Thailand is set to host more than two dozen heads of state and reigning royals to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its own king taking the throne, but plans hit a bump when a small fire broke out at the airport where many will arrive.
A small electrical fire, believed due to a short circuit, broke out in a room belonging to the immigration department at Bangkok's international airport, causing minor damage and no injuries, officials said.
It occurred less than 24 hours ahead of Sunday's scheduled arrival of more than a dozen representatives of royal families from Asia, Africa and Europe, starting with the early morning arrival of Denmark's Prince Henrik.
Smoke from the quickly extinguished fire disrupted some check in activities in the airport, officials in Bangkok said.
The arrivals of the VIPs on Sunday and Monday was expected to snarl Bangkok traffic, with several major roads closed for the visitors' convenience.
Along with Japan's Emperor Akihito, Britain's Prince Andrew and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden were among those set to attend the royal fete.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world longest reigning monarch, will receive the guests at his ceremonial Throne Hall on Monday afternoon, before leading them to watch the ornate, ceremonial Royal Barge boats ply Bangkok's Chao Phraya river.
{{/usCountry}}King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world longest reigning monarch, will receive the guests at his ceremonial Throne Hall on Monday afternoon, before leading them to watch the ornate, ceremonial Royal Barge boats ply Bangkok's Chao Phraya river.
{{/usCountry}}On Tuesday, he and Queen Sirikit will host a state dinner for their guests.