THAILAND: BANGKOK: BRITAIN'S QUEEN ELIZABETH II VISIT UPDATE

(29 Oct 1996) Thai/Natsound

Britain's Queen Elizabeth on Tuesday toured Thailand's most prestigious university and
inaugurated a British cultural office.

On the second day of a five-day state visit, Elizabeth was cheered by students as she made a quick tour of Chulalongkorn University, guided by Thai Princess Sirindhorn, 41-year-old daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The Queen was then treated to a rehearsal for a colorful royal barge procession celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bhumibol's accession to the throne.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth has had a busy second day of her five-day state visit to Thailand.

The Queen was cheered by students as she made a quick tour of Chulalongkorn University, guided by Thai Princess Sirindhorn, 41-year-old daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

White-uniformed royal attendants carrying large green ceremonial umbrellas shielded the two women from the tropical sun as they walked about the campus.

Students waving Union Jacks and Thai flags cheered the Queen as she walked by.

After her tour of Thailand's most prestigious university, she watched a rehearsal for a colorful royal barge procession celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bhumibol's accession to the throne.

In all, 52 barges and 2-thousand and eighty two oarsmen staged the elaborate 600-year-old procession as the Queen and Prince Phillip looked on from their V-I-P terrace.

King Bhumibol had arranged a special rehearsal of the Royal Barge Procession for the Queen.

None of those involved seemed to mind going to such effort for their Royal visitor.

SOUNDBITE: (Thai)
"I feel very happy to row this beautiful boat so that Queen Elizabeth can see it."
SUPERCAPTION: Bhidya Tongkamnur (boat rower)

SOUNDBITE: (Thai)
" I feel really proud to give my country a good name."
SUPERCAPTION: Tila Suanapong, boat rower

The real event will take place later this year as part of Golden Jubilee celebrations marking the king's fiftieth year on the Thai throne.

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