An elaborate three-day ceremony is planned for the official coronation of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne after the 2016 death of his revered father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. King Vajiralongkorn – also known as King Rama X, the 10th king of the Chakri dynasty – delayed the formal coronation until after a mourning period for King Bhumibol, who reigned for almost 70 years. The three-day pageant is the culmination of months of rituals, and will include a parade and an appearance by the monarch on a balcony of the Grand Palace.
Coronation of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn set for May 4-6
The final event will be a royal barge procession in October. The 66-year-old Vajiralongkorn faces a challenge in the long-standing comparisons to his hardworking, deeply respected father. He spends stretches of time abroad, so building his standing among Thais will take time. He this week confirmed his fourth marriage, to a general in the palace security force now with the title Queen Suthida. The coronation is expected to cost upwards of $30m, Reuters has reported.
