People welcome Thai king along Chao Phraya River

BANGKOK, July 7 (TNA) - A number of people, several dressed in pink shirts, have booked seats along Thailand’s main Chao Phraya River in order to have a closer glimpse of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej who is scheduled to travel along the river this evening, from Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital to neighbouring Nonthaburi province to visit people affected by the country's flooding crisis late last year. Accompanied by members of the Royal Family, including Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, His Majesty the King is cruising along the river on board the Angsana vessel provided by the Royal Thai Navy. Owners of shops and houses lining along the Chao Phraya River have cleaned their properties and decorated them with His Majesty the King's portrait, as well as the national and His Majesty flags. After travelling upriver to Nonthaburi's Koh Kret for the first time, His Majesty the King is also scheduled to arrive at the Royal Irrigation Department headquarters in Bangkok's Samsen area to preside over the launch of five new royally- initiated irrigation projects in separate provincial areas, including the northeastern Nakhon Phanom and Kalasin provinces, the northern Phitsanulok province, the southern Nakhon Si Thammarat province and in the central Nakhon Nayok province. Similarly, people are gathering in joy at all the five dams to watch from large projectors the royal inauguration of the dams by their beloved King. (TNA)