in Bangkok in honour of the 60th anniversary of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej's ascension to the throne King Bhumibol selected one of twelve designs presented by the Fine Arts Department of the
Ministry of Culture to be the official emblem for the celebrations. The emblem selected was designed by department artist Somchai Supphalakamphaiphon. There are several symbols in the emblem. The centerpiece is a
cypher of the king's name in golden yellow, the
colour of Monday, his day of birth. The cypher is set on a blue background, which is a royal colour. The device is encircled with diamonds, which symbolise wise men, important authors, craftsmen, the sacred
white elephant, graceful women, vigorous soldiers, and public servants.
The Royal Regalia that circumscribe the device: the
Great Crown of Victory surmounts the throne, flanked by a sword and a
yak's tail whisk; under the throne is a pair of royal slippers. These five objects are used in
coronation ceremonies, which were last used during the king's coronation on 5 May 1950. The bottom of the emblem features a pink ribbon with the name of the celebrations inscribed in gold. The two ends of the ribbon are held by the monkey god
Hanuman, the devotee and leader of
Rama's army in the
Ramakien, and
Garuda, the
Hindu god
Vishnu's vehicle. The green and gold colors in the background represent the fertility of the land. == Main programmes ==