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).
After the royal purification (or bathing process), the king is ready for the anointment ceremony, which is the core of the coronation. The royal coronation ceremony during the present Rattanakosin era has been a long-running custom that has withstood time, changes, and even fashions. It was King Mongkut who took inspiration from European culture—Queen Victoria of England’s court, to be precise—and added the crowning event to the ceremony to empower his sovereignty among Westerners. Unlike preceding monarchs who placed the crown and crown jewels beside them, King Mongkut decided to wear the crown on his head and hold the royal scepter in his hand. A golden chair, resembling the Coronation Chair of the British monarchy, was also added to the ceremony. The Thai version, called the Bhadrapitha Throne, was gold and made with inlay of niello. A royal pandit (Hindu priest) and the Brahmin presented the water for anointment.
To signify that he was the king of a democratic system, King Bhumibol allowed a member of Congress to join the Brahmins to present the anointment water to him. According to latest news, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the Prime Minister, the President of the National Legislative Assembly, the Chief Justice of Supreme Court, Brahmins and royal court scholars will be presenting the anointment water to the king.
