KING MEETS STUDENTS

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29905, 20 August 1962, Page 10

KING MEETS STUDENTS

Apology For Speech (N.Z. ■ Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 19. King Bhumibol of Thailand smilingly apologised for the length of his 41 minute speech when he met 53 Thai students in Wellington this evening.

“Perhaps I’ve been going on too long,” he said in hisl native Thai. J

Earlier, His Majesty urged 1 the students to keep at their studies. One student briefly translated to reporters. King Bhumibol told the university and ’ agricultural students he had beard of their homesickness. He realised the differences in climate and food.

He said they were representatives of their country in a foreign land, and encouraged them to study hard. King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit met the students at a formal, yet relaxed, function in Government House. They came from universities and agricultural colleges • right through the country. Queen Sirikit, superbly tailored in a yellow cocktail suit, smiled broadly as a girl student presented her with a bouquet. Then the students were presented as a body and Their Majesties were welcomed by the Thai Ambassador, Mr Vadhana Isarabhakdi. King Bhumibol, immaculate in a grey three-piece suit, replied. The Royal couple was presented with a highlypolished Maori-carved box, from the Thai Embassy. Earlier, the Royal couple received New Zealand officials handling tour arrangements.

It was their first official engagement for more than 24 hours since their arrival in New Zealand on Saturday afternoon.

Tonight the Royal couple remained at Government House for a small dinner party with the GovernorGeneral (Lord Cobham) and Lady Cobham as hosts.