Coronation of the Thai monarch
The
Historically, the coronation usually took place as soon as possible after the death of the previous monarch. This followed the custom that an unconsecrated king cannot bear certain regalia nor carry out any religious functions. However, in the last century this tradition has been replaced by a mourning period of about a year after the succession as their powers and legitimacy are already guaranteed by the constitution. The most recent coronation of Vajiralongkorn was held on 4 May 2019.[1]
Symbolism
The
The succession of a Thai king is not automatic, and was not formally codified until the 1924 Palace Law of Succession. Prior to this, the right of succession was based on many factors and was not always natural. Usurpation and violence was commonly employed to obtain the throne. As a result, the rite of coronation is important in legalising and legitimising the claimant's accession to kingship.[3][4]
Ancient custom dictates that the
History
Ancient
The earliest forms of coronation in Southeast Asia were derived from those of ancient India. The present Thai coronation ceremony is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, which were transferred to the Initial states of Thailand from three different sources: the Hindu civilisations of Srivijaya from the 8th to 12th centuries; the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the mid-14th century; and the Mon Buddhist Thaton Kingdom from the 3rd century BC to the 11th century.[8]
The
Despite the growth of Buddhism as the main religion of the Thai kingdoms, the existence of Hinduism and the exalted role of the Brahmin caste was not diminished. Although the kings were Buddhists they surrounded themselves with the accoutrements of Khmer royalty, including the services of court Brahmins. Buddhism was considered the religion of the people, while Hinduism (in particular Shaivism) was suitable only for royalty. However, the king must defend both.[10]
Ayutthaya
The Sukhothai state was absorbed into the Ayutthaya Kingdom (14th century to 1767) around the 15th century. During this period the coronation of the kings of Ayutthaya was sometimes termed an Indraphisek (อินทราภิเษก) to emphasize the religious aspects of the anointment, where the god Indra was invited to manifest into the person of the king. This ceremony was undoubtedly Hindu and was performed by the court Brahmins. The ceremony also included elements of a Rajasuya.[11] After the anointment, the chief nobles would then present the king with the different elements of his realm, namely the people, the capital city, the troops, the boats, the paddy fields and the treasury. The term Abhisheka itself was first used in the Royal Chronicle in 1480.[12] The ceremony was supposedly held over twenty-one days, excluding a month of theatrical performances, which showed its importance.[13]
When
Early Bangkok
When King
The coronations of King
King
Modern coronations
King Rama V died on 23 October 1910. On 11 November, his son King
King
Constitutional monarchy
After the
In late 1946 King Rama IX left Thailand and returned to Switzerland, not to return until 1950. During his absence, political crises gripped the country, precipitating a
Most recent
On 1 December 2016 the
It was not until 1 January 2019 that the government announced an official date for the coronation, which was to take place later that year from 4–6 May; a palace statement said: "His Majesty deems it fit to hold the coronation ceremony per royal traditions for the good fortune of the nation and the kingdom, to be enjoyed by the hopeful people". Over the three-day coronation, on 4 May, the king was to be anointed and crowned; on 5 May a royal procession takes place; and on 6 May the king grants an audience for the public and foreign dignitaries.
Royal regalia
The royal regalia of Thailand (เครื่องราชกกุธภัณฑ์แห่งประเทศไทย) are objects accumulated by the kings of Thailand for use during their coronation ceremonies. Most were assembled around 1785 for the second coronation ceremony of King Rama I. The combination of these regal and practical objects, and their symbolism, trace back to the ancient Indian subcontinent and are replicated by many monarchies within the Greater Indian cultural sphere.[43][44]
Nine-tiered umbrella
The
Great Crown of Victory
The
Sword of Victory
The blade of the Sword of Victory (พระแสงขรรค์ชัยศรี) was supposedly found by a fisherman in the waters of the Tonlé Sap, Cambodia in 1784, and presented to King Rama I. He had a scabbard and hilt of gold made for the blade. Both are inlaid with diamonds and precious stones. The sword's blade measures 64.5 cm (25 in) long, while the hilt measures 25.4 cm (10 in) long. When placed in its scabbard, the sword is 101 cm (40 in) long and weighs 1.9 kg (4 lb). The sword is an ancient symbol of sovereignty and military power. The king's sword thus symbolises his role as a warrior with a duty to defend his kingdom. This harkens back to ancient times, when the king was not merely a titular, but the actual warrior-in-chief of his subjects.[49][50]
Royal Staff
The
Royal Slippers
The Royal Slippers (ฉลองพระบาทเชิงงอน) take the form of an open-heeled slipper with the front curling upwards into a point. The exterior is decorated with diamonds and jewels, the insoles are lined with red velvet, and the soles are made of pure sheet gold. Wearing footwear was rare in ancient Southeast Asia and was probably reserved only for royalty. The importance of royal footwear can be traced back to the epic Ramayana, when a pair of Rama's sandals was chosen by Bharata to govern the kingdom in his stead, after the former was forced into exile.[53][54]
Fan and Flywhisk
