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).
A day after the coronation, the Assumption of the Royal Residence or a private housewarming celebration is held. The women in the royal family would carry the Royal Auspicious Items and the Royal Utensils to the Chakrapat Biman Royal Residence, the main building in the middle court. The Royal Auspicious Items include a cat, mortar grinder, auspicious seeds, green gourd, a golden key, a gold betel nut blossom, a white rooster and a whisk made from the tail of a white male elephant.