The King of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn, has bestowed new titles on his family members as part of the events following his coronation.
His Majesty gave new titles to various family members including his mother, Queen Sirikit, who he gave the title of ‘Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.’ The King’s 14-year-old son and heir, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, was bestowed the new title of HRH Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti Ririvibulyarajakumar.
The King bestows a new title on his son. NNT/Fair Use
King Vajiralongkorn’s elder daughter, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was given the title of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debayavadi. His younger daughter, Princess Sirivannavari is now HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratanarajakanya.
As part of the ceremony in Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall presenting new titles, the King poured water over their heads and gave them bael leaves to put behind their right ear. They were then given golden plates with their new titles written on them.
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One royal who did not get a new title was King Vajiralongkorn’s older sister, Princess Ubolratana who entered the race for prime minister earlier this year and was publicly reprimanded by her brother. She has, however, attended the other coronation events over the weekend.
On Sunday, the 66-year-old King was carried through the streets by soldiers in a seven-kilometre trek. Thousands turned out in the high heat to see their monarch, who is revered and considered a deity in Thailand. Thais dressed in yellow – a colour associated with the monarchy to celebrate – took to the streets as part of the weekend celebrations estimated to have cost one million baht (£23.84 million or $31.35 million). The Thai government estimated 200,000 came to the streets to take in the festivities.
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King Vajiralongkorn, who is also called King Rama X, was crowned in an elaborate ceremony in Bangkok on Saturday, 4 May.
Celebrations continue in Thailand today.
