HM King opens Klong Lad Pho Canal Gates & 2 Bridges

His Majesty was accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn as he sat on the foredeck of the royal vessel, Angsana, during the 90-minute trip down the river. The royal trip was organised for the King to inaugurate the two suspension bridges and the flood gate on a canal beneath them.

The King initiated the bridges and flood gate to help alleviate traffic problems in Samut Prakan and to help ease the annual flooding of the Chao Phraya River's lower reaches.

Construction of the two bridges _ Bhumibol 1 and Bhumibol 2 _ named after the King began in 1995 before being opened unofficially to traffic in 2006 as part of a 13km industrial ring road.

Bhumibol Bridge 1 links Bangkok with the industrial zones in Samut Prakan while Bhumibol 2 links Phra Pradaeng with the Samrong Tai area, also in Samut Prakan.

The two bridges have helped ease traffic in surrounding areas by serving as a city bypass for heavy trucks.

The 500 million baht flood gate, named after a local canal, Khlong Lad Pho, was built with the aim of easing flooding in areas along the river in Bangkok, Samut Prakan's Phra Pradaeng district, Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi.

Small turbines have been installed at the flood gate to tap power from the water flow to generate electricity.

The King arrived at the project site about 6pm to a welcome from thousands of well-wishers. He pressed a button on board the royal vessel to open the bridges and the flood gate after a 40-minute light-and-sound show which ended with a spectacular fireworks display.

The inauguration ceremony started at around 6pm yesterday, with His Majesty presiding from the boat.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva first presented his report on the projects, before video presentations were displayed. Then His Majesty placed his hand on a sensor starting an impressive light-and-sound show about the Pho canal, its water gates and the bridges. The show was brought to a spectacular end with fireworks.

His Majesty was often seen taking pictures from time to time. Once the ceremony was completed, His Majesty was seen off with loud chants of "Long Live the King" from his people. The King arrived at Siriraj Hospital at around 7.35pm.

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