People throng areas around Grand Palace for coronation

People throng areas around Grand Palace for coronation

Well-wishers wait to get a glimpse of His Majesty the King at Sanam Luang on Saturday. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)
Well-wishers wait to get a glimpse of His Majesty the King at Sanam Luang on Saturday. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)

A sea of yellow has formed around the Grand Palace as joyous well-wishers gather to witness the historic coronation ceremonies of His Majesty the King from Saturday until Monday.

Rattanakosin Island and surrounding locations, including Ratchadamoen Avenue where the royal motorcade will pass on Sunday afternoon, are occupied by Thais in yellow as they want to be part of the events that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

TV Pool is broadcasting all related ceremonies live throughout the three days for people across the country to watch, while other state offices in all provinces are also holding special ceremonies to show loyalty to the King on this occasion.

His Majesty on Friday presided over the final rituals ahead of the coronation after the Royal Golden Plaque bearing the official title of His Majesty, the Royal Golden Plaque containing the King’s horoscope, and the Royal Seal of State were transferred from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to the Baisal Daksin Throne Hall in the Grand Palace.

The coronation starts at 10.09am on Saturday with the Muratha Bhisek bathing rites for purification. At 1.19pm, the ceremony of Assumption of the Royal Residence takes place at the Chakrabat Biman Royal Residence. This will be followed at 2pm by an audience granted to members of the Royal Family, the Privy Council and the Cabinet, as well as senior officials who will offer their best wishes to His Majesty at the Amarindra Vinicchaya Throne Hall.

Well-wishers wait to get a glimpse of His Majesty the King at Sanam Luang on Saturday. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)

At 4pm His Majesty will proceeds to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to proclaim himself the Royal Patron of Buddhism.

The highlight on Sunday will take place at 4.30pm when His Majesty will perform the liap phranakhon ritual, making short trips to several parts of the capital. On Monday he will appear on the balcony of the Suddhaisavarya Prasad Hall in the Grand Palace at 4.30pm for the public to celebrate his coronation.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday invited all Thais across the country to unite as one to show their loyalty to the King, deputy government spokesman Lt Gen Werachon Sukondhapatipak said. Officials and volunteers were ready to take care of all well-wishers attending the event, he added.

Thongkham Laithae (centre), who is 104 years old, watches the TV Pool broadcast of rituals ahead of the coronation of His Majesty the King at her house in Muang district of Chai Nat on Friday. (Photo by Chudet Seehawong)

The coronation is an event that Thongkham Laithae, 104, is looking forward to eagerly. She will watch it on TV with her family members at home in Muang district of Chai Nat.

Ms Thongkham was born during the reign of King Rama VI. “The coronation of King Rama X is one of the most important opportunities in my life,” she said.

A number of other notable developments have taken place in connection with the history-making weekend. Among them was the announcement on Friday that His Majesty had granted royal pardons for convicts ahead of the coronation, including five leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy.

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