpse of His Majesty.

"I travelled from Si Sa Ket because I wished to welcome His Majesty upon his arrival," said Dusit Jankong, 38, "I stayed overnight around here."

He has much admiration for His Majesty because the King has been working hard for his people for more than six decades. "Even if he has had health problems, he has still been working," he said.

Nom Khaohomthoung, 82, said her health was failing but she was determined to camp out at Thung Makham Yong.

'Feel blessed'

"Even if I won't be able to see the royals, I still feel blessed to have been at the place visited by them," she said.

The royals reached Thung Makham Yong shortly before 6pm yesterday. Their Majesties the King and the Queen arrived in a van, which stopped at the statue of Queen Suriyothai for them to pay their respects to the late queen. Queen Suriyothai from the Ayutthaya Period fought bravely against an invading army and sacrificed her life defending the Kingdom in Thung Makham Yong.

The King also plans to supervise one of his royally initiated projects. Of the 254 rai in Thung Makham Yong, 180 rai has been used as a watercatchment area to tackle both drought and flood problems in response to the monarch's monkeycheek concept.

His Majesty, now 84, also added a historic value to Thung Makham Yong when the King and the Queen used a sickle to harvest rice in a local paddy field in 1996.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Ayutthaya Governor Wittaya Phiewphong waited to welcome the royals in Ayutthaya. During the televised trip, Yingluck also presented the King a title deed of the paddy field where Their Majesties had harvested a rice crop in 1996.

"My family and I would like to present the plot that covers 7 rai and 3 ngarn to His Majesty," Yingluck said.

The King accepted the title deed from her before proceeding into a pondside pavilion, where he watched spectacular shows arranged by many locals and agencies.

The shows started with a parade, which included nine elephants. Splendid boat processions with folk songs and a lightandsound show soon followed.

From the pavilion, His Majesty used his camera to take pictures of the show and his people.

After the performance ended, Their Majesties the King and the Queen as well as the princess moved to the Siriyalai Pavilion for dinner. From this riverside pavilion, the royals could witness the spectacular procession of decorative floats or krathong that flowed down along the Chao Phraya River that were specially prepared for them.

Fine Arts Department deputy director general Sureerat Wongsangiam said the trip will be recorded in the National Archives of Thailand.

"We will record the details of the trip right from the royals leave the Siriraj Hospital till they return. We will also include photos of people greeting the royals along the way," she said.

[Khun Don]

PHOTO GALLERY OF VISIT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...v=XM2C51uMzpU#!