The fan and fly-whisk (พัดวาลวิชนี และ พระแส้หางจามรี)[55] are items used to comfort and cool, an important accessory for a divine king especially in a tropical country. The Royal Fan (พัดวาลวิชนี) was created by order of King Rama I. The fan is gilded with gold, the handle enamelled in green and red. Traditionally a fan was made by bending a talipot palm's frond at a right angle; the royal fan mimics this traditional form. The Royal Fly-whisk of the yak's tail (พระแส้หางจามรี) was made in the reign of King Rama IV to augment the five items of the regalia. Evidently associated with the same idea of divine comfort as the fan, it is actually derived from the ancient chāmara of India. According to tradition, the fly-whisk was used by the king to repel any maleficent forces that might bring discomfort to his subjects. The hair on the royal fly-whisk has since been replaced by those of a white elephant.[51][56]
Royal Utensils
The Royal Utensils (เครื่องราชูปโภค) is a separate category of items. The four items are made of gold: the Betel Nut Set (พานพระขันหมาก), the Water Urn (พระมณฑปรัตนกรัณฑ์), the Libation vessel (พระสุพรรณราช), and the Spittoon (พระสุพรรณศรี). By possessing such ordinary items, which were all made from precious materials, the king can show off his wealth and status to his subjects. The utensils are always placed at either side of the king's throne during royal ceremonies. These items are of a personal nature, and are regarded as insignia of rank, not just for the king, but for his officials as well. Once an individual is given high rank by the king, a replica set of these items would be given to him on the occasion of his promotion.[57]
Weapons of sovereignty
The eight weapons of sovereignty (พระแสงอัษฎาวุธ) are: the Long spear (พระแสงหอกเพชรรัตน์), the Long-handled sword (พระแสงดาบเชลย), the Trident (พระแสงตรี), the Chakra (พระแสงจักร), the Short sword with Buckler (พระแสงเขนมีดาบ), the Bow (พระแสงธนู), the Elephant goad spear (พระแสงของ้าวพลพ่าย), and the Gun of Satong (พระแสงปืนคาบชุดแม่น้ำสโตง). Some of the oldest items of regalia in ancient India are weapons, the main four being the bow, the spear, the trident, and the chakra. The weapons are symbolic of the divine weapons of Shiva and Vishnu, mentioned in the Shatapatha Brahmana. The current set of weapons were all created during the reign of King Rama I, as reproductions of lost originals. Apart from the sacred weapons, the others are symbolic of the martial exploits of King Naresuan of Ayutthaya.[58]
Scene of the ceremonies
Most of the coronation rituals take place within the enclosure of the Phra Maha Montien (พระมหามณเฑียร) group of buildings, translated as the "chief residence". The buildings are in the Middle Court of the Grand Palace, the oldest part of the palace, having been built by King Rama I in 1782. The first three kings of the Chakri dynasty used these buildings as their primary place of residence. The building is separated into three sections, from north to south; the Amarin Winitchai throne hall, the Phaisan Thaksin hall, and the Chakkraphat Phiman residence.[59][60]
The Amarin Winitchai throne hall is the grand throne room, and has two thrones. This is where the king grants his public audiences, and holds state ceremonies in front of the royal court. The Phaisan Thaksin hall is a much smaller rectangular room directly behind. It was used as a private presence chamber by previous kings. The hall also has two thrones, one at either end of the hall, and these are used only during the coronation ceremony. The last section is the Chakkraphat Phiman residence—not one but a series of connected buildings forming the king's personal apartments. The residence contains the state bedroom and the canopy bed of King Rama I, as well as other tables and couches for royal use. The back of the residence opens into the Inner Court of the palace, formerly the residence of the king's polygamous household.[59][60]
The coronation
Preliminary rites
Several preliminary ceremonies are held before coronation day. The first introductory rite of the coronation is the inscribing of the new king's full ceremonial styles and titles on a golden tablet called a Phrasupphanabat (พระสุพรรณบัฏ). One day before the actual inscription ceremony, a benediction is performed by several Buddhist monks in the main chapel of the
Usually starting around the same time, but separately, is the ancient Hindu ritual called the homa or sacrifices to fire (พิธีศาสตรปุณยาชุบโหมเพลิง). The ritual is performed by the royal court's Chief Brahmin (พระราชครูวามเทพมุนี), who is also the High Priest of Shiva, and his followers, the court Brahmin (พราหมณ์หลวง). A ceremonial pavilion is erected specifically for this purpose inside the palace. The images of the three Hindu deities (the Trimurti) are placed on three altars. Before them is placed a copper stove inscribed with the appropriate yantra, and nine basins of water each containing a small silver coin. After the usual purification rites, the citing of the yantra of worship to the eight directions and to the deities on the altar, the Brahmin will, with great ceremony, dip the leaves of certain trees, such as the Aegle marmelos, that were esteemed in ancient times for their supposed medicinal and purifying values, into the water. The leaves are offered to the king during the imminent service of benediction. The king will then brush himself on the head and hair to symbolise purification and give them back to the Chief Brahmin, who will then ceremonially burn each of the leaves.[63][64]
Before the coronation day, a service of benediction (เจริญพระพุทธมนต์) will take place in all three sections of the
On the same day the covered tablets of the royal seal, titles and horoscope are officially transferred from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to the Phaisan Thaksin hall.
