The Spanish royal couple was greeted at Bangkok’s military airport by Their Majesties the King and Queen, following which King Juan Carlos inspected the Guard of Honour during a ceremony.

The visit is part of a yearlong series of events marking the auspicious anniversary for His Majesty. The Spanish royal couple’s visit is also aimed at improving ties between the two countries, which have maintained diplomatic relations for over a century.

The Governor of Bangkok presented the Spanish monarchs with the Key to the City at the Maha Jesadabodin Pavilion before they proceeded to the Royal Residence, the Boromabiman Mansion inside the Grand Palace complex.

Some 30 leaders of major Spanish companies are accompanying the royals to help boost business cooperation and investment, especially in the transport, energy, banking and information and communications technology sectors.

Trade between Spain and Thailand amounted to nearly ¤1 billion (Bt47 billion) last year with Thai exports accounting for some 80 per cent of the total.

The Spanish monarchs are scheduled today to receive Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the Boromabiman Mansion. They will then meet leading members of the Spanish expatriate community at the Oriental Hotel.

In the afternoon, the Spanish royal couple are scheduled to preside over the launch of the first Thai-language edition of Miguel de Cervantes’ classic novel Don Quixote. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will also attend the event. Later, a state banquet given by Their Majesties in honour of the Spanish royal couple will be held at the Chakri Throne Hall.

Tomorrow morning, the Spanish king and queen will preside over the opening ceremony of the Thai-Spanish Business Forum.

Afterwards, King Juan Carlos will visit the U-Tapao Naval Airbase to observe an operational demonstration of the Chakri Naruebet, a Thai aircraft carrier built by Spain.

Her Majesty the Queen, meanwhile, will accompany Queen Sofia to the Devaraj-Kunlai Gate to view handicraft products of the Support Foundation, a charity under the patronage of Her Majesty.

Later in the evening, Thaksin will host a reception for the Spanish royal couple at Government House.