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.