Purification bath
The first coronation rite is the purification bath of the king (พระราชพิธีสรงพระมูรธาภิเษก). On the morning of the coronation day, the king will arrive at the Amarin Winitchai throne hall in the uniform of a
The water used in this ceremony is collected from the five principal rivers of the kingdom: the
A specially constructed pavilion is erected on a courtyard between the Phaisan Thaksin and Chakkraphat Phiman Halls.[66] Once the king is seated inside the pavilion, some of the water will be given to him in a small golden bowl. The king will dip his hand into this water and rub the top of his head with it. A rope will then be pulled, which releases a shower of water from a canopy above. The king will be offered the water in small bowls by members of the Buddhist clergy, the royal family, government ministers, and other officials as an act of blessing.[63][67]This rite is the equivalent of many Hindu and particularly Brahmanic traditions, whereby before an important religious ceremony is to occur, one must ritually purify oneself through ablution. This is not to be confused with the rite of anointment, which is the next ceremony the king undertakes.[67]
While the ceremonial bath is in progress, a fanfare of drums, trumpets and traditional Thai music is played. Elsewhere, ancient artillery[clarification needed] fires a 101-gun salute within the precinct of the Grand Palace and at Sanam Luang. A mantra of benediction is recited by eighty monks inside the Chakkraphat Phiman residence. After he has finished receiving the water from high officials, the king will return to his private apartments in the Chakkraphat Phiman residence before reappearing in full regal vestments in the Phaisan Thaksin Hall for the anointing ceremony.[63][68]
Anointing
The royal anointing ceremony (พระราชพิธีถวายน้ำอภิเษก) begins after the king is changed into his regal vestments. This elaborate and highly decorated traditional Thai costume is composed of a golden embroidered jacket, traditional silk shirt and pha nung lower garment. The king proceeds from his private apartments to the Octagonal Throne, at the east end of the Phaisan Thaksin hall, led by royal pandits and Brahmins in a specific order.[69]
The Octagonal Throne (พระที่นั่งอัฐทิศอุทุมพรราชอาสน์) was made of Indian fig wood or udumbara (the Ficus racemosa) in the shape of an octagonal prism and covered in gold. This unusually shaped throne was placed here by the orders of King Rama I specifically for use in this part of the coronation ceremony. Before the ceremony is completed, the throne is topped with the seven-tiered white umbrella, the symbol of an unconsecrated king.[70]
Opposite the eight sides of the throne are eight small tables on which the sacred images of various guardians are placed, with space for the anointment water vessels and conch shells.[71] The anointment water used for this ceremony is taken from eighteen shrines and temples around the country, as divided into eight quadrants in accordance with the eight cardinal directions of the compass, with Bangkok being at the centre. These temples were selected based on their significance, either for being located at a surviving centre of an ancient civilisation, or near a modern centre of administration. The consecrated water is conveyed by urns to arrive in Bangkok several days before, and some is mixed in with the water gathered in the Grand Palace beforehand.[61]
The king will first sit facing the east, the pandit in charge over that direction will advance and after paying homage (by the act of prostrating in front of the king) will address him in Pali (a spoken form of the ancient Magadhi Prakrit language), and then again in Thai:[69][72][71]
The Eastern Pandit: May it please your Majesty! May the Sovereign here give me leave to pronounce his victory. May the Sovereign, turning now towards the East, seated upon his royal throne, extend his protection and exercise his royal authority over all those realms situated to (the east) and all beings that therein dwell. May he remain on earth further protecting this kingdom, as well as her Buddhist religion and her people. May he remain long in sovereignty, without ills, accomplishing success, and may his years number a hundred. May the Sovereign Guardian of the East, renowned as Dhṛtarāṣṭra, gently protect the King and his realms. Whoever create evil in this eastern quarter may the Sovereign, through his might, triumph over them all in a righteous manner.
The eastern pandit will then advance to the foot of the throne and hand a cup of water from the eastern provinces to the king, while reciting the following prayer:
The Eastern Pandit: Through the power of the
), and through this water poured down upon him may the King be awarded success in the way heretofore invoked.
The king then dips his fingers into the cup and wipes his face with the water, he replies:
The King: Your auspicious speech, going right to the heart of kings, I fain accept. May it come to pass as you have said. I shall extend my protection and exercise my royal authority over all those realms to the East and all beings that dwell therein. I shall remain on earth further protecting this kingdom, and her Buddhist religion and her people. The Eastern Pandit: Good, my Lord.
