The Royal Coronation of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun will be held from Saturday 4th to Monday 6th May 2019
According to an announcement by the Thai Bureau of Royal Household, issued on 1st January 2019, stated that His Majesty the King had ascended the Throne as the King of Thailand, following the invitation of the President of the National Legislative Assembly, acting as the President of the National Assembly, on behalf of the Thai people. The three-day ceremony will adhere to long-rooted Royal Traditions, and involve various elaborate events that most people have never witnessed, as this is the first coronation in the kingdom in seven decades.
The actual coronation will take place on the 4th May through to the 6th May (also declared a public holiday).
Saturday 4th May
In the morning, the ceremonial bathing rite of purification, “Song Muratha Bhisek”, will take place at the Chakrabat Biman Royal Residence in the Grand Palace. His Majesty the King will be officially crowned on the Bhadrapitha Throne. Later on the same day, the King will visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to be declared as the promoter of Buddhism and there will be an “Assumption of Residence” ceremony.
Sunday 5th May
A ceremony for the inauguration of the King’s official name and signature and the presentation of the Royal titles to the Royal family. His Majesty The King will be in a royal procession called “Liap Phranakhon” around Rattanakosin Island to greet the public. This will be largest procession of the weekend, and is expected to last at least 3 hours.
Monday 6th May
His Majesty will make an appearance on the Sihabanchon Balcony of Sutthaisawan Prasat Throne Hall on the eastern side of the Grand Palace to greet the public.
Where to Watch
The ceremony will be televised on Thai TV Global Network for viewers worldwide. It will also be live-streamed on news outlet Facebook pages. On 5 May, the Sanam Luang public square will be open for the public to watch the procession. On 6 May the Sanam Chai area will be open for the public as well to see the King from the Sutthaisawan Prasat Throne Hall. Please be mindful of the hot weather as these events will become very crowded.
Closures
The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will most likely be closed from 4th-6th May 2019 due to ceremonies for the coronation. However, it is also likely that the palace will be closed at least a week in advance for preparations.
It is most likely that all shops and tourist attractions will be open as normal during this period. However, government-run attractions, like the national museums and royal palaces, will most likely be closed.
Road Closures
May 2, at least a dozen of roads will be closed.
May 3-4, six more roads near the Grand Palace will be affected
May 5, The Royal Procession will take place on this day and and will lead to the closure of 34 roads
May 6, 33 roads will be closed
River Closures
As a large section of the river will be closed, The Siam River Cruise Shuttle will not be in operations during;
26 April : 9:00-13:00 hrs
28 April : 15:00-22:00 hrs
30 April : 9:00-13:00 hrs
4-7 May : From 6:00 hrs on the 4th May all the way through to 7th May at 19:00 hrs
