Thailand to crown its newlywed king in elaborate ceremonies

rooster59 · May 3, 2019

Thailand to crown its newlywed king in elaborate ceremonies

By Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Panarat Thepgumpanat

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida attend a religious ceremony for the coronation inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, May 3, 2019. The Committee on Public Relations of the Coronation of King Rama X via REUTERS

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Saturday begins intricate Buddhist and Brahmin ceremonies to symbolically transform him into a living god as the Southeast Asian nation officially crowns its first monarch in nearly seven decades.

The king will be joined by new Queen Suthida after a surprise announcement three days before the coronation that the thrice-divorced monarch had married for a fourth time.

At the astrologically auspicious time of 10:09 a.m. (03:09 GMT), the king will be dressed in white as he undergoes a royal purification ritual in which consecrated waters will be poured over his head.

King Vajiralongkorn, 66, became constitutional monarch after the death of his revered father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in October 2016 after 70 years on the throne.

His coronation, after a period of mourning for the late king, comes amid the uncertainty of an unresolved election battle between the current military junta chief and a "democratic front" trying to push the army out of politics.

Thai kings' coronation rituals are a mixture of Buddhist and Hindu Brahmin traditions dating back centuries. One of the many official titles King Vajiralongkorn will take is Rama X, or the 10th king of the Chakri dynasty founded in 1782.

Saturday's rituals, which will see the king bathed in holy waters and crowned, are about transforming him into a "Devaraja", or a divine embodiment of the gods.

As the waters start pouring, ancient cannons from the 19th century, used specifically for the coronation, will fire 10 volleys each.

The king will then change into a full uniform and take a seat on an eight-sided, carved wooden throne to receive sacred waters on his hands in an anointment ritual.

Selected officials, including military junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha, the head of the National Legislative Assembly, and the chairman of the Supreme Court, will pour the waters from eight directions, representing the cardinal and ordinal directions on a compass.

The waters used in both rituals were collected from 117 sources last month, blessed by Buddhist monks and Brahmin priests in temples around the country, before they were combined and consecrated.

Before noon, the purified and anointed sovereign will sit under an elaborate nine-tiered umbrella, where he will receive the royal golden plaque containing his name and title, the royal horoscope, and the royal seal, which were made in a three-hour ritual last week.

The king will also receive and wear five articles of the royal regalia from the chief Brahmin.

Once in full regalia, the king will give his first royal command, a short utterance that will highlight the essence of his reign.

The king will proclaim himself the royal patron of Buddhism later in the evening, and perform a private housewarming ritual at the royal residence where he will stay the night, as previous kings have done.

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rooster59 · May 4, 2019

Lighting of Victory Candle illuminates fresh hope

By Chularat Saengpassa,
Urisara Kowitdamrong
The Nation Weekend

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn yesterday lights candles at the Baisal Daksin Throne Hall to consecrate the ceremonial objects which will be used in the coronation ceremony.

Ceremonial announcement marks beginning of ancient coronation rituals

Members of the Royal Family, government and clergy have unanimously decided to hold the Royal Coronation Ceremony for the 10th king of the Chakri Dynasty, it was announced at 5pm on Friday, setting the stage for the three-day coronation ceremony.

Phra Phrom Muni, secretary to His Holiness Ariyavongsagatanana, the Supreme Patriarch, made the announcement on Friday after the Supreme Patriarch lit the Victory Candle with His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn standing by the latter’s side in the Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall.

Once the candle was lit, monks began chanting prayers in the Amarindra Vinijaya and Baisal Daksin throne halls and the Chakrapat Biman Royal Residence – collectively known as the Phra Maha Monthira in the inner sanctum of the glittering Grand Palace.

His Majesty arrived at the Grand Palace at 4pm on Friday with Queen Suthida and his three children – Their Royal Highnesses Princess Bajrakiti-yabha, Princess Sirivannavari Narirat-ana and Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti.

Their motorcade was greeted by citizens outside the Emerald Buddha Temple ubosot, wearing yellow clothing and chanting “Long live the royals”.

The Royal Family entered the main ubosot of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where His Majesty paid respect to Buddha statues bearing the names of Kings Rama I and Rama II, and to the Emerald Buddha itself.

They then moved on to the Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall, where the King paid respects to the Triple Gems and the Buddha statues of his ancestors.

Waiting in the adjoining Baisal Daksin Throne Hall were Princess Ubolratana and Their Royal Highnesses Princesses Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Chulabhorn along with many other members of the Royal Family.

The King greeted his sisters – the eldest one, Ubolratana, with a hug – before entering an adjoining shrine to pay respects to the cremated remains of his ancestors, a tradition begun by King Rama VII.

In the Baisal Daksin Throne Hall, His Majesty presented ceremonial fans to the Supreme Patriarch and 94 other senior monks, before accompanying the Supreme Patriarch as he lit the Victory Candle in the Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall.

At 10am, Royal Golden Plaques with the King’s official name and horoscope and the Royal Seal of State were carried in procession from the Emerald Buddha Temple to the Baisal Daksin Throne Hall, a distance of 220 metres. The three items, which all play significant roles in the coronation ceremony, were made in a sacred ritual at the temple on April 23.