The king then turns to the southeast, where the same Pali and Thai language dialogues will be repeated with changes to the name of the direction and of the corresponding celestial guardian of that direction. The eight
The king then continues clockwise, repeating the dialogue and anointment, eight times overall, until finally returning to the east. The pandit of the east will then sum up the anointment with a similar speech as above, with appropriate replies from the king. The Chief Brahmin will then approach the king and hand him the great royal nine-tiered white umbrella, the symbol of a consecrated king. The king will accept it and hand it over to a royal page. A mantra is then invoked by the Brahmin, to fanfare and music.[73] The king will then rise from the throne and proceed to the crowning.[74]
Crowning
Proceeding to the west end of the Phaisan Thaksin hall to begin the crowning and investiture ceremony (พระราชพิธีถวายเครื่องสิริราชกกุธภัณฑ์), the king sits on another throne called the Phatharabit Throne (พระที่นั่งภัทรบิฐ). This gilded chair is flanked by two high tables. Over the throne is another seven-tiered white umbrella, this umbrella is replaced immediately by the nine-tiered royal umbrella as the king has now been consecrated. He is led in procession by the court Brahmins and followed behind by royal pages bearing items of the royal regalia, royal utensils, and the weapons of sovereignty, these having been transported in state from the Wat Phra Kaew earlier in the morning.[75][76]
Once seated, the king will receive homage from the Chief Brahmin, who will then recite a mantra called "Opening the portals of
The Chief Brahmin: May it please Your Majesty to grant me leave to address Your Majesty! Since Your Majesty has received full anointment and become His Majesty the King of Siam, we therefore beg in unanimity to present to Your Majesty Your full style and title as engraved upon the tablet of gold as also to hand to Your Majesty these regalia befitting Your high dignity. May Your Majesty be known by that style and accept these regalia. Having done so, may Your Majesty take upon Yourself the business of government, and, for the good and happiness of the populace, reign on in righteousness! The King: Be it so, Brahmin.[70][76][78]
The Chief Brahmin then takes the Great Crown of Victory from its bearer and hands it to the king. The king will then crown himself with it. At that moment a fanfare of instruments (performed by the Prakhom band of the royal court) is played inside the palace, while the royal anthem is also played by a military band outside. A 40-gun salute by artillery is fired simultaneously outside the palace walls. Elsewhere inside the royal residence the monks waiting within begins to chant a blessing. The Brahmin then hands the king the other items of the royal regalia, royal utensils, and the weapons of sovereignty. He accepts each in succession and then hands them to a page who displays them on two tables on either side of the throne.[79][76] At the conclusion of the presentation, the entire group of Brahmin will render homage to the king with the Chief Brahmin kneeling in front of the group while pronouncing the final benediction:
The Chief Brahmin: May His Majesty, the Supreme Lord, Who now reigns over the kingdom here, triumph over all and everywhere always.[73]
The king will then pronounce his first command:
The King: Brahmans, now that I have assumed the full responsibility of government, I will reign with righteousness, for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people. I extend my royal authority over you and your goods and your chattels, and as your sovereign do hereby provide for your righteous protection, defence and keeping. Trust me and live at ease. The Chief Brahmin: I do receive the first command of Your Majesty.[79][77]
Now being fully crowned, the king will scatter gold and silver flowers and coins among the Brahmins as alms. The king will then pour water into a bowl as an offering to Phra Mae Thorani the goddess of earth. This is an ancient Hindu rite of ratification and confirmation for a good deed.[80][77]
The king then removes his crown as a sign of humility and devotion and proceeds to the Chakkraphat Phiman residence with chamberlains and pages bearing the royal regalia following him. Waiting for him is a chapter of monks, who had officiated the night before. The king will then receive a formal blessing from the Supreme Patriarch himself and then a blessing from the entire congregation of monks. An offering of yellow robes is made by the king to all the monks. The benediction service will then conclude with the extinguishing of the Candle of Victory by a senior monk. With the religious part of the coronation finished the monks retire from the palace.[80][77][81]
General audience
With the main coronation rituals completed, the king is ready to grant an audience, and receive the homage of the royal princes, state officials and diplomats in the Amarin Winitchai throne hall. The King's Guard forms a guard of honour around the throne hall. The king's royal and sacred white elephant and the royal charger, both fully covered in decorative cloth, are tethered outside the throne hall. These animals are important symbols dating back to ancient India, and are two of the 'jewels' every great king should possess. Meanwhile, outside the Grand Palace the royal barge is moored at the royal pier.[80][82]
