The Coronation of King Rama X

[loonytick]

I, for one, am eagerly anticipating watching all the events surrounding the coronation of the King in May. What amazes me is how extensive and meaningful every step of the way is.

I would imagine that the entire country of Thailand is very eagerly anticipating all the rituals and events that come with a coronation. It truly is a time that unites the people.

The previous king’s funeral was incredibly detailed and interesting. I can only imagine how transfixing this coronation will be!

 

[Osipi]

Oh wasn't it! I was glued to streaming everything surrounding the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the cremation ceremony a year later. This is what impresses me. The time, the respect, the prayers and the blessings that make momentous occasions something that is to be remembered and celebrated over time rather than one ceremony and done.

 

[Korapin]

It was announced that no foreign royalties were invited. AFAIK, the only European royal who attended the coronation was the Grand Duke Boris Vladimirovich of Russia in the Rama VI's Coronation.

 

[Appleich]

 

[Elektra]

The King's fourth wife, Suthida “Nui” Tidjai has been officially names as Queen.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1123548480453083136

 

[Blog Real]

New queen named
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1670328/new-queen-named

 

[Appleich]

Royal Coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand

Live English-narrated telecasts are also available:
All times are GMT+7

Transferring of Phrasupphanabat, the King's Birth Horoscope and Royal Seal to Phaisan Thaksin Hall
May 3, 2019 - 9:00 AM

Worship of Emerald Buddha
May 3, 2019 - 3:00 PM

Grand Coronation
May 4, 2019 - 9:00 AM

Defender of the Buddhist Religion and Homage to the Royal Ancestors
May 4, 2019 - 4:00 PM

Assumption of Regal Signature, Regal Name and Royal Title Conferring upon Members of the Royal Family
May 5, 2019 - 8:30 AM

State Progress on Land (Circumambulation of the Capital City)
May 5, 2019 - 3:00 PM

Grand Public Audience
May 6, 2019 - 4:00 PM

 

[eya]

And after the videos who Appleich posted some pictures from the day today 3 May.

First, The procession of the King’s Royal Golden Plaque, Horoscope, and the Seal of State from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to be kept at Phaisarn Thaksin Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, Bangkok

https://scontent.fath3-3.fna.fbcdn....=1ffcaeac8f8ca6f828b15d226206a100&oe=5D745F2A
https://scontent.fath3-4.fna.fbcdn....=c658b61fb2817c129ce22f6f7664d0d5&oe=5D64329E
https://scontent.fath3-3.fna.fbcdn....=8afe4390d50d20427a31e5e7778a08c9&oe=5D2B4723
https://scontent.fath3-4.fna.fbcdn....=0e49a9742bcbcb6686d997f84096e991&oe=5D327193
https://scontent.fath3-4.fna.fbcdn....=4515d92c67288e07b93d70393c56cdf5&oe=5D2ED49A
https://scontent.fath3-3.fna.fbcdn....=027bd7817b834fb1ac845671ab997364&oe=5D3588D3


King Rama and Queen Suthida with members of the Royal Family performed the Buddhist rites at the Amarin Winitchai and Phaisan Thaksin Throne Halls, also paid respect to the relics of the deceased monarchs at the Buddha Hall for the Coronation in the Grand Palace, Bangkok

https://scontent.fath3-3.fna.fbcdn....=c939df3586097223f781df5b239ba7aa&oe=5D300FA2
https://scontent.fath3-4.fna.fbcdn....=00a2ff1271b4402f0376e9a067b0d7be&oe=5D2D3972
https://scontent.fath3-3.fna.fbcdn....=c8a66fb057ffe7b54473d9dcb00d8ec0&oe=5D2B52CE
https://scontent.fath3-3.fna.fbcdn....=fa8462dd025e9e0e23b48bd65fd026e0&oe=5D6D5785
https://scontent.fath3-3.fna.fbcdn....=8a7e599366022146caceebd44af8323b&oe=5D5E5002
https://scontent.fath3-3.fna.fbcdn....=c928c2fd02dc49ff61da48520bd71436&oe=5D6B7B71
https://scontent.fath3-4.fna.fbcdn....=5fda283d0939c4bbf626e2c20de5b323&oe=5D2AF832
https://scontent.fath3-3.fna.fbcdn....=413ef655198b0d21f8782dd9488864ac&oe=5D29516D


