14 December 1964

Japanese royals make first state visit

On the first-ever state visit by a member of the Japanese imperial family, Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko arrived for an official seven-day tour.

The royal couple were greeted at the airport by King Bhumibol, the prime minister and other leading Thai officials. Thousands of cheering, flag-waving students were among the tens of thousands who lined the streets of Bangkok from Don Mueang to Borompiman Palace to offer the Japanese royals a memorable welcome. Their trip included an informal weekend visit to Chiang Mai, where it was reported in the press that ‘most of the population’ of the northern city turned out to greet them.

14 December 1964

Japanese royals make first state visit

On the first-ever state visit by a member of the Japanese imperial family, Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko arrived for an official seven-day tour.

The royal couple were greeted at the airport by King Bhumibol, the prime minister and other leading Thai officials. Thousands of cheering, flag-waving students were among the tens of thousands who lined the streets of Bangkok from Don Mueang to Borompiman Palace to offer the Japanese royals a memorable welcome. Their trip included an informal weekend visit to Chiang Mai, where it was reported in the press that ‘most of the population’ of the northern city turned out to greet them.