All of Thailand is excitedly looking forward to the kingdom’s first royal coronation in nearly seven decades. After years of preparation, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn will be ascending to the throne in a series of elaborate events from 4 to 6 of May.
The Thai royal coronation is influenced by various religions and cultures, and comprises practices aimed at blessing and elevating the status of the king to a divine level.
There are hundreds of events leading up to the actual coronation, but two of the most highlighted in the royal coronation ceremony, called Phra Ratcha Phithi Boromma Racha Phisek, are the RoyalPurification Ceremony (Song Phra Muratha Bhisek) and the Anointment Ceremony (Abhisek).
The throne on which the monarch will sit is another significant element of the Thai royal coronation. After the royal purification, the sovereign would change into the Regal Vestments and proceed to sit on the Atha Disa Udumbara Raja Asana Throne, a fig wood throne placed underneath a seven-tiered umbrella. The king would receive the water of anointment on this fig wood throne (the fig tree being sacred in Hinduism), before moving to the Bhadrapitha Throne, which sits under a royal nine-tiered umbrella, to receive the Royal Regalia, the Royal Decorations and the Royal Utensils.
To grant an audience and receive homage from the representatives of the head of states, diplomats and state officials, the king would sit on the Bhudtan Kanchana Singhasana Throne, which is also under a royal nine-tiered umbrella, inside the Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall.