The procession, amid the sound of gold and silver drums, horns and conch shells, included 113 individuals from five government agencies. At the throne hall, Lord Chamberlain ACM Satitpong Sukvimol carried the three items on a golden tray to a pedestal inside.

The ceremonies, in line with ancient traditions, were televised for everyone to witness.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30368818

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rooster59 · May 4, 2019

Timeline for an historic weekend

By The Nation Weekend

Nation/Tanachai Pramarnpanich

The onceinalifetime spectacle that is His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s coronation – taking place from Saturday through Monday amid stirring, ageold traditions – is an historic event not to be missed. The formal coronation ceremony takes place on Saturday.

Here is a schedule showing how the weekend’s pageantry will unfold.

SATURDAY

10.09am to noon

The Royal Purification Ceremony – Song Muratha Bhisek in Thai – takes place at the Chakrabat Biman Royal Residence in the Grand Palace. Muratha bhisek refers to the action of pouring holy water over the King’s head, the ablution.

His Majesty will then proceed to the Baisal Daksin Throne Hall for the Anointing Ceremony, and then take his place on the Bhadrapitha Throne beneath the Nine-tiered Umbrella.

The chief Brahmin will present him with the Royal Golden Plaque bearing His Majesty’s official title, the Royal Regalia, the Ancient and Auspicious Orders and the Weapons of Sovereignty.

The crowning and investiture now complete, the King will present his First Royal Command.

2pm

His Majesty grants a grand audience in the Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall to members of the Royal Family, the Privy Council and the Cabinet and senior officials bringing their best wishes.

4pm

His Majesty will travel to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to proclaim himself the Royal Patron of Buddhism.

1.09pm-8.30pm

In the meantime the formal Assumption of the Royal Residence has begun at the Chakrabat Biman Royal Residence within the Grand Palace and continues into the evening. Although His Majesty will by custom spend at least one night there, the ceremony is a chiefly a symbolic occupation of the royal residence and a form of housewarming.

SUNDAY

9am

The King will be bestowed his Royal Cypher and Royal Title in the Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall of the Grand Palace and will then grant official ranks to members of the Royal Family.

4.30pm

His Majesty, atop the Royal Palanquin, will be carried in procession to “encircle” the old city, affording people an opportunity to pay homage. The route will be specially illuminated after dusk. The entire procession is expected to last more than five hours.

PROCESSION ROUTE

From the Abhorn Bimok Pavilion at the Grand Palace through the Vises Jayasri Gate onto Na Phra Lan Road

Left on Rajdamnoen Nai Road, right on Rajdamnoen Klang Road and left on Tanao Road to Wat Bovoranives, where the King will disembark to pay homage to the temple’s main Buddha statue

Along Phra Sumen Road, right on Rajdamnoen Road, through the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, left on Atsadang Road and along Bamrung Mueang Road to Wat Rajabopidh near the Giant Swing, where His Majesty will again pay respects

Along Fueang Nakhon Road and right on Charoen Krung Road to Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho), where the central Buddha image will be paid homage

Along Thai Wang Road to the Grand Palace, re-entering through the Vises Jayasri Gate

Monday

4.30pm

The King will make an appearance before dignitaries and the general public on the balcony of the Suddhaisavarya Prasad Hall at the Grand Palace.

5.30pm

The King will grant an audience to foreign diplomats in the Chakri Maha Prasad Throne Hall.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30368819

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rooster59 · May 4, 2019

150 monks given alms in Mahasarakham to mark coronation

By The Nation

Government officials, troops, police and members of the public gave alms to 150 monks to make merit at a royal temple in Mahasarakham to mark the royal coronation.

The rite was held at the Wat Mahachai temple in Mahasarakham’s Muang district.

The monks are among 6,810 monks ordained nationwide for 15 days to mark the royal coronation.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30368837

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rooster59 · May 4, 2019

Songkhla people give alms to 69 monks to mark coronation

By The Nation

Deputy Songkhla governor Rachit Sudphum led yellow-clad officials and members of the public on Saturday to give alms to 69 monks to make merit at a royal temple in Muang district on the occasion of the royal coronation.

The alms giving rite was held at 7am at the Wat Chai Mongkol.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30368844

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rooster59 · May 4, 2019

69 monks in Nakhon Phanom given alms to mark coronation

By The Nation

Nakhon Phanom deputy governor Rangsan Khampiranon led officials, soldiers, police and members of the public to give alms to 69 monks to make merit on the occasion of the royal coronation at a royal temple in Nakhon Phanom.

The merit making rite was held at 7am at the Phra That Phanom Worawiharn temple in That Phanom district.

After the alms giving, participants remained in front of the temple to watch the live broadcast of the royal coronation rite.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30368839

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rooster59 · May 4, 2019

Long queues to enter area around Grand Palace

By The Nation

Thousands of people queued at the screening points around Sanam Luang early on Saturday morning to wait for His Majesty the King ahead of the Royal Purification ceremony at the Grand Palace.

Queues at the Mother Earth screening point at Sanam Luang were already long at 8am.

