ROYAL CELEBRATION
Thailand's monarchy goes back to the first capital of Sukhothai and is still one of
 the central, unifying elements in Thai life, Rulers of the present Chakri
Dynasty, founded in 1782, have guided the kingdom through countless momentous
events over the past two centuries, preserving its treasured independence
and retaining the great reverence of all Thai people even after the introduction
of constitutional government in 1932.
Beginning in 1995 and continuing through 1996, this reverence
will find expression in one of the major relebrations of recent Thai history:
the fiftieth anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of His Majesty King Bhumibol
Adulyadej’s accession to the throne.
"We shall reign with righteousness for the benefit and
happiness of the Thai people,” His Majesty vowed at his official coronation
in 1950, four years after he became the ninth ruler of the Chakri Dynasty.
Many of the Golden Jubilee events will demonstrate the ways in which he
has translated that ancient pledge into wide-ranging modern reality and
offer visitors a variety of unique opportunities to join Thais in observing
this very special occasion.
The inaugural celebrations will take place on January
1, 1995, at Sanam Luang, adjacent to the dazzling Grand Palace built by
His Majesty's ancestors. Starting in the early evening and continuing until
midnight, the event will feature marching bands from the Royal Thai Navy,
Air Force, Army, and Police, as well as masked Khon dramas, blessing dances,
special displays of fireworks, and other Thai cultural performances. Similar
celebrations will be held at the same time in every other province of the
country.
The Golden Jubilee will be observed with other colourful
royal ceremonies throughout both 1995 and 1996. A highlight will be a spectacular
procession in Bangkok, on the evening of April 6, 1995, organized by the
Tourism Authority of Thailand. This will feature traditional lantern processions
of different periods and from various parts of the country as well as decorative
electric floats. The procession will start at the equestrian statue of
King Rama V around 19:30 hours and move along Ratchadamnoen Avenue to Sanam
Luang. Another group of significant events will occur on June 9, 1996,
which marks the fiftieth anniversary of His Majesty's accession.
Plans also call for the presentation of a new royal barge
by the Royal Thai Navy, the first to be added to the fleet of these gor-geouslycarvedandgilded
craft during the present reign, as well as numerous exhibitions and cultural
performances in Bangkok and other provinces. Check with the Tourism Authority
of Thailand office most convenient to you for information about these and
other memorable Golden Jubilee events to be held during the two-year celebration.
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