Countless activities on Ratchadamnoen Rd from 5-9 May to celebrate 60th anniversary of Coronation Day

BANGKOK, 5 May 2010 (NNT) – The government and private sectors have joined hands in organizing a 5-day spectacular celebration starting 5 May, in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the Coronation Day.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij, in his capacity as chairperson of the organizing committee, said the government has entrusted the ministries of Finance, Defence, Interior, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to jointly organize the celebration in grandeur from 5-9 May, 2010 on Ratchadamnoen Rd covering a distance of five kilometers.

He said the road, which will be closed to traffic from 18.00-24.00 hrs during the 5-day period, will store a lot of amazing activities from the Royal Plaza to Phan Fa Bridge and further down to the Ministry of Defence near the Grand Palace. Activities include light-and-sound shows, decorated floats and thousands of food stalls. Three major stages have been built at the Royal Plaza, Maha Kan Fortress near Phan Fa Bridge and one in front of the Government Lottery Office where entertainment programs will be arranged.

According to Mr Korn, government offices in the 76 provinces have agreed to set up respective stalls to exhibit the work of HM the King who has travelled throughout the country visiting his subjects and has initiated thousands of projects to raise the living conditions of the rural people.

Mr Korn said all the activities are designed to show the loyalty and appreciations that Thai people have towards their beloved king and are hoped to return some happiness to the Great Father of the Land. The opening ceremony of the 5-day celebration will be held on 5 May at 18.00 hr. There will also be a candle lighting ceremony at the Royal Plaza at 20.30 hr to offer good wishes to HM the King. The closing ceremony will be held on 9 May at 20.00 hr when all the organizing members and the participating public take an oath to do good for the happiness of HM the King.

The 5-day celebration can be divided into nine groups of activities as follows

1. “Royal footprints in every corner of the nation”

This section displays projects initiated by His Majesty the King following his visit to all the 76 provinces. Those projects brought appreciations and pride to local villagers. The people therefore bring goods produced in their localities to the celebrative scene with a hope to bring happiness to people who lack the opportunity to visit their provinces by themselves.

2. “Royal burdens will be carried on”

In this section, 100,000 books entitled “Following the Royal Footsteps in 76 Provinces” will be distributed to those who visit the exhibition on HM the King’s visit to remote areas in every part of the country. Visitors to the exhibition will be each given a passport which, when stamped with all the 76 provincial emblems during the bearer’s visit to each booth, will entitle the bearers to a reward in the form of a commemorative coin printed on the 60th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the Throne.

3. “Happiness for happy mind”

Activities include musical performances on the three major stages by renowned singers and actors such as Ad Carabao, Pan Thanaporn, Tik Shiro and Ponglang Sa-on. There will also be cultural shows featuring identities of each region. Light and sound shows as well as fireworks will be displayed to narrate the royal aims and dedications.

4. “The Royal resolutions concerning land, water and air”

This section features firework displays to the accompaniment of music and the light-and-sound show. The show is based on a song called “In my father’s footsteps” composed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The show reflects royal dedications to the Thai people. Joining in the performance will be famous TV and film actors.

5. “The Bodhi Tree of united souls”

A big artificial Bodhi tree has been built in honor of HM the King and as the landmark of the event. Visitors are invited to write down their resolutions on golden Bodhi leaves saying how they would do to bring happiness to the Royal Father.

6. “The floats of priceless objects”

The floats feature musical bands from the three armed forces, nine elephants’ show and demonstrations of children’s games in the old days, floating lanterns from the North, and floral floats and golden lion’s dance show, etc.

7. “Dancing fountains ”

This section features the show of dancing fountain to the accompaniment of music, at nine arranged points along the traffic island of Ratchadamnoen Klang Road.

8. “Amazing Fireworks”

The display includes a show of about 5,000 rounds of special fire-crackers along the 1-km long traffic Island on Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd. The fireworks are said to be more spectacular than last December during the 82nd birthday anniversary celebration of HM the King.

9. “The Happiness of Thais under the benevolence of His Majesty”

The section offers thousands of delicious menus provided by numerous restaurants and traders from all parts of the country. This is to demonstrate the unity of Thai people. The food is sold on the traffic islands along Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, from Phan Fa Bridge to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

It is expected that about 100,000 people will visit the celebrative event each day.