Visit to Japan by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of the Kingdom of Thailand

May 16, 1997

1. H.M. Queen Sirikit of the Kingdom of Thailand, accompanied by a suite, will visit Japan from May 18 (Sun.) to 28 (Wed.).

2. During her stay in Japan, H.M. Queen Sirikit will attend a dinner given by Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan, a ceremony in which she will receive an honorary doctorate from Tokai University, a dinner given by the Japan-Thailand Association, and others. H.M. Queen Sirikit will host a dinner inviting Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Hitachi, and will also visit Nagasaki Prefecture.

3. H.M. Queen Sirikit is the highest-level guest from the Kingdom of Thailand, since His Majesty King Bhumibol has not traveled overseas in recent years. The present visit is expected to greatly contribute to intensifying friendly relations between the two countries, including the relations between the Imperial Family and the Royal Family. This is Her Majesty's fourth visit to Japan. The others were in 1963 (official), 1981 (unofficial), and 1993 (unofficial).