So far about 900,000 people have visited the historic exhibition at Impact Convention Centre in Muang Thong Thani, which marks the 60th anniversary of the King's accession to the throne.

In response to requests to extend the exhibition beyond June 4, Surapong said the government could not because the venue was already booked.

Surapong said caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had ordered the production of two sets of VCDs - one of the Mahajanaka musical that was a highlight of the exhibition and the other featuring displays in the exhibition. The VCDs will be available by July. Prices have not been set yet. Meanwhile, Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai yesterday said royals from 25 countries were invited to the celebrations and would arrive from June 7 and stay until June 21.

Agencies are preparing extra security and hotels have been informed of the visitors' religious practices and differing dietary requirements, said Surakiart.

The visitors are scheduled to visit Bangkok attractions like the Royal Palace, Emerald Buddha Temple and Jim Thomson's museum, while governors of seven provinces, including Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Phuket, were instructed on what security measures and how to handle visiting parades during visits.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation