BANGKOK: Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn was crowned on Saturday (May 4) with a golden-tiered headpiece, the highlight of an elaborate three-day coronation ceremony two years after he ascended the throne.
The 66-year-old monarch, who was dressed in a bejewelled golden robe, was handed the 7.3kg Crown of Victory, which he placed on his head before issuing his first royal command.
"I shall reign in righteousness for the benefits of the kingdom and the people forever," he said.
Traditionally uttered after a king is crowned, the king's first royal command serves to capture the essence of his reign. The king's royal command was similar to that of his father's 69 years ago.
King Vajiralongkorn is the tenth monarch of the Chakri dynasty, which has reigned since 1782.
He ascended the throne over two years ago following his the death of his beloved father, but waited until after a long mourning period before setting his coronation date.
King Vajiralongkorn sat erect and high on a throne above his queen, royal family members and Brahmin priests inside the Grand Palace throne hall where the royal guardian deity Phra Siam Devadhiraj is said to reside.
Saturday's sombre ceremony began with the white-gowned king - the folds of his robe leaving one shoulder bared - anointing himself with sacred water from across Thailand, wiping it gently across his face at a shrine inside the Grand Palace complex.
A canon-salute marked the moment as horns and pipes played and Buddhist monks chanted that is to mark the start of King Maha Vajiralongkorn's coronation.
Hindu Brahmins were also in attendance at the syncretic ceremony, which symbolizes Rama X's transformation from a human to divine figure.
For most Thais, it will be the first time they have witnessed a coronation - the last was in 1950 for the king's beloved father Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Credits and Special Thanks
News:
Channel News Asia (CNA),
King Maha Vajiralongkorn crowned Rama X of Thailand
