The popular prince's visit saw exposition attendance skyrocket on Friday.

Now the government plans to extend invitations to more foreign royalty and dignitaries to attend the Chiang Mai show.

The exposition's public-relations chief, Preecha Sananwattananond, said yesterday that at least two foreign royal-family members were coming soon.

He would not reveal their identities. He said the Foreign Affairs Ministry would make the announcement.

The visit by Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck attracted both local and international interest in the exposition, he added.

Prince Jigme said yesterday the people of Bhutan were happy and pleased to have an exhibit at the horticultural event and to have been able along with Thais to honour His Majesty the King.

The prince's visit saw attendance numbers hit a one-day record for the show of 48,314.

The prince is immensely popular among Thai people - especially women. Many local publications have seen circulation rise when they have carried stories or pictures of him.

He became a hit during his visit for the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda visited the exposition yesterday too, stopping off at an exhibit by the CP Group.

Prem declined to comment on politics.