Exposure with royal documentary

Rotorua stands to gain massive exposure from a documentary on the 1962 visit to the city by the King and Queen of Thailand.

An initial audience of about 500,000 people will view The Royal Path of the King when it is broadcast later this year in Thailand, followed by many more when the programme is syndicated through a global international television network.

A two-person film crew is travelling the country interviewing and filming scenes for the documentary that follows the touring schedule of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit in August 1962.

The royal couple enjoyed an overnight stay at The Grand Hotel in Rotorua, visiting Whakarewarewa Village and the Rotorua Bath House.

In his book The New Century in Rotorua, historian Don Stafford recorded that "A splendid welcome" was bestowed on King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit by more than 600 people at the Rotorua Soundshell, which had been "magnificently decorated for the occasion, and short though the visit was, it left a lasting impression".

The King and Queen presented Murray Linton, then mayor of Rotorua, with a special monogrammed cigarette case bearing the royal seal. The case was found by Mr Linton's son, Richard, and was also filmed for the documentary.

Volcanic Locations manager Kevin Rowell, who helped out the film makers while they were in Rotorua, said although the royal visit might not have rated as the most historic of occasions for New Zealanders, it was "a major, major event" for the Thai people.

"It is still seen in Thailand as a big event and there is a definite potential plus for us in terms of Thai tourism. It may only involve a couple of people, but this is a very significant shoot ... I have had to go through the Royal Thai Embassy for this and it is the first time I have ever had to deal with an embassy of any kind."

Niti Vatiwupitong, the deputy managing director of Platinum Creation, the company behind the documentary, said the Thai royal family were revered in their homeland and the programme would be broadcast at prime time on a Saturday night - ensuring a massive initial audience.

"We wanted to come to a country that is unseen [by the Thai population] and capture the story ... We are getting very good co-operation. Most people are glad to assist us."

Bhumibol Adulyadej is still Thailand's reining monarch. He was crowned in 1950, although he had been serving as his country's leader since 1946. He is the world's longest-serving head of state.