1.
SV SPILWAY (PAN TO) DAM
0.19

2.
LS SECTION OF DAM
0.24

3.
SV POWER PLANT
0.28

4.
SV (BACK VIEW) PREMIER KITTIKCHORN READING REPORT
0.31

5.
CU PREMIER KITTIKCHORN
0.33

6.
CU KING & QUEEN
0.36

7.
LS DAM AREA
0.47

8.
SLV THEIR MAJESTIES AND GUESTS TOUR DAM
0.54

9.
LS PAN. DAM
1.03



Initials JNT/V/JH/SGM



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: KING BHUMIBOL OF THAILAND (ON MAY 17) OPENED THE BHUMIBOL DAM, NORTH OF BANGKOK, WHICH WILL REDUCE ELECTRICITY COSTS BU EIGHT PER CENT FOR RESIDENTS IN BANGKOK AND OTHER AREAS IN CENTRAL AND NORTH THAILAND.

THE IRRIGATION WORKS PROVIDED BY WATER FROM THE DAM ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE THAILAND'S RICE PRODUCTION BY ABOUT 400,000 TONS A YEAR.

THE DAM, BUILT AT A COST OF ABOUT GBP30,000,000 IS THE SEVENTH BIGGEST CONCRETE ARCH DAM IN THE WORLD.

THE DAM IS CAPABLE OF GENERATING 2,230 MILLION KILOWATT HOURS OF POWER ANNUALLY, SAVING THE COUNTRY ABOUT GBP6,000,000 WORTH OF FUEL A YEAR.

IN AN HOUR-LONG CEREMONY CONDUCTED AGAINST THE TERRIFIC CONCRETE BACK-DROP OF THE DAM, THE KING, QUEEN SIRIKIT AND MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS, HEARD A REPORT FROM PRIME MINISTER, FIELD MARSHAL KITTIKCHORN ANNOUNCING THE RATE REDUCTIONS.