May 6, 2019

It's official! As of May 4th, Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X (his dynastic name), has been crowned King of Thailand, two years after ascending to the throne following the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in 2016. He becomes the first sovereign to become king at such an advanced age (66 years old). Here's a look back at this extraordinary event whose coronation ceremonies took place from Saturday, May 4th through Monday, May 6th, 2019.

Far More Than an Event—A Symbol!

A constitutional monarchy since 1932, Thailand has not witnessed a coronation since 1950. The last one was that of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose reign lasted nearly seven decades. This is why the new king's coronation is a historic moment. Most Thai people had never witnessed such an event before this one. Regarded as the spiritual guide and protector of his people, the king embodies the unity of the nation. It's no wonder, then, that tens of thousands of Thai citizens made their way to the Royal Palace last weekend to witness this extraordinary occasion.

Age-Old Customs to Parade

The coronation ceremonies of King Rama X took place from Saturday, May 4th through Monday, May 6th, 2019. In keeping with the nation's traditions and customs, the king began his coronation with the "royal purification" ritual. This ceremony took place within the Grand Palace, where the king received sacred water poured by the Supreme Patriarch of Buddhism as well as the High Brahmin Priest. The ceremony continued with the presentation to the king of numerous emblematic objects of royalty, including the famous "Great Crown of Victory." A crown weighing more than 7 kilos, entirely in gold and set with diamonds, which, as tradition dictates, was placed upon his head by the king himself before he delivered his official address.

Sunday was reserved for an extraordinary parade. Under sweltering, oppressive heat, all of Thailand's people waited for the king's passage along the grand Ratchadamnoen Avenue. As the parade approached, the atmosphere was palpable. You could feel a certain excitement and immense pride among the thousands of Thai citizens who came to honor the new king. For the occasion, everyone was uniformly dressed in yellow (the royal color) and cheerfully waved the Thai flag and the symbolic banner of the monarchy.

King Rama X made his appearance late in the afternoon around the royal palace. Seated on a throne installed on a palanquin carried by soldiers wearing golden helmets, the King of Thailand was able to greet the crowd along a route of 7 kilometers. Throughout the day, the king also visited numerous temples in the city, including the celebrated Wat Pho. To conclude these three days of ceremony, King Maha Vajiralongkorn planned to appear on one of the balconies of the Grand Palace to greet the crowd and receive the wishes of the people. All that remains is to wish him a long and prosperous reign.

Charlène Nomadays

An SEO writer from the very beginning at Nomadays, Charlène has evolved into a content manager and head of communications, accompanying the adventure since its inception with passion and dedication. After living seven years in Asia—from China to Thailand, passing through Mongolia and South Korea—she has made travel her way of being in the world. A lover of words, nature, and human connection, she strives to convey in her writing a sensitive, engaged, and responsible vision of tourism. Each article is for her a bridge between curiosity, respect, and wonder.