Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of Thailand announced this week that the government will call on Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to chair a government-appointed committee to oversee the organisation and preparation of the coronation of her brother, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, which is scheduled for early May this year.
Speaking in a special televised event following the Royal Household Bureau’s official declaration of the coronation date, Prime Minister Chan-o-cha also shared that Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam will act as chief organiser for the event, which will be held over three days, from May 4-6.
“This is an important opportunity for the government to join hands with the public to prepare for the ceremony in the King’s honour that is in accordance with our customs and culture,” he said, before adding that the panel led by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will be in charge of preparing all events before, during and following the ceremony.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn took the throne after his father, King Rama IX, passed away on October 13, 2016, and the government has been preparing for the coronation ceremony since his ascension, though everything has been pending an official announcement from the Royal Household Bureau.
The Royal Household Bureau announced the coronation dates on New Year’s Day this year. They shared that following the coronation on 4 May, the newly crowned King will appear before the Royal Family, privy councillors, Cabinet members and civil servants to receive their good wishes. A ceremony will follow on the next day which will be held to bestow a royal name on the King and to bequeath new titles to other members of the royal family which reflect their relationship with King Rama X. The final day of coronation celebrations will see the King grant an audience to members of the public and foreign diplomats at the Grand Palace.
The Royal Household Bureau said, “The King views this as a suitable time for the coronation in accordance with tradition. It will be a national celebration and bring joy to the people and the Kingdom.”
