Queen Elizabeth II visited Thailand twice during her reign
Following the recent tragic news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, we, as Thai citizens, would like to convey our condolences to her royal family and beloved ones. In our memories, she was a lovely queen who has contributed greatly to her country.
During her reign, Queen Elizabeth II had close ties with the royal family in Thailand. To commemorate their relationship, we did a bit of research and found out that she she paid a visit to Thailand twice and met with Thai citizens.
As a tribute to her passing, we have written this to present her relationship with Thailand.
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1. Queen Elizabeth II pays a visit to Chiang Mai in 1972
Screenshot: Film Archive Thailand (หà¸à¸ าพยนตร์)
According to Bangkok Post, Queen Elizabeth II made her first visit to Thailand in 1972 with her husband and daughter. During her first visit, she set out to Chiang Mai and took a look at handicrafts and orchids there. As expected, there was also a large crowd waiting to welcome her with traditional music blaring ‘Long live the Queen’.
2. The queen revisits Thailand in 1996
Image credit: royalwatcherblog
After 24 years, the queen visited Thailand again in 1996. This time, she visited Bangkok and was hosted by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh also hosted a Return Concert in deference to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Queen Sirikit, and the Thai Royal Family’s members.
Interestingly, you can find a few videos on YouTube that shows interesting events during her visit in Thailand in both years. We’re glad that some people have recorded special moments of her visit in country. We regard them as precious occasions in Thai history.
3. She tours Chulalongkorn University, one of the oldest universities in Thailand
Image credit: cu100.chula
On her second day on her visit in 1996, she toured Chulalongkorn University, one of the most prestigious universities in Thailand, and was accompanied by Princess Sirindhorn. The queen was cheered by students and received a bunch of garlands from the citizens who came to see her, as can be observed in this video.
4. She had a photo taken with the Thai Royal Family
Image credit: Nitter.net
During the state banquet hosted by King Bhumibol, and Queen Sirikit of Thailand in 1996, Queen Elizabeth II and the Thai Royal Family had a group photo taken at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
5. Queen Elizabeth II keeps King Rama IX’s gift on her desk
Image credit: Harper’s Bazaar
Another fact that surprised us about the queen is that she kept a golden pen stand on her desk – a pen stand that she received as a gift from King Bhumibol Adulyadej on her second visit in 1996. It clearly demonstrates strong bonds between the queen and our Thai king, reported Khaosod.
6. The queen mentions long-lasting ties between Queen Victoria and Thailand’s King Rama IV
Queen Elizabeth II revealed in the banquet that her great grandmother, Queen Victoria, and King Rama IV of Thailand had been royal friends by correspondence. She also expressed that the grand alliance had been passed onto their generation, according to AP News.
7. Thai citizens come to meet and cheer the queen on her visit
Screenshot: AP Archive
As beloved as the queen is by the British people, we believe that her influence and duty to serve her nation has also touched the hearts of many Thai citizens. In this set of AP video footage, for example, you’ll observe many Thai citizens flocking to cheer and welcome her as she makes her public appearance in the streets of Siam.
May the queen rest in peace
Image credit: Metro.co.uk
The loss of the United Kingdom’s beloved queen can absolutely cause considerable grief among not only the Brits but citizens around the world. We can’t express how sad we felt when we heard the news. However, we’re sure she will be remembered forever by her people and family, despite her passing. We’d like to take this opportunity to wish her loved ones comfort in their time of grief. Rest in peace, Your Majesty.
Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): ITV
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