Promises to Continue the Prosperity of the Nation

In an event befitting royalty, Thailand’s new King, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (King Rama X), took the throne on May 4, 2019 – two-and-a-half years after the passing of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.  

Photo credits: Bureau of the royal household

 

   Photo credits: Bureau of the royal household

 

While the official coronation occurred on one singular day, the Royal Coronation event consists of many rituals over the period of the year.  This past weekend was a multi-day affair, the official coronation, in which thousands of well-wishers lined the streets of Old Bangkok over three-days to witness the historic events.

Photo credits: Wason Wanichakorn (AP)

 

Photo credits: Sakchai Lalit (AP)

Among the events this year are the following five important rituals:

1) the preparation of sacred water for the Royal Coronation Ceremony

2) the inscription of the Royal Golden Plaques and engraving the Royal Seal of State

3) the three-day Royal Coronation Ceremony

4) the Royal Land Procession, and

5) the Royal Barge Procession (coming in October 2019).

 

Photo credits: Reuters

Photo credits: Bureau of the royal household

 

Photo credits: Nicolas Axelrod (Bloomberg)

This coronation period is a time when the people of Thailand are able to become closer to the revered Royal Family as well as get a glimpse at a once-in-a-lifetime event.  In honor of His Majesty, Thais wear the yellow shirts with the Royal Emblem during this period.

Photo credits: Gemunu Amarasinghe (AP)

Here are some more helpful links to give you a greater, in-depth look at this historic period!

-For a full description of the five areas of the coronation, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has detailed the procession here.

-For those looking to for a historical glimpse into the world of coronations, the Ministry of Culture has published an e-book to allow foreigners to learn more about Royal Coronation Ceremony here.

–ThaiPBS has published a full video of the coronation here.