Bangkok, June 12th, 2006 (WAM)- General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed AlNahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAEArmed Forces, today conveyed the compliments and best wishes of PresidentHH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin RashidAl Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand on the 60th anniversary of his accessionto the throne.

During an audience with the King at the historical Ananta SamakhomThrone Hall here, Sheikh Mohammed wished King Bhumibol and the Thai peopleall progress and prosperity. He expressed the UAE keenness to furtherboost its distinguished relations with Thailand.

Sheikh Mohammed joined a host of world leaders and dignitaries whoattended the Kingdom's 60th anniversary cerebrations of King BhumibolAdulyadej's accession to the Thai throne.

Heads of state, kings, queens, crown princes, princesses and royalfamilies from over 26 countries were present at the celebrations. KingBhumibol, accompanied by Queen Sirikit and other Thai royal family members,greeted royal quests who came to honor the king at the Ananta SamakhomThrone Hall.

The royal guests included the Kings of Jordan and Sweden, the Emirsof Qatar and Kuwait, the Bahraini Prime Minister, the emperor and empressof Japan, the Sultan of Brunei, the queen of Spain, and top-level delegatesand dignitaries from Malaysia, Cambodia, Monaco, Denmark, Morocco, Belgium,UK, and Sultanate of Oman.

The royal dignitaries also joined King Bhumibol in watching the RoyalBarge Procession held before dawn in the Chao Phraya River. The RoyalBarge Procession is one of main events for King Bhumibol's celebrationbecause it has been a royal tradition since the Ayudhya period 300 yearsago. In the procession, 2,082 oarsmen rowed 52 barges along the Chao Phrayachanting sacred songs.

Sheikh Mohammed, along with other senior guests, then proceeded tothe royal art gallery where they viewed an art exhibition and watcheda documentary highlighting the King's achievements and humanitarian gestures.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Abdullah Al Kotobi, Director ofthe Crown Prince Office, Yusuf Mana Al Otaibeh, Director of Protocol atthe Crown Prince's Court, and Salem Eisa Al Za'abi, UAE Ambassador toThailand.