Thailand: Coronation ceremonies scheduled for May 4-6

Event

Thai authorities announced on Friday, March 1, that coronation season for Maha Vajiralongkorn, better known as King Rama X, would begin on April 6 and culminate in three days of ceremonies on May 4-6. The official coronation will take place on May 4 and a procession will take place in Bangkok on May 5 before the new king meets public figures and foreign dignitaries on May 6. Thais are also invited to wear yellow in support of King Rama X from April until his birthday in late July. A heightened security presence and crowded conditions are expected during the coronation season, particularly from May 4-6.

Context

This will be the first coronation ceremony held in Thailand since 1950. King Bhumibol, the father of Rama X, reigned from 1950 until his death in 2016 and was well regarded in Thailand.

Advice

Individuals in Thailand, particularly Bangkok, are advised to adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate crowded conditions, associated transportation disruptions, and a heightened security presence during the coronation period and significant ceremonies, and refrain from discussing politics, particularly regarding the royal family, in public or on social media.