The king in his regal vestments, wearing the Great Crown of Victory, makes his way from the residence behind and sits on the Phuttan Kanchanasinghat throne (พระที่นั่งพุดตานกาญจนสิงหาสน์). This highly ornamental throne is shaped like a step pyramid; the different tiers are decorated with the figures of Devatas and Garudas.[82] Above the throne is the nine-tiered royal umbrella. The throne is situated near to the south side of the hall. At this point a heavy gold curtain separates and obscures the enthroned king from his audience on the northern side of the hall. When the king is ready a fanfare will begin, a salute is rendered and with three taps of two ivory blocks (as a signal), the curtain is suddenly drawn back to reveal to the waiting audience the king in state.[83][84]
The audience is made up of members of the royal family, government ministers, members of the legislature, judiciary, state officials, foreign guests, and members of the diplomatic corps—all in their finest state uniforms and decorations. Behind the throne are the royal pages bearing all the regalia and other items that the king has just received from the Brahmins. Once the curtain is open the royal anthem is played outside the throne hall. An address is then made to the king. Before 1950, a royal prince, who was also a senior member of the government, made this address. However this task has now been delegated to the
Installation of the queen
After the end of the general audience, the king will return to the Phaisan Thaksin hall and conduct another audience, this time with the royal ladies of the court (referred to as Fai Nai: ฝ่ายใน; literally "those on the inside" of the palace). Prior to the 20th century the ladies of the court were made up of the king's polygamous household, and all the female members of the royal family. A formal presentation is usually made to the king of the twelve maidens who will join his household as royal consorts. However, since the coronation of King Rama VII in 1926, this occasion has been superseded by the ceremony of the installation of the queen instead. Traditionally Thai kings possessed many wives but raised few of them to the rank of queen. This changed on 5 February 1926, when King Rama VII gave the title of queen to his only consort Rambai Barni immediately after his own coronation, and ending the practice of royal polygamy. On 5 May 1950 King Rama IX followed this tradition by giving his consort Sirikit Kitiyakara the title of Somdet Phra Borommarachini (สมเด็จพระบรมราชินี).[80][85]
The ceremony of installation begins when a proclamation is read announcing that the king, who is now consecrated and empowered, has decided to raise the rank of his consort to queen. The king, sitting on the Phatharabit Throne and still in his regal vestments, will anoint his consort with sacred water from a conch shell as she prostrates in front of him. This is a smaller replica of the king's own anointment. However, the role of the Brahmin is undertaken by the king himself, who is now fully able to carry out this divine and priestly function. Furthermore, there is a long-standing taboo against the touching of female royalty. The king will then decorate the queen with the insignias of the Order of the Royal House of Chakri and the Order of the Nine Gems, while fanfare and music is played. The queen then rises and takes her seat on a royal chair, beside the king. Together they receive the congratulations and homage from the female members of the court. After a customary reply from the king, the royal couple then retires to the residence while scattering coins along the way.[80][86][85]
Defender of the Buddhist religion
The king will then make a visit to the Wat Phra Kaew, the royal chapel of the palace. Travelling the short distance from the royal residence to the temple in state, the king will sit on a royal palanquin with many retainers in procession. Once arriving at the temple precinct he will travel on foot. Inside the chapel in front of the Emerald Buddha, the king will offer silver and gold flowers and then light candles in front of sacred images, in the full presence of a chapter of monks already seated inside.[86] It is here that he will make a formal declaration of his faith, and state his willingness to become the 'Defender of the Faith' (อัครศาสนูปถัมภก) in the following speech:
The King: My Lords! Whereas being a believer and one pleased (with the religion of the Buddha), having taken refuge in the Triple Gems in due form, and now having been anointed in sovereignty, I therefore give myself up to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha; I shall provide for the righteous protection, defence and keeping of the Buddhist Religion. If agreeable, my Lords, may the Brotherhood recognise me as 'Defender of the Buddhist Faith'.[87] Monks: Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
The whole chapter of monks then signifies their acceptance by chanting a benediction. At the end, the king will return to the palace. This purely Buddhist ceremony was included by King Rama VI, who wanted to reinforce the role of Buddhism as the national religion, and to reinforce the idea of Buddhist kingship in the minds of the people. Since the first Thai constitution in 1932, the king is expected to be a Buddhist. He is also constitutionally required to be the 'upholder' or 'defender' of the Buddhist religion.[88][87]
Homage to the royal ancestors
From the temple the king travels by state palanquin to the Dusit Maha Prasat throne hall. Here the king will light candles and make a short homage in memory of his royal ancestors in the presence of Buddhist monks. The urns containing the relics of past kings and queens are displayed on a throne. The homage is the final public ceremony of the day.[88][87] After candles are lit in front of the urns, he is then seated, following which he gives new robes to the monks presiding over the service before returning to his seat. The monks then, in response, utter a mantra of benediction, and after the benediction he departs, formally ending the service.
