The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed by the Office of His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary that His Majesty has granted permission to Mr. Klaas Koedijk, a Dutch tulip grower and owner of the company FA. P. Koedijk & Zn, to name a new variety of tulip “King Bhumibol”.
The “King Bhumibol” tulip is a buttery yellow flower, standing 45 cm. high with its stem, developed from the “Prince Claus” tulip named after the consort of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. The Prince Claus originated from the Judith Leyster tulip which is one of the Netherlands’ most popular tulips.
Mr. Koedijk has close ties with Thailand, as his son used to be a computer-teaching volunteer in rural northern Thailand during 2006-2007 and later married a Thai woman. The Dutch farmer’s inspiration to name the new tulip species “King Bhumibol” derives from his strong impression of the Thai people’s outpouring of affection and loyalty for their King during the celebration in 2006 of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th