Japanese Emperor and Empress Visit Thailand – Strengthening Cross-Cultural Ties

As part of a Southeast Asian tour, the Japanese Emperor Akihito accompanied by his wife Empress Michiko, recently visited the Thai capital, Bangkok. Following the Vietnam leg of their tour, the Emperor and Empress headed to Bangkok where they paid their respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej who passed away in October last year. Both Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, in fact, had maintained close links and friendships with King Bhumibol for over 50 years. On their two-day visit, the constitutional head of state of Japan and his wife signed a condolence book at the famed Grand Palace. This site is one of the most popular in the city and is within easy reach of many a business hotel Bangkok has to offer including names such as AVANI Atrium Bangkok. The visit of Emperor Akihito and his wife which also encompassed meeting the new king of Thailand, King Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, is hoped will strengthen Thai-Japanese ties.