Thailand is preparing to crown its new king in a lavish three-day celebration that comes almost 69 years to the day since the last coronation.
“In many ways (the coronation) begins a new chapter in Thai history,” said Paul Chambers, from the College of ASEAN Community Studies at Thailand’s Naresuan University. “It legitimizes him, and it commences the reign formally.”
Although Thailand’s monarchy hasn’t held absolute power in 86 years, it remains an influential part of Thai life. Pictures of the royals are widely displayed around Thailand and the country’s strict lese majeste laws make it illegal to defame, insult or threaten the king, queen, heir-apparent or regent.
The coronation comes amid an ongoing period of political instability in the country, which has had two coups in 13 years. In March, Thailand held a national election but its results remain unclear, with both major political parties claiming they are able to form a government.
“The coronation can be seen as an event that would distract Thai people from the current political problems,” Chambers said. “People are very curious — they haven’t seen a coronation.”
A multi-million dollar celebration
During the three-day celebration, King Vajiralongkorn will be presented with a gold 7.3-kilogram crown, circle parts of the city on a royal palanquin and will undergo a royal purification ceremony using sacred water gathered from Thailand’s 76 provinces, according to the Thai Government’s public relations department.
The crucial moment, where King Vajiralongkorn becomes a consecrated king, will be on Saturday, when he receives a sacred, nine-tiered umbrella. Only a consecrated king is allowed to sit on a throne under a nine-tiered umbrellawhich represents the King’s connection with heaven.
