Thai King to visit Ayutthaya this week

BANGKKOK, May 9 (TNA) - His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej will visit Ayutthaya province, Thailand's old capital in the central region, later this week, the beloved Thai monarch's first trip away from Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital since he was admitted to the hospital in September 2009. Ayutthaya Governor Witthaya Phiewpong told journalists that His Majesty the King will be accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit during his one-day trip to Ayutthaya's Ban Phraek district, which is home to the Thung Makamyong monkey-cheeks royal-initiated water management project and the memorial to late Queen Sri Suriyothai, a royal Thai heroine in the Ayutthaya era. Witthaya said that the forthcoming visit to Ayutthaya by Their Majesties the King and Queen was tentatively set between May 10 and 13, with the exact date to be publicly announced soon. According to the governor, Ayutthaya's people are most honoured and delighted that their province is the first destination for His Majesty the King since 2009 and local authorities are planning many shows to welcome Their Majesties the King and Queen, including a spectacular light-and-sound show. Thung Makamyong is also famous as the area, where His Majesty the King harvested a paddy field for the first time. (TNA)