BANGKOK: Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn was officially crowned as the 10th king in the centuries-old Chakri dynasty in a mix of Hindu and Buddhist rituals here today.
An elaborate three-day royal coronation ceremony began today at the astrologically-auspicious time of 10.09 am (local time) at the Chakrabat Biman Royal Residence in the Grand Palace.
King Vajiralongkorn who was accompanied by Queen Suthida arrived at the Grand Palace at 10 am.
The first and historic coronation in seven decades started with the Royal Purification rite which is also known as ‘Song Muratha Bhisek’ ceremony.
The King, dressed in a white robe, sat while water collected from 77 provinces in the country that had been blessed by Buddhist monks was poured over his head. The process is also known as ablution.
The Royal Guard then fired a gun salute at the Royal Ground -Sanam Luang, next to the Grand Palace during the ablution ceremony.
The Buddhist Supreme Patriarch also poured sacred water over the king’s body, followed by Brahmin priests and royal family members.
Later, King Vajiralongkorn sat on an eight-sided, carved wooden throne to receive sacred water from selected officials, including the Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-o-cha and Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda.
The King later proceeded to the Bhadrapitha Throne for the crowning ceremony.
He sat under the Royal Nine-tiered white umbrella and the Chief Brahmin presented the King Royal Golden Plaque containing his name, title and royal horoscope and royal seal, Royal Regalia, the ancient and auspicious orders and weapons of sovereignty.
King Vajiralongkorn was officially crowned when a 7.3 kilogramme gold-and-gem crown, also known as the Great Crown of Victory, was placed on his head during the ceremony.
King Vajiralongkorn, 66, also known by the title of King Rama X, was presented with royal regalia from the Chief Brahmin including the royal slippers, royal fan and fly whisk, royal sword of victory and royal sceptre.
In his first royal command, King Vajiralongkorn said “I shall sustain, preserve, and continue and shall reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the people forever”.
The King also granted Queen Suthida her full royal title. King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida tied the knot three days before the coronation.
Later in the afternoon, the King was scheduled to grant an audience with the royal family, Privy Council and the cabinet as well as senior officials at Amarindra Vinicchaya Throne Hall.
The King was also scheduled to proceed to Emerald Buddha to proclaim himself the Royal Patron of Buddhism.
Ending the first day of the ceremony is the assumption of the Royal Residence where King Vajiralongkorn symbolically moves into the official residence with a housewarming ceremony.
King Vajiralongkorn is the second of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit’s four children, and their only son.
He became a constitutional monarch after the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej — who reigned for 70 years — passed away in October 2016.
It is the Kingdom’s 12th Royal Coronation which was held after a year of mourning.
The Royal Coronation ceremony is an important event in the kingdom where the monarchy remains as the core institution.
It is the formal observance that reveals the glory of the king ascending to the throne. – Bernama