King Rama and Queen Suthida greeted members of the royal family during the coronation 2019 at the Phaisarn Thaksin Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, Bangkok

https://scontent.fath3-3.fna.fbcdn....=05e1c112cfdf21cf6411b43c75f52ab9&oe=5D5F9896
https://scontent.fath3-4.fna.fbcdn....=43cbae75c42a12c2fc4c420cb8c03903&oe=5D704419
https://scontent.fath3-4.fna.fbcdn....=3df7f1a4062253510089f4baeb94dcc4&oe=5D6FB090
https://scontent.fath3-3.fna.fbcdn....=16fb72ee30c090ef2bbd5325b43f3b15&oe=5D76EE6D
https://scontent.fath3-4.fna.fbcdn....=76593fdfc2bb1a08dedc0e7dca0a5646&oe=5D2CC7ED

 

[Appleich]

Personal observation of the ceremony so far:

- HM the King looks frail and tired in some evident moments.
- Absence of Princess Ubolratana is very obscure, considering that she's still very healthy compared to other members of the royal family.
- Absences of Queen Mother, Princess Chulabhorn and Princess Soamsawali (poor health/hospitalized).
- Presence of Khun Koi in the back row.

 

[Spheno]

Just finished to watch the ceremony. It was very interesting. Some moments were unexpected, for example, the Brahmins' part was very significant. As I understand new queen received a lot of gifts. Yes, the king was visibly tired.
For me best moment was interaction of the family after the ceremony. Lovely.

 

[Appleich]

Live coverage by Ruptly:

 

[An Ard Ri]

Here are a few more photos of King Rama and Queen Suthida

https://www.ppe-agency.com/show.php?zoektype=2&search=03-05-2019 Coronation

https://www.ppe-agency.com/show.php?start=0&zoektype=2&search=04-05-2019 Thailand

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

Usually I would watch this with total fascination, but I dislike the new King and his poor fourth wife so much, that it had turned into a grotesque vaudeville for me. Sadly all channels worldwide start about the poodle who became Marshall, the stewardess-turned-general whom suddenly became Queen, the images of a barely clad Prince with fake tattoos greeted by the most docile servants ever. Brrrr. This is the best ammunition for opposants. It has the same vibe as the ill-doomed Nepalese and Iranian royals.

 

[Appleich]

Ceremonies for today are over. Here are key events:

Purification bath Murathabhisek:

Anointing on the Octagonal Throne:

Crowning of the new King:

Installation of Queen Suthida:

Grand audience:

Clearly, the king looked very tired probably from Thailand's deadly heat during hot season. Tomorrow's ceremony will focus on state progress around old quarter of Bangkok in the evening (I guess to avoid the heat).

 

[Daenys]

Hello, Appleich, thank you for links and videos!
I have a wuastion about anointing ceremony - who was the person who was anointing the King after each official presented him with some kind of vessel? Was it a priest?
The second question about ritual itself - some people there kneeled before the King, and some didn't, I've noticed those who didn't were of advanced age - was it because of their age or their status they didn't kneel?

 

[EssexRoyal]

I believe Princess Soamsawali and her daughter were both there in the area for members of the Royal Family. On the Thai TV coverage that I was watching the camera quickly scanned the group and she could be seen and she is not a lady to be easily missed.

 

[Appleich]

Hello, Appleich, thank you for links and videos!
I have a wuastion about anointing ceremony - who was the person who was anointing the King after each official presented him with some kind of vessel? Was it a priest?
The second question about ritual itself - some people there kneeled before the King, and some didn't, I've noticed those who didn't were of advanced age - was it because of their age or their status they didn't kneel?

They were Royal Brahmin priests. Reuters has a good article explaining all the rituals performed yesterday if you'd like to explore further:

Explainer: What to watch for - Thailand's Brahmin and Buddhist coronation rituals

And, for those who struggled to knee or didn't knee, I'm quite sure it was because of their age.

I believe Princess Soamsawali and her daughter were both there in the area for members of the Royal Family. On the Thai TV coverage that I was watching the camera quickly scanned the group and she could be seen and she is not a lady to be easily missed.

Only Princess Bajrakitiyabha was presented yesterday. Princess Soamsawali suffered intracranial hemorrhage since February and has been hospitalized since.

Another ceremony which was not publicly televised was Assumption of Residence where the newly crowned king resided within Grand Palace for a night.

https://www.facebook.com/ThaiPBSFan/photos/pcb.10162036274200085/10162036271130085/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/ThaiPBSFan/photos/pcb.10162036274200085/10162036271115085/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/ThaiPBSFan/photos/pcb.10162036274200085/10162036270705085/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/ThaiPBSFan/photos/pcb.10162036274200085/10162036270680085/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/ThaiPBSFan/photos/pcb.10162036274200085/10162036270590085/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/ThaiPBSFan/photos/pcb.10162036274200085/10162036271370085/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/ThaiPBSFan/photos/pcb.10162036274200085/10162036271635085/?type=3&theater

 

[Lee-Z]

Thanks Appleich for posting all the pictures and videos and keeping us informed!

Seeing that the last coronation was such a long time ago we are fortunate to be able to witness this...

(and that it happens to be at the same time as the festivities in Japan for the new emporer is a coincidence that will probably never occur again..)

 

[Appleich]

^^ You're welcomed.

Today, members of the royal family and King Bhumibol bestowed with new titles as follows:

1. HM King Bhumibol the Great, the King Father
2. HM Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother
3. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the Princess Debaratanarajasuda, Princess Royal (Grand Princess Sister)
4. HRH Princess Chulabhorn, the Princess Srisavangvadhana (Princess Sister)
5. HRH Princess Soamsawali, the Princess Suthanareenart
6. HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debayavadi (Princess Daughter)
7. HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratanarajakanya (Princess Daughter)
8. HRH Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti Mahavajirojtamangkun Sirivibulayarajakumar (Prince Son)
9. HRH Princess Siribhachudabhorn*
10. HRH Princess Aditayadornkitikhun*

*formerly Princess Granddaughter​

New titles for former king and his queen

Princess Ubolratana and her family didn't receive any royal titles since she relinquished it long ago to marry Peter Jensen.

 

[EssexRoyal]

Queen Sirikit

Was the lady in the wheelchair (with the gold face mask) Queen Sirikit? The new Queen was showing her great reverence when the King was giving out the names and awards so I presume it was her (the last time she was seen she had grey hair and this lady had black hair - but I suppose you’d want to look your best at such an occasion!).

 

[Appleich]

No, that was Princess Soamsawali.

 

[EssexRoyal]

Thanks. Sad she looks so unwell, but at least she was there. Nice to see how respectful the new Queen was to her.

Has a list of the complete new names and titles been published yet? I saw a list of some of the new titles given to some of the King’s relatives but not the intricate styles that go with them and which define their status in regards to their relationship to he King.

 

[Appleich]

^^ You're welcomed. Yes, it has. I'll list you the name right here (they are so long):

--- King Bhumibol Adulyadej* ---

Phra Bat Somdet Phra Boromchanakathibet Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej Maharaj Borommanatbophit
(พระบาทสมเด็จพระบรมชนกาธิเบศร มหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดชมหาราช บรมนาถบพิตร)

● Phra Boromchanakathibet = King Father
● Maharaj = The Great

--- Queen Sirikit ---

Somdet Phra Naang Chao Sirikit Phra Borommarajininat Phra Boromarajajonani Pan Pi Luang
(สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ พระบรมราชชนนีพันปีหลวง)

● Phra Boromarajajonani Pan Pi Luang = Queen Mother

--- Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn** ---

Somdet Phra Kanithathirat Chao Krom Somdet Phra Debaratanarajasuda Chao Fah Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Maha Vajiralongkorn Worraratphakdi Sirikitjakariniphiriyaphat Rathasimagunakornpiyajat Sayamboromrajakumari
(สมเด็จพระกนิษฐาธิราชเจ้า กรมสมเด็จพระเทพรัตนราชสุดา เจ้าฟ้ามหาจักรีสิรินธร มหาวชิราลงกรณวรราชภักดี สิริกิจจการิณีพิรยพัฒน รัฐสีมาคุณากรปิยชาติ สยามบรมราชกุมารี)

● Phra Kanithathirat Chao = Grand Princess Younger Sister
● Krom Somdet Phra Debaratanarajasuda = The Princess Debaratanarajasuda
● Sayamboromrajakumari = Princess Royal

--- Princess Chulabhorn ---

Somdet Phrachao Nong Naang Thoe Chaofa Chulabhorn Walailak, Krom Pra Srisavangvadhana Vorakhattiya Rajanari
(สมเด็จพระเจ้าน้องนางเธอ เจ้าฟ้าจุฬาภรณวลัยลักษณ์ฯ กรมพระศรีสวางควัฒน วรขัตติยราชนารี)

● Phrachao Nong Naang Thoe = Princess Younger Sister
● Krom Pra Srisavangvadhana = The Princess Srisavangvadhana

