King Rama X makes his first official visit to Krabi

THE SOUTHERN resort province of Krabi will for the first time in several decades host a Royal, as King Maha Vajiralongkorn graciously presides over the opening of its new provincial hall today. Tens of thousands of people are also expected to show up to witness the historic event. 
King Rama X, who ascended the throne on October 13, will be welcomed by Krabi residents waiting along the streets leading to the provincial hall from the airport. 
Krabi Governor Boompinit Boonlert said yesterday the venue was ready to welcome the new King, adding that some 36,000 are expected to visit Krabi to catch sight of the monarch. 
Residents from nearby southern provinces are also expected to join Krabi residents in greeting him, Krabi’s mayor Kiratisak Pukaoluan said. 
Kiratisak said His Majesty King Bhumbol Adulyadej last visited Krabi in 1973, so Krabi was proud to be the first province to welcome the new monarch. 
“It has been many decades since Krabi last had the opportunity to receive the monarch, so people are excited and getting ready to welcome the new King,” the mayor said. The late King Bhumibol visited Krabi three times during his reign in 1959, 1970 and 1973.
“The monarch represents the country’s spiritual well-being and is also one of the country’s three key institutions, so we are all aware of the Royal graciousness. We’ve pledged allegiance to King Rama X and to be good humans,” he said. 
Local authorities and residents have taken measures to ensure that Krabi is clean, orderly and secure ahead of the Royal visit, which has also attracted the attention of many foreign tourists visiting the province. 
Duan Damdee, president of Krabi’s Council of Culture, said: “Everyone, from government officials to people from all walks of life, are excited about welcoming the new monarch.” 
Boonpinit Boonlert, the Krabi provincial governor, said the provincial hall’s opening ceremony would take place at 3pm today, so military and security personnel had to ensure that the venue was safe.
Construction of the provincial hall, which cost Bt113 million, began in 2008 and was completed in 2014. The building is five-storeys high, 28 metres wide and 72 metres long.
Many local government offices are now located in the building, which replaced the old site built in 1872. 
In the 19th century, King Rama V upgraded Kwaeng Pakasai into a new province called Krabi with the first provincial hall situated at Baan Talad Kao. In 1900, the offices were relocated to the last site at Muang district’s Tambon Pak Nam.
At the opening ceremony, the monarch will be welcomed with a rendition of the Royal Anthem played by the Ammat Panichnukul School orchestra.