Here's what's happening on Royal Coronation weekend
Events and road closures through May 6.
5 years ago
On Apr 4, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn will complete his official ascension to the throne in the Royal Coronation Ceremony. King Vajiralongkorn inherited the throne following the death of his beloved father HRM Bhumibol Adulyadej in Oct 2016, but requested a mourning period before his coronation. From events to road closures, here’s everything you need to know.
Calendar of events
April
18
Earlier in the month, sacred water was gathered from all 76 provinces of Thailand and santified for use in the Royal Coronation Ceremony. On Apr 18, the waters will be combined in Bangkok and taken to Wat Suthat for a final consecration rite.
19
A procession will be held to transport the water to Wat Phra Kaew, ready for the purification ceremony.
23
A Brahmin astrological ceremony will interpret the Royal Horoscope of the new King; the Royal Golden Plaque (Phra Suphannabap) will be inscribed with the King’s official title; and the Royal Seal of State will be created.
May
2
The king will pay respect to deities and former monarchs at the Royal Plaza, Memorial Bridge, Phaisan Thaksin Throne Hall and the Grand Palace.
3
A procession of 133 soldiers will carry the inscribed Royal Golden Plaque from Wat Phra Kaew to the Phaisan Thaksin Throne Hall in the Grand Palace. The king will pay homage the Emerald Buddha.
4 Royal Coronation Day
The royal Purification and Anointment Ceremonies will take place at The Grand Palace using consecrated waters gathered from Bangkok’s 76 provinces. Next, the presentation of the royal regalia will take place at Bhadrapitha Throne, where the King will be officially crowned. His Majesty will then grant an audience with royal family members and officials, before being accompanied by 234 soldiers in a procession to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where he will be pronounced the official Royal Patron of Buddhism. Finally, the Assumption of Royal Residence Ceremony takes place at Chakrabat Biman Royal Residence.
5 Parade Day
The inauguration of the king’s official name and signature will be followed by the re-establishment of the royal family members’ ranks. A royal parade will then be held around Rattanakosin for members of the public to offer their well wishes; the king will be accompanied by 1,368 soldiers and a marching band. This is expected to last three hours.
6
His Majesty the King will make an appearance on the eastern balcony of Suddhaisavarya Prasad Hall. He will later grant an audience to foreign diplomats at Chakri Maha Prasad Throne Hall.
Later this year
In late 2019, a royal barge procession will be held along the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun during the Royal Kathin Robe Presentation Ceremony. As of next year, May 4 will become a public holiday for Coronation Day (Wan Chattra Mongkhon).
Key parade day road closures
Apr 5: Khaosan; Rachadamnoen Nok; Charoenkrung; Nakhon Sawan; Maha Chai; Dinso; Ram Buttri; Phra Sumen; Rachini. For a full list of all 34 road closures, visit bit.ly/2YFZWJj.
Other key road closures:
May 2: Chatuphon; Si Ayutthaya
May 2, 5: Ratchadamnoen Nok
May 2-6: Maharat; Ratchadamnoen; Sanam Chai
May 3-4: Thai Wang
May 3-6: Rachini
May 3-4, 6: Na Phra That; Phra Chan
May 5-6: Charoenkrung
May 5: Dinso; Khaosan; Maha Chai; Nakhon Sawan; Phra Sumen; Rachini; Ram Buttri
May 2, 5: Ratchadamnoen Nok
May 2-6: Maharat; Ratchadamnoen; Sanam Chai
May 3-4: Thai Wang
May 3-6: Rachini
May 3-4, 6: Na Phra That; Phra Chan
May 5-6: Charoenkrung
May 5: Dinso; Khaosan; Maha Chai; Nakhon Sawan; Phra Sumen; Rachini; Ram Buttri
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