The title of "The Supreme Patron of Thai Cultural Heritage" is to be engraved on a golden plate on a plaque, made by the Royal Fine Arts Department. The appellation and the plaque will be officially presented to His Majesty on April 2, which is Conservation of Thai Heritage Day.

Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon, speaking after yesterday's Cabinet meeting, said a hall documenting key events during His Majesty's reign would be built in Pathum Thani and was expected to be completed before December 5, when the King turns 80.

Fine Arts Department director-general Arak Sanghitakul said the King had shown great interest in cultural conservation and his department's activities. Many of the department's projects have been inspired by the King's suggestions, he added.

He cited as an example a well-known royal remark in 1963 when the King visited a historical site in Ayutthaya: "Historical sites indicate the country's honour. Without the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin kingdoms, Thailand would have become meaningless."

A series of art exhibitions will be opened by the department on April 2 - also the birth date of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn - across the country for one month.

Professor Aphinant Posayanont, director of the ministry's office of contemporary art and culture, said an art project would also be organised to mark His Majesty's 80th birthday. The project will involve 76 selected artists, one from each of the country's 76 provinces.

The artists will choose to feature local culture or local projects in their work to show how they are linked to His Majesty or his royal initiatives.

The works will be presented on a 100cm-by-130cm canvas using oil or acrylic paints and will be displayed temporarily at provincial halls and then permanently at chosen locations later on.