Coronation of King Rama X in Thailand: What you need to know

Here is all the useful information you need to know about the coronation of King Rama X in Thailand and the ceremonies.

Thailand's first in nearly seven decades will take place in Bangkok from May 4 to 6.

At this event, King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun will officially ascend to the throne.

For those traveling to Bangkok this weekend, it's a rare opportunity to witness a historic moment in Thai history.

Maha Vajiralongkorn, 66, inherited the crown after the death of his father, King Rama IX , in 2016, becoming King Rama X.

He is the 10th member of the Chakri dynasty, which has ruled Thailand since Rama I ascended the throne in 1782.

The coronation ceremonies will include a blend of sacred Hindu and Buddhist rituals dating back centuries.

Coronation of King Rama X: Gathering at Sanam Luang

Although the royal coronation will take place largely behind closed doors in Bangkok's famous Grand Palace , it will be televised/broadcast live and the public will have various opportunities to take part in the celebrations.

For most Thais, this will be their first chance to experience a coronation.

King Rama IX ascended the throne in 1950 and was the world's longest-reigning monarch before his death in 2016.

Thousands of people are expected to gather at Sanam Luang, a historic square adjacent to the Grand Palace, during the coronation from May 4 to 6.

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority is offering free public transportation services for those planning to visit the area starting May 2.

Free train and ferry services to the region will also be available from May 4 to 6.

According to authorities, free food and water will be distributed while rest areas and mobile toilets have been set up to facilitate the expected gatherings in Sanam Luang.

The public was encouraged to wear yellow during the coronation period, which is the color associated with the king's birthday – Monday.

See: In Thailand there is a color for each day of the week

"For all visitors planning to participate in the historical events, TAT would like to ask them to wear respectful attire and be aware that, in some areas, transportation may be affected," the Tourism Authority of Thailand said in a statement.

May 4 – Royal Coronation Day

This is the official coronation day, when the most important rituals will take place at the Grand Palace.

Normally open to the public, the Grand Palace and its Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be closed during the coronation.

Again, although these events are taking place behind closed doors, they will be broadcast live on Thai television channels and online.

On that date, the king will participate in a royal purification ceremony that involves being anointed in sacred waters gathered from Thailand's 76 provinces.

Then he will be seated under the nine-tiered state umbrella – a symbol of full sovereignty – and will be presented with various royal costumes.

The Thai Ministry of Culture has released a detailed PDF document in English highlighting the various elements of the royal coronation ceremony, including the significance of the royal costumes.

Download the PDF.

Later in the day, the king will grant an audience to members of the royal family and senior Thai officials.

May 5 – Public Procession

At approximately 4:30 p.m., King Rama X will tour the area surrounding the Grand Palace in an ornate royal palanquin and stop at three major temples:

Wat Bovoranives, Wat Rajabopidh and Wat Phra Chetuphon.

According to officials, Vajiralongkorn will pay homage to the main Buddha images in each temple before returning to the Grand Palace.

Large crowds are expected along the seven-kilometer-long procession to greet the king.

May 6 – Sound and light show

Monday, May 6, has been declared a public holiday, with government offices and some banks closed.

At 4:30 p.m., the king is expected to greet the public on a balcony of the Suddhaisavarya Prasad Hall inside the Grand Palace.

The celebration performances will begin at Sanam Luang from late afternoon.

These include a sound and light show with drones around 7 p.m.

Video of the preparation

Coronation of King Rama X: impact on tourists

All coronation activities will take place in the city's Rattanakosin district.

Often referred to as the "Old Town," it is a popular destination for tourists due to the high concentration of historical attractions, hotels, restaurants, and bars in the Khao San Road and Phra Arthit Road areas, among others.

In addition to the Grand Palace, which will reopen on May 7, the National Museum Bangkok, the Queen's Gallery, the National Gallery, the City Pillar Shrine, the Museum Siam, the Pipit Banglamphu Museum, the Coin Museum, the King Prajadhipok Museum, Wat Saket (Golden Mount), and Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium will be closed during the coronation.

Wat Pho and Wat Bowonniwet Vihara will only be closed on May 5, while Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is closed on May 5 and 6.

More than 30 roads in the area will also be closed to traffic at various times from May 2 to 6, including Ratchadamnoen, Sanam Chai and Maharat.

Travelers should expect significant traffic delays and are advised to use public transportation whenever possible.

Outside of Rattanakosin, Bangkok is expected to operate normally during the coronation period, with bars, restaurants and shopping malls open.

See also:

Coronation of the King of Thailand: Video of the first day's ceremonies

King Maha Vajiralongkorn crowned Rama X of Thailand

Source: edition.cnn.com ; tatnews.org