Prachin Buri: Authorities are boosting efforts to improve the landscaping of two archeological sites in Si Mahosot district of this eastern province where water will be collected from two ponds to be used in His Majesty the King's coronation.
One of them is located in the Sa Morakot archaeological site inside Wat Morakot. The sacred pond is in front of the largest and oldest of Lord Buddha's footprints -- 1.5 metres in length and more than 1,500 years old.
Officers from the 2nd Infantry Division, Queen's Guard, have been sent to the site to check the condition of the pond.
Another water source is an ancient pond, called "Sa Kaeo", which is close to Wat Morakot.
Officers from the Khokpeep tambon administrative organisation (TAO) have been sent to hose down grass around the pond and improve the landscaping.
Ropes were deployed to cordon off the pond and a signboard set up to warn people against going into the water.
Prachin Buri governor Piboon Hatthakitkosol said the province is prepared for the ceremony to collect water from the two sources to be used in the King's coronation. A working team has been set up for the task, he said.
Referring to Sa Morakot, he said it was dug through laterite and clean water is found in the pond throughout the year. Water from the site has always been used in various royal ceremonies, the governor said.
Mr Piboon, speaking of Sa Kaeo, said the pond was dug through natural laterite and its walls crafted into various kinds of animals, including elephants, lions and Makara.
Water will be collected at the auspicious time of 11.52am on April 6 with the provincial governor presiding over the event. The chanting ceremony for the collected water will be conducted at 5.10pm on April 8 and candlelight procession will be carried out at noon the following day at Wat Bang Kabao in the province's Ban Sang district.
The two water sources are among 180 across the country where water will be collected to be used in the royal anointment ceremony.
The prime minister, the parliamentary president and members of the Royal family will pour the water of anointment onto the King's hands. The coronation ceremonies will take place on May 4-6.