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48,000 come to greet the Prince of Bhutan at the Royal Flora Expo 2006
HRH Jigme Khesar Namgyel
Wangchuk touched flowers while visiting the Himalaya garden of Bhutan.
Nopniwat Krailerg
On November 24, HRH Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk of Bhutan
officially visited Thailand as a guest of the Thai government. He came to
visit the International Horticultural Exposition or Royal Flora Expo 2006 in
Chiang Mai, accepting the invitation of PM Surayuth Julanont. In the
morning, he visited Phra Thad Doi Suthep Temple and attended a Lanna
traditional ceremony of tying thread around the wrist. The prince also saw
performances of hill tribes, and viewed Chiang Mai scenery at the view point
of the temple.
In the afternoon, the prince visited the expo to learn about the Bhutan
garden displayed at the expo, and watch the peace Himalaya garden of Bhutan.
The prince was especially interested in temperate climate plants, and how to
keep vegetables fresh longer. This was the subject of a Royal Project which
used several methods, such as fast cooling by 2 systems, Ford Cooling and
Hydro Cooling. He also visited the Royal Pavilion set up in the expo, the
orchid garden, and the tee dome before taking a trip to Bangkok.
HRH Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk appreciated the expo and all of the places
he visited in Chiang Mai. Many residents came out to welcome the prince. He
was proud of attending on the occasions of HM the King’s 60th anniversary
ascending on the throne and 80 years anniversary. His visit was also to
create a good relationship between the two countries.
The prince had visited Thailand once before, on behalf of HM the King Jigme
Singye Wangchuk, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of HM the King Bhumibol’s
accession to the throne in June. These multiple visits indicate the respect
given and the 20-year relationship of the two countries.
The number of visitors to the expo on the day the prince’s visit was the
highest since it opened on November 24, with 48,314 spectators on hand. The
current total of visitors to the Royal Flora Expo has now reached over
740,000 people.
HRH Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk took a vehicle
at the expo amidst many Thai citizens waiting to see him.
Lanna Culture Design Exhibition
Preeyanoot Jittawong
The Faculty of Fine Arts at Chiang Mai University with the Craft Design
Service Center (CDSC) organized the Lanna Design Style Prototype Exhibition
from November 17 – 26, 2006 at JJ Market.
Foreign artists and their achievements designing in
Lanna style.
The Faculty of Fine Arts used their research on Lanna wisdom in handicrafts,
culture, and environment to design the exhibition. Inspired by their
newfound knowledge, they used the research to create a semi-academic
training program and contest for Thai and foreign designers and artists. The
training and contest were organized through seven projects by CDSC, such as
furniture industry design, business owner project, and a furniture product
contest.
Designers and artists worked together to design and develop outstanding
products, in the Lanna style, to promote Lanna wisdom and culture. Nearly
200 products were on display at the exhibition. Lanna style furniture, home
decorating supplies, and packaging products were showcased.
Marathon Ride from Chiang Mai to Bangkok to Honor the HM the King
Alan Bate (middle) is ready to
ride to honor HM the King.
Preeyanoot Jittawong
Chiang Mai Tourism and Sport has organized an activity to honor HM the King
with Alan Bate, the 4th ranked European bicyclist. Bate intends to honor HM
the King by riding his bicycle from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (696 km) in 24
hours without stopping. This is part of the celebrations for HM the King’s
60th Anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
On November 21, Kritsadaporn Siampakdee, Vice Governor of Chiang Mai, and
Somchai Maijandang, the head of Chiang Mai Tourism and Sport, introduced
Alan Bate at a press conference. It was learned that Bate will begin his
ride from Thapae Gate in Chiang Mai at 7 am, and peddle his way to Bangkok
on the morning of December 4 without stopping to rest.
When he arrives in Bangkok, there will be a welcoming activity prepared by
the governor of Bangkok and several organizations. Mr. Bate, a 40 year old
English bicyclist, said that when he stayed in the Chiang Khong district of
Chiang Rai, he learned about the King’s efforts for Thai people. On June 9,
2006, he saw Thai citizens’ unity in honoring HM the King and wanted to
contribute as well. After long consideration, he had the idea to ride a
marathon as a way to join the Thai people in honoring HM the King.
Cold temperatures and big crowds in the forecast at Doi Inthanon
Doi Inthanon National Park,
Chiang Mai
Saksit Meesubkwang
Thai’s and foreigners are making Doi Inthanon a very popular tourist
attraction. The head officer of Doi Inthanon, Anan Son-ngai, disclosed that
an increasing number of tourists were visiting, especially on weekends, to
enjoy the cool climate and watch the fog in the beautiful dawn.
On a recent morning, the temperature at the view area at Kiw Mae Pan was
only 6 degrees Celsius. Even the office area of the national park reached
only 10 degrees Celsius. The climate is so cool that visitors often need to
wear sweaters, even in the middle of the day. This year it is predicted more
tourists will visit Doi Inthanon, thanks to the crowds brought by the Royal
Flora Expo.
“We have provided officers to control traffic and protect residences for
tourists, especially on weekends, because there are so many vehicles.
However, parking areas and accommodations are sufficient until December 10,
when all rooms and tents are fully reserved. By mid-December, the
temperature could go below 0 degrees Celsius, allowing frost to appear.
He said that visitors, especially children and the elderly, should be
prepared for the cold weather and possible allergies. Medicine and warm
clothes should be ready. Moreover, the head officer warned visitors to be
careful when driving, and not to leave garbage in the national park to
preserve the beautiful environment.
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