Assumption of the residence
The ceremony of the assumption of the residence (พระราชพิธีเฉลิมพระราชมณเฑียร) is essentially a private
After accepting these gifts, the king then lies down formally on the bed and receives a blessing from the two senior ladies. This part of the ceremony is very similar to a bedding ceremony.[90][91] In this case the value of such a ceremony is to impress upon the king his responsibility as the guardian, not only of the people and the country, but also of the private institutions of the monarchy. That the ceremony is taking place inside the bedchamber of his ancestors is significant. Furthermore, the ceremony itself is presided over by the senior female members of his family, whose safety and welfare is now his responsibility.[92]
Aftermath
Additional events
After the coronation ceremony is finished, several important receptions are held by the king. A banquet or an audience for the diplomatic corps and royal envoys is held. Furthermore, a grand public audience might also be held by the king, appearing on a balcony in a pavilion over the walls of the Grand Palace; the king usually gives a speech to the waiting public below. A special Buddhist service might also be held in the Amarin Winitchai throne hall where the king, now with newly acquired priestly powers, could present letters patent appointing abbots and give ranks to monks from the various Buddhist sects within Thailand.[93][90]
State progresses
Two state progresses of the king outside the palace usually take place soon after the end of the coronation ceremony. Often referred to as a circumambulation of the capital city (เลียบเมือง) the progresses were made by the king as a way of displaying himself before the people. This act of circumambulation is based on the ancient practice of Parikrama, whereby the worshiper travels clockwise around a holy place or shrine. The state progress on land would entail the king sitting on a palanquin being led in procession by his retainers traveling with the Grand Palace on his right shoulder, around the city walls of Bangkok. King Rama IV adjusted the progress on land by including several stops in order to visit important temples in the city along the way. The king would dismount his palanquin and worship at the principal Buddha image and offer robes to the monks of each temple. The state progress on water is a royal barge procession travelling along the Chao Phraya river, taking the king from the Grand Palace south to Wat Arun. In the past, the royal barge surrounded by hundreds of other stately barges would then return the king back to the palace, after he had worshiped at the principal shrine at Wat Arun, today the King, following his disembarking from the royal barge, leaves Wat Arun following his visit en route to the palace via a motorcade procession.[58][90]
Commemorations
The day of the coronation is commemorated with an anniversary celebration every year thereafter. The date is made a public holiday and is known as the Coronation Day (วันฉัตรมงคล) or literally 'the day of the blessing of the umbrella' and involves the king himself carrying out certain rites in remembrance of his consecration. The main ceremony is a benediction service by monks inside the Amarin Winitchai throne hall, where the royal regalia, royal utensils and royal weapons are displayed on the Phuttan Kanchanasinghat throne. The court Brahmin would then chant a mantra, in the presence of the king, and perform a circumambulation of the nine-tiered umbrella. Gold and silver flowers will then be offered to the spirits protecting the throne, followed by the tying of a strip of red cloth around the umbrella's stem, and ending the service by the sprinkling of lustral water on the royal regalia. For the late King Rama IX the celebration usually involved a general audience, where he appeared in state seated on the throne under the nine-tiered umbrella to receive well wishes. After his death the public holiday (on 5 May) was cancelled by the government in 2017.[94][95][96]
List of coronations (1782–present)
Portrait | Monarch's name | Reign | Coronation date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
King Rama I | 6 April 1782 – 7 September 1809 | 10 June 1782[97] | First abbreviated coronation ceremony | |
17 June 1785 | Second coronation with full ceremony—rites based on instructions compiled by a royal committee—new items of royal regalia created | |||
King Rama II | 7 September 1809 – 21 July 1824 | 17 September 1809[98] | Complete coronation ceremony | |
King Rama III | 21 July 1824 – 2 April 1851 | 1 August 1824[99] | Complete coronation ceremony | |
King Mongkut (Rama IV) |
2 April 1851 – 1 October 1868 | 15 May 1851[100] | Complete coronation ceremony, with new elements—first time foreign guests are invited to participate | |
King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) |
1 October 1868 – 23 October 1910 | 11 November 1868[101] | First coronation ceremony, under the regency of Sri Suriwongse
| |
16 November 1873 | Second coronation ceremony after attaining majority—Regency ends formally on the same date | |||
King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) |
23 October 1910 – 26 November 1925 | 11 November 1910[102] | Complete coronation ceremony—only the basic elements | |
28 November 1911 | Second coronation ceremony with more festivities and participation of foreign royals | |||
King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) |
26 November 1925 – 2 March 1935 | 25 February 1926[103] | Complete coronation ceremony—Rambai Barni installed as the Queen. The first coronation ceremony to be filmed officially. | |
King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) |
9 June 1946 – 13 October 2016 | 5 May 1950[104] - article | Complete coronation ceremony, with minor changes in line with constitutional monarchy and the shortening of some of the rites—Sirikit installed as the Queen. | |
King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) |
13 October 2016 – present | 4 May 2019[105] - article | Complete coronation ceremony—Suthida installed as the Queen. The first coronation ceremony to be broadcast on television and streamed online worldwide. |
See also
- Monarchy of Thailand
- Rama (Kings of Thailand)
- Grand Palace
- Coronations in Asia
- Rajyabhisheka
- Abhiseka
- Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella
- Thai royal funeral
Citations
- ^ "Coronation of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn to be held May 4–6: palace". The Nation. January 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-01-01. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
- ^ a b c d e Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 70
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 67
- ^ Poopongpan 2007, p. 146
- ^ a b Dhani Nivat 1949, p. 2
- ^ Poopongpan 2007, p. 147
- ^ "General Prem leads chiefs of the executive, legislative and judicial branches to have an audience with HRH Crown Prince". Thai Public Broadcasting Service. 1 December 2016. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- ^ Dhani Nivat 1949, p. 1
- Coedès, George (1921). "The Origins of the Sukhodaya Dynasty" (PDF). The Siam Society. 14 (1): 9. Archived(PDF) from the original on 2016-10-20. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 60
- ^ Poopongpan 2007, p. 149
- ISBN 978-1107190764.
- ^ Poopongpan 2007, p. 152
- ISBN 978-1438460901.
