With only Bt50-60 million in profits to show for an investment of about Bt2.8 billion, the Ratchaphruek 2006 faced another major setback when a replica of an enlarged special commemorative coin bearing the image of His Majesty the King was rumoured to have gone missing from an open display.

Adisak Srisapphakij, director-general of the Department of Agriculture, the organisers of the event, said yesterday he did not mean to cover up the issue, but wanted to make it public after the end of the event. He said the replica was actually in the custody of the department.

Adisak admitted the replica had been put on display without authorisation from the Royal Household Bureau in the first place due to a hurried clerical procedure. He said he would submit a written apology to His Majesty for the premature display of the replica without Royal permission.

Adisak said he chose to delay his public statement over the issue until yesterday, because "everyone was gratified with the event and the concurrent celebration of His Majesty's 80th birthday".

The previous government had created a Bt2-billion subsidy for the Royal Flora. But the actual operating cost of Bt2.6 billion to Bt2.8 billion was funded by an extra Bt300-million grant while the remaining amount came from local administrative bodies. Adisak said ticket sales and royalty fees collected amounted to around Bt400 million, leaving a net profit of around Bt50 million after taking into account all costs.

He said another Bt40 million was needed for the after-event renovation work to keep local plants still on display, and was awaiting Cabinet approval. A foundation tasked with operating the after-event displays will be set up within a week.