Bangkok residents started arriving at 8am while provincial people stayed overnight at shelters provided by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, such as the Thai-Japanese Youth Centre.

Visitors were required to show their ID card to pass the screening points into the grounds around the Grand Palace. Lighters, umbrellas and water containers that can be broken are prohibited inside the area.

Buses on several routes and shuttle buses from the National Stadium are being provided to take people to Sanam Luang free of charge.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30368838

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rooster59 · May 4, 2019

People hail ‘Long live the King’ as His Majesty arrives for coronation rites

By The Nation

People waiting outside the Grand Palace shouted “Long Live the King” in joy as the royal car of His Majesty arrived for royal coronation rites.

The royal car took Their Majesties the King and Queen from the Dusit Palace to the Grand Palace at 9.57am.

As the car entered the Wiset Chaisri Gate, people on sidewalks shouted “Long Live the King” in joy.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30368845

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rooster59 · May 4, 2019

74-year-old woman makes solo trip from Suphan Buri to show loyalty to King

By The Nation

A 74-year-old woman from Suphan Buri travelled to Sanam Luang alone to enter the ground around the Grand Palace to express her loyalty to His Majesty the King on the occasion of the royal coronation rites on Saturday.

Malee Semus waited in the long queue at the Wong Wian Ror Dor roundabout near the Grand Palace at 8am.

She said she came alone from Suphan Buri on Friday to stay overnight with her children.

She said she plans to observe the royal coronation rites outside the Grand Palace throughout the three days.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30368841

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rooster59 · May 4, 2019

Yellow-clad Chiang Mai people give alms to 99 monks to mark royal coronation

By The Nation

Chiang Mai deputy governor Wiroon Phanthewee led government officials and members of the public clad in yellow to give alms to 99 monks to make merit on the occasion of royal coronation on Saturday morning.

The alms giving rite was held at the royal temple Wat Phra Sing in Muang district at 6.39am.

Older people were helped by young relatives to give alms to the monks.

The Chiang Mai Sangha committee decided to give the food from the alms giving rite to volunteers who have been fighting forest fires for weeks.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30368846

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rooster59 · May 4, 2019

BMA officials pay respect to King’s portrait

By The Nation

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration governor Aswin Kwanmuang led BMA officials to pay respect to the royal portrait of His Majesty the King to mark the royal coronation on Saturday morning.

Aswin said in a prepared speech that the BMA held the ceremony in appreciation of the His Majesty’s royal activities carried out to help the poor and underprivileged.

Aswin said the King’s voluntary project has done a lot for the country and for the people’s happiness.

The BMA held the rite to express the BMA official’s loyalty to the King and to wish the King happiness, good health and a long life.

Aswin then led officials to sign a book of good wishes for the King in front of the royal portrait.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30368848

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rooster59 · May 4, 2019

Loyal subjects crowd Sanam Luang to watch live broadcast of coronation rites

By The Nation

Thousands of people gathered around Sanam Luang on Saturday to watch live broadcasts of the royal coronation rites on monitors around the field.

People continued to enter the Sanam Luang grounds via checkpoints at 11am.

Sagnuan Namwong, 65, said she and here two grandchildren left Surat Thani on a bus at 6pm on Friday and arrived at Bangkok at 5am and went straight to Sanam Luang.

Somkiart Prompornrak, 53, travelled from his house in Bangkok’s Theves district to Sanam Luang to be part of the rites which he said was the best thing to happen in his life.

“This is the once-in-a-lifetime incident,” Somkiart said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30368850

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rooster59 · May 4, 2019

Thailand holds ornate coronation ceremonies for king

By Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Panarat Thepgumpanat

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn, donning white robes, undergoes a purification ritual during a ceremony before being officially crowned in Bangkok, Thailand, May 4, 2019 in this still image taken from Reuters TV footage. REUTERS/Reuters TV

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Saturday began intricate Buddhist and Brahmin ceremonies to symbolically transform him into a living god as the Southeast Asian nation officially crowns its first monarch in nearly seven decades.

The king was joined by new Queen Suthida after a surprise announcement three days before the coronation that the thrice-divorced monarch had married for a fourth time.

The king appeared dressed in white as he underwent a royal purification ritual, sitting under a canopied fountain that poured consecrated waters over his head.

The country's Buddhist Supreme Patriarch also poured sacred waters over the king's body, followed by Brahmin priests and royal family members.

King Vajiralongkorn, 66, became constitutional monarch after the death of his revered father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in October 2016 after 70 years on the throne.

His coronation, after a period of mourning for the late king, comes amid the uncertainty of an unresolved election battle between the current military junta chief and a "democratic front" trying to push the army out of politics.

Thai kings' coronation rituals are a mixture of Buddhist and Hindu Brahmin traditions dating back centuries. One of the many official titles King Vajiralongkorn will take is Rama X, or the 10th king of the Chakri dynasty founded in 1782.

Saturday's rituals are about transforming him into a "Devaraja", or a divine embodiment of the gods.

As the waters started pouring, ancient cannons from the 19th century, used specifically for the coronation, started firing 10 volleys each.