- ^ Wyatt 1994, p. 154
- ^ Poopongpan 2007, p. 148
- ^ Dhani Nivat (1955). "The Reconstruction of Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty" (PDF). Siam Society. 43 (1): 39. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016-10-18. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- ^ Wyatt 1994, p. 155
- ^ Dabphet 2009, p. 19
- ^ Bradley, William L (1969). "The Accession of King Mongkut (Notes)" (PDF). Siam Society. 57 (1): 160. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2017-09-05. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- ISBN 0415421942. Archivedfrom the original on 2017-09-07.
- ^ Wyatt 1994, pp. 276–277
- ISBN 1438460902. Archivedfrom the original on 2017-10-20.
- ISBN 0824825586. Archivedfrom the original on 2017-09-07.
- ^ Dabphet 2009, pp. 51–52
- ^ Dabphet 2009, pp. 62–69
- Royal Gazette (in Thai). 54 (63): 439–443. August 13, 1946. Archived from the original(PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved 2017-09-05.
- ^ Dabphet 2009, pp. 70–75
- ^ "King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand". The Daily Telegraph. 13 October 2016. Archived from the original on 25 February 2017. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- ^ "Thailand's crown prince becomes country's new king". Reuters. 2016-12-01. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ "Thai king's cremation set for Oct. 26: government official". Reuters. 2017-04-19. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ "Thai leaders say general election on track for this year". Reuters. 2017-01-04. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ "Thai king's coronation likely by the end of 2017: deputy PM". Reuters. 2017-04-21. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ "Politics back in fashion in Thailand despite poll delays". Reuters. 2018-03-06. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ "Thailand signals election could be delayed until May". Reuters. 2018-06-25. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ "Thai king to be crowned in ceremonies May 4–6". Reuters. 2019-01-01. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ "Thai activists protest as election faces delay". Reuters. 2019-01-06. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ "Thailand must postpone election again, until March: officials". Reuters. 2019-01-15. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ "Thailand to hold first general election since coup on March 24". Reuters. 2019-01-23. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ "Thailand plans elaborate coronation ceremonies for king in May". Reuters. 2019-03-01. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ "Pro-army party prioritises Thai king's coronation over forming..." Reuters. 2019-03-29. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ "World's biggest water fight canceled in Thai tourist haven for..." Reuters. 2019-04-03. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 92
- ^ "The Royal Regalia". The Government Public Relations Department. Archived from the original on 2017-03-14. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 93
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 95
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 96
- ^ "The Great Crown of Victory". The Government Public Relations Department. Archived from the original on 2016-11-02. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 98
- ^ "The Sword of Victory". The Government Public Relations Department. Archived from the original on 2016-11-02. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- ^ a b Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 100
- ^ "The Royal Staff". The Government Public Relations Department. Archived from the original on 2016-11-02. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 99
- ^ "The Royal Slippers". The Government Public Relations Department. Archived from the original on 2016-11-02. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- ^ "Untitled Document".
- ^ "The Royal Fan". The Government Public Relations Department. Archived from the original on 2016-11-08. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 101
- ^ a b Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 106
- ^ a b Dhani Nivat 1949, p. 3
- ^ a b Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 71
- ^ a b c Dhani Nivat 1949, p. 5
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, pp. 102–103
- ^ a b c d e Dhani Nivat 1949, p. 6
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 72
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 73
- ^ a b c Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 74
- ^ a b Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 76
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 77
- ^ a b Dhani Nivat 1949, p. 7
- ^ a b c Dhani Nivat 1949, p. 10
- ^ a b Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 78
- ^ a b Dhani Nivat 1949, p. 8
- ^ a b Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 85
- ^ Dhani Nivat 1949, p. 9
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 82
- ^ a b c d Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 83
- ^ a b c d Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 86
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 84
- ^ a b Dhani Nivat 1949, p. 11
- ^ a b c d e f Dhani Nivat 1949, p. 12
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 87
- ^ a b c Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 88
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 177
- ^ a b Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 178
- ^ a b Quaritch Wales 1931, pp. 116–118
- ^ a b Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 89
- ^ a b c Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 90
- ^ a b Dhani Nivat 1949, p. 13
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 118
- ^ a b c d Dhani Nivat 1949, p. 14
- ^ a b Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 119
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 120
- ^ Quaritch Wales 1931, p. 91
- ^ "70 Years of His Majesty the King's Reign". The Government Public Relations Department. 4 May 2016. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- ^ "Nation celebrates King's Coronation Day". Thai Public Broadcasting Service. 5 May 2014. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- ^ "Cabinet announces two additional public holidays". Thai Public Broadcasting Service. 11 April 2017. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- Kham Bunnag. "The Chronicle of Rattanakosin Kingdom, First Reign by Chao Phraya Dibakoranavongse (Kham Bunnag)". vajirayana.org. Retrieved 2018-10-23.
- ^ Damrong Rajanubhap (10 February 2017). "The Chronicle of Rattanakosin Kingdom, Second Reign by HRH Prince Damrong Rajanubhap". vajirayana.org. Retrieved 2018-10-23.
