Queen Elizabeth to visit Thailand

Queen Elizabeth to visit Thailand

LONDON (AFP): Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and her husband,
the Duke of Edinburgh, leave tomorrow on a five-day state visit
to Thailand that will accent strong bilateral ties and thriving
British-Asian trade, British officials said.

The state visit, the first by the queen and Prince Philip to
Thailand since 1972, coincides with King Bhumibol's 50th year on
the throne of Thailand -- he is the world's longest reigning
monarch -- and will include lavish festivals, ceremonies and
banquets.

King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit last made a state visit to
Britain in 1960, although they have made a number of private
visits.

The queen and Prince Philip will attend a state banquet at the
royal palace on the evening of their arrival on Monday, and King
Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit will attend a return banquet at the
British embassy on Wednesday evening.