Malaysian King and Queen to visit Thailand

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Nur Zahirah, flew off to Thailand today to begin a state visit to the kingdom at the invitation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed accompanied the royal couple as the minister-in-attendance.

Their Majesties were accorded a salute by the Ceremonial Unit of the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment as they arrived at the KL International Airport here. The “Negaraku” national anthem was played and a 21-gun salute was fired.

Their Majesties will visit Thailand for three days until March 12 and then visit Vietnam until March 15. Upon arrival in Bangkok, the royal couple will be received by Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Tuanku Mizan will then be presented with the Key to the City of Bangkok by the Governor of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Sukhumbhand Paribatra. Their Majesties will have an audience with the King and Queen of Thailand at the Grand Palace, preceded by the exchange of Royal Decorations. In the evening, the King and Queen of Thailand will then host a state banquet in honour of Tuanku Mizan and Tuanku Nur Zahirah.

Their Majesties’ state visits to Thailand and Vietnam are expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and the two countries. It is also a demonstration of the special importance and value that Malaysia attaches to its relations with Thailand.