MALAYSIAN KING BEGINS FOUR-DAY STATE VISIT TO THAILAND

From Suriati Sidek Ahmad

BANGKOK, March 10 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin,
and his consort, Tuanku Nur Zahirah, arrived here Monday to begin a four-day
state visit to Thailand at the invitation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of
Thailand, the world's longest reigning monarch of 61 years.

The special aircraft carrying the royal couple touched down at the Air
Terminal, Royal Thai Airforce Headquarters in Don Mueang at 3.25pm (Thai time).

Tuanku Mizan and Tuanku Nur Zahirah were greeted by Crown Prince Maha
Vajiralongkorn and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

This is the royal couple's first state visit to Thailand after Tuanku Mizan
was elected as the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a five-year term on Dec 13
2006, and is aimed at further strengthening the friendship and cooperation that
exists between the two countries. It is also their Majesties' third state visit
to an Asean country, following their visits to Laos and Cambodia last year.

Works Minister Mohd Zin Mohamed accompanied their Majesties as the
minister-in-attendance.

Tuanku Mizan was then introduced to Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva
and senior officers by Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Both Tuanku Mizan and Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn then went up the dais
for a welcoming ceremony where Tuanku Mizan took the salute from the
guard-of-honour. It was followed by a 21-gun salute accompanied by the playing
of the national anthems of the two countries.

Tuanku Mizan, accompanied by Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, then
proceeded to inspect the guard-of-honour.

Both the royal couples later travelled in a motorcade to the Bangkok
Metropolitan Administration (BMA) where the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will be
presented the key to the city of Bangkok by BMA Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra.

The key presentation is a symbolic welcoming event for every head of state
who visits Thailand.

Later in the evening, Tuanku Mizan and Tuanku Nur Zahirah would have an
audience with the King and Queen of Thailand at the Boromabiman Mansion in the
Grand Palace.

The King and Queen of Thailand will host a state banquet this evening in
honour of Tuanku Mizan and Tuanku Nur Zahirah at the Chakri Throne Hall within
the Grand Palace, a complex of buildings in Bangkok which has been the official
residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards. The present
king does not currently reside there but at the Dusit Palace.

On Tuesday, the Malaysian King will grant audiences to Thai Prime Minister
Abhisit Vejjajiva, Parliament Speaker Chai Chidchob, and Wirat Limwichai,
President of the Thai Supreme Court.

In the evening, the royal couple will visit the Royal Chitralada Projects in
Chitralada Villa within the Dusit Palace, the palace that boasts for a rice
field, a dairy farm, a fish pond and dozens of factories, all located just 10
minutes' walk from the official residence of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit,
where the royal couple often hold audiences with local and foreign dignitaries.

Tuanku Mizan and Tuanku Nur Zahirah will also attend an official reception
hosted by the Royal Thai Government, and a dinner with the Malaysian community
hosted by the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok.

On Wednesday, Tuanku Mizan will be conferred an honorary doctorate degree in
Political Science by the prestigious Prince of Songkhla University.

Tuanku Nur Zahirah will have a separate programme, which includes visiting
the Beauty Gems and Jewellery Centre and also the Jim Thomson Surawong, the Thai
silk legacy, in Bangkok.

On March 12, the Malaysian King and Queen will fly to Vietnam for a four-day
state visit.
-- BERNAMA