People moved by exhibition to celebrate HM the King's 60 years on the throne

Many visitors to the Grand Exhibition of the King, marking the 60th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne, can hardly hold back their tears of delight.

But their brimming eyes have little to do with the hi-tech presentations or the stunning displays at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre, Muang Thong Thani. Rather, each story, each picture and each of His Majesty's projects deeply touch their hearts and stir their memories and their imagination.

It is a very special, almost indescribable feeling; a mixture of love, respect, reverence, appreciation, awe and worship.

In the exhibition hall, elders can be seen standing motionless, their eyes fixed on pictures of the King when he was young. Groups of students, led by their teachers, sit on the floor in front of boards showing the history of the Chakri Dynasty and take notes.

Many couples draw close to one another to watch a short film of the King's wedding ceremony.

All of these things are displayed in the 60,000-square-metre Royal Biography section. His Majesty's life story, from birth, through his wedding and coronation, is told in pictures.

"My heart is overjoyed with all the impressive pictures," said Chujit Chutho, 79, after lingering for a while beside a board showing photographs of the King when he was young. "I love the King and feel so grateful when I see how he has worked so hard for all of us."

Chujit said she asked her son to drive her to the Grand Exhibition after learning about it on television.

In the biography zone, one of the most impressive areas is the Royal Couple display. Organisers have worked to create a romantic atmosphere, with a flower garden and a dancing fountain amid sparkling stars. One room features the romantic story from the King and Queen's first meeting to the royal wedding.

"I like this room the most. You see, the King looks so happy," said Nun Boonyisasakultanak from Wat Boromniwat, who visited the exhibition yesterday. "His life has been so warm. I don't want him to be disturbed by anything."

Visitors can also see several of His Majesty's exceptional talents on display: painting and photography - mostly featuring Her Majesty the Queen - music, sports, craftsmanship and literature.

Another attractive part of the exhibition is a wall of photographs sent by people from all over the country who have, at some time or another, had a chance to be close to His Majesty. Their short captions, explaining their feelings in those brief moments, bring many a tear to the eyes of visitors.

The biography section, which may require half a day to see it all, ends with the special zone where people can express their love, and pay homage to the King.

The section, His Majesty the King's Activities and Royal Projects, is another must-see. This display occupies 47,000-square-metre, and features the royal projects on forest restoration and reservation, water management, land restoration and development, alternative agriculture and economic sufficiency.

All projects feature hi-tech presentations. There is a hall filled with a life-sized forest and a three-dimensional display about the royal artificial rain project.

More than 750,000 people visited the exhibition in its first three days - a record for an exhibition in Thailand.

"It's so impressive," said one visitor who had to leave as the doors closed for the day. "I spent all day here but still haven't seen it all."

A taxi driver, having just dropped his passengers at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre, said many people from upcountry were coming to the exhibition.

"The traffic is rather bad. I have never seen so many people in my life," he said

Chatrarat Kaewmorakot
The Nation