Tens of thousands watch royal procession

His Majesty the King, seated on the royal palanquin Budtan Thong, makes his way along Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue during the 'Liap Phranakhon' procession along a seven-kilometre route as part of the lavish coronation ceremony Sunday's evening. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
His Majesty the King, seated on the royal palanquin Budtan Thong, makes his way along Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue during the 'Liap Phranakhon' procession along a seven-kilometre route as part of the lavish coronation ceremony Sunday's evening. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

His Majesty the King was carried for a customary procession around the Grand Palace to pay homage at several historically significant temples as a part of the King's coronation ceremony.

Tens of thousands of people, wearing yellow and holding portraits of the King, lined the seven-kilometre route which cuts through the heart of the capital to pay their respects to His Majesty the King.

The ceremonial procession, known as Liap Phranakhon, is a part of the King's coronation ceremony -- which began on Saturday and will end in the evening today. The rite, which was broadcast live, followed a morning ceremony wherein the King bestowed new titles to his parents and other close members of the royal family.

Her Majesty the Queen and Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha -- wearing full military clothing -- followed the entire procession, along with other family members. Accompanied by fanfares performed by marching bands, they carried with them tiered umbrellas, along with the royal flag of Thailand. While His Majesty the King took part in the ceremonial procession -- which took four hours to complete -- the rest of the royal family waited at a pavilion set up on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

The procession was last seen in December 1963 to celebrate the 36th birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. His Majesty the King is scheduled to greet people from the balcony of Sutthaisawan Prasat Throne Hall later today. As per the King's command, the royal barge procession to celebrate the coronation will be held in October.

Vocabulary

  • barge (noun): a long flat boat usually used on rivers and in ports - เรือท้องแบน, เรือบรรทุกลำเลียงขนส่ง
  • bestowed: (of something valuable or important) given - มอบให้
  • coronation: the crowning of a king or queen - วันฉัตรมงคล
  • fanfare: a loud short piece of music played, usually on a trumpet and to introduce the arrival of someone important - การป่าวประกาศ
  • military (noun): soldiers; the armed forces - ทหาร, กองกำลัง, กองทัพ
  • pavilion: a building or tent at a special ceremony, exhibition or show - พลับพลา, ปะรำ, ศาลา
  • pay their respects (verb): to show deep admiration for someone/something - แสดงความเคารพ, ถวายสักการะ
  • portrait: a painting, photograph, drawing, etc. of a person - ภาพวาดหรือภาพถ่ายคน
  • procession: a line of people or vehicles moving in a slow and formal way as part of an event - ขบวน(ราช) รถในพิธี
  • rite: a traditional ceremony, especially a religious one - พิธีกรรม (พระราชพิธี)
  • tier (noun): a row, layer or level of something - ระดับชั้น

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