Today (July 4, 2012) at 3:30 p.m., Professor Thongtong Jantrangsu, the permanent secretary to the PM’s Office, held a press conference to announce that HM the King would be traveling in a Navy boat from the Siriraj Hospital port to the Koh Kret area in Nonthaburi on July 7, 2012. HM the King would be opening five projects at the Royal Irrigation Department before returning back to the hospital.

The Permanent Secretary invited government officials, local organizations, small businesses and citizens who live near the banks of the Chaophraya River to greet the royal procession along the way from Siriraj Hospital to the Koh Kret area. Traditional activities would be allowed along the banks, such as setting up tables with offerings, planting flags, lighting lanterns and general sightseeing of the procession.

The Permanent Secretary added that people should get together and set up tables according to their villages; for example, Table from Village 5, Table from Village 7 or Table from Village 9. Flowers are encouraged to be set on the tables, along with candles and incents. In addition, HM the King’s name and portrait should be decorated on the tallest part of the village tables. When HM the King processes down the river, the head of each group can either light the candles to receive His Majesty or leave the candles as decorations—this is up to each group’s discretion.

In the past, there was a tradition of villagers providing entertainment in honor of HM the King, which brought much delight to him and his subjects. The permanent secretary encouraged villagers to continue this tradition; he also mentioned that temples along the river would be leading prayers for HM the King during his journey.