Coronation

The coronation of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun is set for May 4-6, 2019.

“His Majesty deems it fit to hold the coronation ceremony per royal traditions for the good fortune of the nation and the kingdom, to be enjoyed by the hopeful people,” read the Royal Household Bureau’s statement.

The actual coronation ceremony takes place on May 4, followed by other rites, including the assumption of residence, inscription of the King’s full ceremonial name on a golden tablet, a state procession and public audience.

History

The coronation of Thai monarchs is a blend of Buddhist and Hindu rites dating back several centuries to the Sukhothai Kingdom (13th-15th century). In modern times, the coronation ceremonies have been modelled after the one held for King Rama I in 1785, following the creation of a new set of royal regalia and utensils and construction of the Grand Palace.

Purification Bath and Anointment

The ceremonial bathing is among the first coronation rites whereby the King purifies himself with consecrated water.

Royal Regalia

The royal regalia – the Nine-Tiered Umbrella, Great Crown of Victory, Sword of Victory, Royal Staff, Royal Fan and Flywhisk and Royal Slippers – are all symbols of kingship that will be presented to the King during the coronation.

Phra Suphanabat

Before the ceremony, a golden tablet, or Phra Suphanabat, is prepared for inscription of the King’s full ceremonial name. On May 3, the golden tablet will be carried into the Grand Palace, signalling the start of the coronation.

Assumption of The Residence

This ceremony is conducted later on the day of the coronation, May 4, to mark the King taking up residence at the Grand Palace.

Public Audience

On May 6, the King will appear on the balcony of Sutthaisawan Prasat Throne Hall at the Grand Palace, where the public will be given the opportunity to give their best wishes to the monarch. His Majesty will then grant an audience with the diplomatic corps in the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall.

Circumambulation of the Capital

After a celebration of the King’s full ceremonial name, the King will travel in a state procession on the afternoon of May 5. As for the traditional royal barge procession along the Chao Phraya River, the King plans for the event to be held during the royal krathin (Buddhist monk robe presentation) ceremony later this year.

Coronation Programme

The Royal Coronation Ceremony is divided into three parts. The Primary Royal Ceremony includes preparation of the sacred water, inscription of the golden tablet, and crafting of the Royal Seal of State. The coronation ceremony, including the crowning and investiture, takes place from May 2 to 6. The majestic events will be capped in October 2019, by the Final Royal Ceremony featuring a Royal Barge procession to Wat Arun Ratchawararam for the annual kathin ceremony.

LONG LIVE THE KING

The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand convey their felicitations to His Majesty on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty’s Royal Coronation.

The Board of Directors,
Management and Staff of
the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited conveys its felicitations to His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty's Royal Coronation.

The Board of Directors,
Management and Staff of
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited

On the auspicious occasion of the Coronation Ceremony of King RAMA X, may His Majesty be blessed with continuous happiness and prosperity.

The Board of Directors,
Management and Staff of
ThaiNamthip Company Limited
Haad Thip Public Company Limited
Coca-Cola (Thailand) Limited

With greatest respect, the Bangkok Post Public Company Limited wishes to offer its heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty's Royal Coronation.

The Board of Directors,
Management and Staff of
the Bangkok Post Public Company Limited