--- Princess Soamsawali ---

Phrachao Voravongse Thoe Phra Ong Chao Soamsawali Kromma Muen Suthanareenart
(พระเจ้าวรวงศ์เธอ พระองค์เจ้าโสมสวลี กรมหมื่นสุทธนารีนาถ)

● Phrachao Voravongse Thoe = Princess Relative
● Kromma Muen Suthanareenart = The Princess Suthanareenart

--- Princess Bajrakitiyabha ---

Somdet Phrachao Luk Thoe Chaofa Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debayavadi
(สมเด็จพระเจ้าลูกเธอ เจ้าฟ้าพัชรกิติยาภา นเรนทิราเทพยวดี)

● Phrachao Luk Thoe = Princess Daughter

--- Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana ---

Somdet Phrachao Luk Thoe Chaofa Sirivannavari Nariratanarajakanya
(สมเด็จพระเจ้าลูกเธอ เจ้าฟ้าสิริวัณณวรี นารีรัตนราชกัญญา)

● Phrachao Luk Thoe = Princess Daughter

--- Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti ---

Somdet Phrachao Luk Ya Thoe Chaofa Dipangkorn Rasmijoti Mahavajirojtamangkun Sirivibulayarajakumar
(สมเด็จพระเจ้าลูกยาเธอ เจ้าฟ้าทีปังกรรัศมีโชติ มหาวชิโรตมางกูร สิริวิบูลยราชกุมาร)

● Phrachao Luk Ya Thoe = Prince Son

--- Princess Siribhachudabhorn ---

Phrachao Voravongse Thoe Phra Ong Chao Siribhachudabhorn
(พระเจ้าวรวงศ์เธอ พระองค์เจ้าสิริภาจุฑาภรณ์)

● Phrachao Voravongse Thoe = Princess Relative

--- Princess Aditayadornkitikhun ---

Phrachao Voravongse Thoe Phra Ong Chao Aditayadornkitikhun
(พระเจ้าวรวงศ์เธอ พระองค์เจ้าอทิตยาทรกิติคุณ)

● Phrachao Voravongse Thoe = Princess Relative

Note:

*Unprecedentedly, no king in recent history bestowed the title 'Phra Boromchanakathibet' before. King Bhumibol is the first monarch to also referred as 'the King Father'.

**Unprecedentedly, no princess in recent history bestowed the title 'Phra Kanithathirat Chao' before. Since Princess Sirindhorn held the title 'Sayamboromrajakumari' or Princess Royal which made her the highest rank Princess, changing her title to 'Phrachao Nong Naang Thoe' or Princess Younger Sister as normally should would deemed as demoting her royal title. Therefore, under this reign, the new 'Phra Kanithathirat Chao' has been bestowed. The title has no official translation (yet) but it's something equivalent to 'Grand Princess Younger Sister'.

 

[Appleich]

Live telecast of State Progress on Land has just started:

 

[Spheno]

^^ You're welcomed. Yes, it has. I'll list you the name right here (they are so long):

Who is heir to the throne now?

 

[Appleich]

^^ No heir apparent (crown prince/princess) yet, only heir presumptive which is Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti.

 

[Jeannedeorleans]

Who is heir to the throne now?

Our system is not like that, the heir is selected by the king personally. Who ever the king decide to be suitable can be the heir.

 

[Jeannedeorleans]

To add more to what Appleich said, the act of giving title The Princess Debaratanarajasuda, and etc. is called in Thai as "taking department" because in the past a department would be created and given to princes and princesses as they come of age to be their demesne. An official would be made director of this department to serve a prince or princess who own it. The higher the status of the owner, the higher the rank of this director.


This director of the department and the actual department itself is no more, the title is just honorific in the present era.



In case of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn; her department is the highest possible rank. In the past, there would be an official titled Phraya Debaratanarajasuda in charge of her department.


Princess Chulabhorn's department is the second highest rank with an official titled Pra Srisavangvadhana in charge if it's 150 years ago.


Princess Soamsawali's department is the lowest of the 5 possible rank with Meun Suthanareenart as its head.

 

[Somebody]

Thanks. So, who hold the 3rd and 4th departments? The two princess daughters? And what about the remaining princess relatives?

 

[Somebody]

Our system is not like that, the heir is selected by the king personally. Who ever the king decide to be suitable can be the heir.

So, could he appoint one of his daughters as his heir? Or is it restricted to males? Could it also be someone outside of the family if it needs to be a man and the only available prince would be deemed unsuitable?