Most of the new panel's members are on the one organising the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne, government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee told reporters after the meeting of the jubilee committee yesterday afternoon.

The Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary has informed the government that royal permission was granted to hold the events under the royally bestowed title of "The Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary 5th December 2007", Surapong said.

Many monarchs who attended the recent diamond jubilee have sent letters of appreciation to the organisers. The meeting also heard that 6.02 million people have visited the Grand Exhibition in honour of His Majesty held in Muang Thong Thani from May 26 until June 11, he said.

Jubilee activities planned for Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Songkhla and Nakhon Sawan will continue until year-end, while an event will be held in September in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the US.

The committee also agreed to move the Grand Exhibition to one of Bangkok International Airport's international terminals during the transfer of aviation operations to the new Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Committee member Jirayu Israngkul from the Royal Household suggested the grand exhibition should be installed in the next five years at the 40-rai Uthayan Chalermprakiart near the Sa Pathum Palace, which could easily accommodate the 400,000-square-metre space needed for the exhibition.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who chaired the meeting, agreed to the proposal, Surapong said.