Thursday 14 / November / 2024
Bangkok: Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn was officially crowned in the country's capital on Saturday.
Vajiralongkorn, who is also known as Rama X, is the 10th king of the Chakri dynasty, which has ruled Thailand since 1782.
An elaborate three-day royal coronation ceremony began Saturday 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 king was presented with a royal plaque containing his name, title, royal horoscope and royal seal, royal regalia, and weapons of sovereignty.
