Under a parching sun, people from all walks of life, old and young alike, waited with a cool, happy heart to catch the best view of their beloved King as they waited for him to give a speech from the Anana Samakhom Throne Hall.

More than one million gathered at the Royal Plaza and adjacent areas yesterday in a phenomenal assembly to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne.

The plaza, located in front of the throne hall, was tightly packed with people early in the morning. At 5.30am, police officers opened about half the area. They gradually opened more space to control the crowds.

Maj-General Pramoj Pathumwong, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1, said 2,000 police officers were in charge of controlling the event.

Thousands were willing to stay overnight to reserve the best spots just to get a glimpse of His Majesty from as close as possible. Latecomers thought it was also fine, even though they ended up out of sight. Just to be there was worthwhile so that they could shout "Song Phra Chareon" (Long Live Your Majesty).

Police had to form human barricades to prevent people going too far. They successfully controlled the crowd at first, but after the King arrived and went into the throne hall, hundreds of people pushed and sneaked their way beyond the barricades.

Students in uniforms and Civil Scouts coming in large groups were the lucky ones able to occupy the open area at the front, although some other people later managed to get nearer to the throne hall.

A 70-year-old granny, Nongwadee Soparat, said she had arrived on Wednesday at about 6pm. She brought with her 40 flags for anyone who sat next to her and had already sent three blessing cards. "Being here made my life worth it," she said.

A young man in the front line, Chaiyachet Reungthongmuang from Nakhon Si Thammarat, said he had reserved his spot since 6pm on Thursday.

Six-year-old Nattaripa Wansanit said she had arrived at 2am yesterday and would like to see the King. She knew His Majesty was the "father" of everybody.

Actors Sornram Theppitak and Rattapoom Tokongsub said they were proud to be there. The impact of His Majesty towards Thai

people is enormous and this opportunity is once in a lifetime, they said.

Jannarong Wichienrattana-pong, a 17-year-old student from Potisarn Pittayakorn School, said the 50 students who first registered had been brought to the event. Although he goes home in Suphan Buri every Friday, he cancelled the trip in order to grasp the chance of his life to greet the King.

Yupawadee Kandee, 10, said she had arrived with her mother and brother at 8pm on Thursday. She said the King was a beautiful man who had greatly contributed to the country and taught Thais how to live.

Kornchanok Raksaseri,

Kupluthai Pungkanon

The Nation