- ^ Kham Bunnag (19 February 2017). "The Chronicle of Rattanakosin Kingdom, Third Reign by Chao Phraya Dibakoranavongse (Kham Bunnag)". vajirayana.org. Retrieved 2018-10-23.
- ^ Kham Bunnag (25 February 2017). "The Chronicle of Rattanakosin Kingdom, Fourth Reign Chao Phraya Dibakoranavongse (Kham Bunnag)". vajirayana.org. Retrieved 2018-10-23.
- ^ Damrong Rajanubhap (December 2016). "พระราชพงศาวดารกรุงรัตนโกสินทร์ รัชกาลที่ ๕ ตอนที่ ๕" [The Chronicle of Rattanakosin Kingdom, Fifth Reign]. vajirayana.org. Retrieved 2018-10-23.
- Royal Thai Government Gazette (16 November 1910). "Programme for the Coronation and the Assumption of the Residence, Year of the Dog, 2453 B.E. (การพระราชพิธีบรมราชาภิเศก เฉลิมพระราชมณเฑียร ปีจอโทศกจุลศักราช ๑๒๗๒ พระพุทธศาสนากาล ๒๔๕๓ รัตนโกสินทร์ศก ๑๒๙)" (PDF) (in Thai). Archived from the original(PDF) on September 5, 2017. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- Royal Thai Government Gazette (3 March 1926). "The rite of the Coronation and the Assumption of the Residence, Year of the Ox, 2468 B.E. (พระราชพิธี บรมราชาภิเษกเฉลิมพระราชมณเฑียร ปีฉลูสัปตศก พุทธศักราช ๒๔๖๘)" (PDF) (in Thai). Archived from the original(PDF) on November 14, 2011. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- Royal Thai Government Gazette (9 May 1950). "The Coronation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the Assumption of the Residence, 2493 B.E. (พระราชพิธีบรมราชาภิเษก พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดชสยามินทราธิราช และ พระราชพิธีเฉลิมพระราชมนเทียร พ.ศ. ๒๔๙๓)" (PDF) (in Thai). Archived from the original(PDF) on September 5, 2017. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- Royal Thai Government Gazette (4 May 2019). "The Coronation of King Vajiralongkorn, 2019 B.E. (พระราชพิธีบรมราชาภิเษก พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรเมนทรรามาธิบดีศรีสินทรมหาวชิราลงกรณ พระวชิรเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว พ.ศ. ๒๕๖๒)" (PDF) (in Thai). Archived from the original(PDF) on May 4, 2019. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
References
- Sources
- Royal Thai Government Gazette (16 November 1910). "Programme for the Coronation and the Assumption of the Residence, Year of the Dog, 2453 B.E. (การพระราชพิธีบรมราชาภิเศก เฉลิมพระราชมณเฑียร ปีจอโทศกจุลศักราช ๑๒๗๒ พระพุทธศาสนากาล ๒๔๕๓ รัตนโกสินทร์ ศก๑๒๙)" (PDF) (in Thai). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 5, 2017. Retrieved 2017-09-06.)
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help - Royal Thai Government Gazette (3 March 1926). "The rite of the Coronation and the Assumption of the Residence, Year of the Ox, 2468 B.E. (พระราชพิธี บรมราชาภิเษกเฉลิมพระราชมณเฑียร ปีฉลูสัปตศก พุทธศักราช ๒๔๖๘)" (PDF) (in Thai). Archived from the original (PDF) on November 14, 2011. Retrieved 2017-09-06.)
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help - Royal Thai Government Gazette (9 May 1950). "The Coronation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the Assumption of the Residence, 2493 B.E. (พระราชพิธีบรมราชาภิเษก พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดชสยามินทราธิราช และ พระราชพิธีเฉลิมพระราชมนเทียร พ.ศ. ๒๔๙๓)" (PDF) (in Thai). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 5, 2017. Retrieved 2017-09-06.)
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help
- Bibliography
- Dabphet, Siriporn (2009). "The Coronation Ritual and Thai Kingship since the mid-nineteenth century" (PDF). National University of Singapore. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help) - OCLC 940955198
- Poopongpan, Woraporn (2007). "Thai Kingship during the Ayutthaya Period : A Note on Its Divine Aspects Concerning Indra" (PDF). Silpakorn University International Journal. 7. Silpakorn University: 143–171. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-09-06. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- ISBN 0853880077
- ISBN 9747047195
External links
- Sites
- "Photographs of the Coronation of King Rama VII 1926 (ภาพพระราชพิธีบรมราชาภิเษก รัชกาลที่ 7 พ.ศ.2468)". www.finearts.go.th. Office of the National Archives of Thailand. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
- "Where Thai-brahms chant Tamil hymns". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Times of India. 8 November 2016. Retrieved 2017-09-26.
- Videos
- Coronation of King Prajadhipok (1926), from YouTube.
- Wedding And Coronation Of King Of Siam (1950), British Pathé News from YouTube.
- Siam Coronation – Sound (1950), British Movietone News from YouTube.