Among the 12 hotels selected for the royal guests, the Oriental Bangkok will be one of the busiest, with visitors from six countries including the Sultan of Brunei, Queen Sophia of Spain and King Carl Gustaf of Sweden.

The Grand Hyatt Erawan and the Shangri-La will accommodate royal guests from four countries each. The Park Nai Lert Raffles International, although preparing to host only Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan, is reportedly getting 250 rooms ready for the emperor's entourage. Other royal guests will stay at the Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit, the Plaza Athenee, the InterContinental, the Four Seasons, the Royal Orchid Sheraton, The Peninsula and the Conrad.

Despite their important guests, most of the hotels will keep their restaurants and dining rooms open as usual, so security measures are being beefed up.

Representatives of the Oriental and Grand Hyatt Erawan hotels said all five-star hotels have been working with the government, particularly with the National Police Bureau and the Foreign Affairs Ministry, in planning for security.

Hundreds of closed-circuit television cameras have been installed in every corner of the Oriental and cover its restaurant alongside the Chao Phya River. All staff members have been instructed to standby for service around the clock.

Nearby, the Shangri-La's security department said more guards would be employed both within the building and outside.

"We will open all our restaurants during the celebrations, the same as the others," said a public relations officer.

The Royal Orchid Sheraton also confirmed additional security services.

Kings, queens and royal representatives from 25 countries have confirmed they will attend the royal and state ceremonies in Bangkok marking the auspicious occasion.

Some will also visit areas and tourist destinations outside Bangkok. The provinces of Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chon Buri, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi and Phuket expect to receive royal tourists.

Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT), the operator of five of the country's international airports, said it is prepared for welcoming ceremonies as the royal guests and heads of state arrive in Thailand to join the celebrations.

Its president Chotisak Arsathaviriya said the company had undertaken security measures in coordination with the Intelligence Office and the National Police Bureau.

It has also worked with the Royal Household Bureau to decorate airport reception areas to welcome royal guests.

AOT executives and staff will be on 24-hour alert.

The company also suggested that passengers using airports should allow more time for travel and airport formalities because of heightened security and the likelihood of traffic closures on some roads near airports. It appealed for cooperation from passengers during the celebrations.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation