All photographs contained in this Photo Gallery have been digitized from the TV Pool broadcast of the event which was televised throughout Thailand as well as internationally.

The Ceremony

The ceremony took place on the morning of June 9, 1996 at Sanam Luang ground near the Grand Palace. A wooden pavilion called Phra Thinang Kanchanaphisek, or the Golden Jubilee Hall, was constructed specially for this purpose.

The ceremony began as soon as Their Majesties and other members of the Royal Family arrived at Sanam Luang. The first phase of the ceremony was the ritual of honouring the kings of the past. Their Majesties began the religious part by lighting candles and incense before the four Buddha images each representing a period in Thai history. They then presented ceremonial fans to the monks who chanted words of blessing. Their Majesties then proceeded to another pavilion and made offerings to spirits of the past kings. Incantation was read by the head brahmin.

The next phase was the presentation of congratulatory speeches to His Majesty by representatives of his subjects. His Royal Highness Crown Prince led the presentation. On behalf of the Thai people, he honoured His Majesty for his five decades of righteous rule. The Prime Minister, the Parliament President and the Head of the Judiciary then made their presentation.

His Majesty then delivered an address in which he thanked all well wishers and urged the Thai people to adhere to the virtue of perseverance.