It looks like it's official: 12 and 13 June 2006 have been declared a special holiday in honor of the 60th anniversary of H.M. the King's ascession to the throne. Government offices, schools and businesses in Bangkok will be closed on these days, making a four day weekend for many Thais.

The main reason for declaring this special holiday is that there will be many foreign dignitaries, including heads of state, in town to attend some of the formal ceremonies planned, which includes a Royal Barge Procession as reported earlier. So, the holiday has been declared to ease traffic congestion during that time.

Note that, as usual, the holiday shouldn't affect shops and restaurants. Most shopping centers and restaurants will be doing business as usual. When it comes to shopping and eating, Bangkok never closes!

The main challenge for tourists during this time will be that many of the high end hotels will probably be booked up very quickly (if not already) by blocks of visiting dignitaries. Getting a room during what is normally the low season in Thailand may prove difficult and expensive.