AS THAILAND moves forward under a new reign, prominent figures expressed their gratitude towards the new King after observing the three-day Royal Coronation.

“We are incredibly grateful and overjoyed to have witnessed His Majesty the King’s grace on this auspicious occasion that brought great pride to Thai people, who are blessed to be under his reign,” said Suthichai Chirathivat, chairman of the Central Group. “We are committed to living our lives and conducting our business with honesty and to following His Majesty’s guidance in contributing to the development of the Thai society.”

Chadatip Chutrakul, chief executive officer of Siam Piwat, noted that Thais were very fortunate to have been born under a gracious reign in which the King has devoted himself to ensuring people’s happiness and prosperity.

“It is our duty to commit ourselves to do good deeds as best we can as well as preserve and pass on our unique culture as our heritage. We should also join hands in praising the country’s three core institutions – our nation, our religion and the monarchy. For this auspicious occasion, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and very best wishes. Long live our beloved King,” said Chadatip.

Supaluck Umpujh, the chairperson of the Mall Group, said that having a chance to witness the coronation ceremony was the peak of her life.

“The ceremony is a historic event. We, Thai people, have been given the great opportunity to witness this unforgettable moment. This is a once-in-a- lifetime event and makes me be very proud to be Thai,” she says.

Avasada Pocmontri, a vice honorary-consul of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Bangkok, said she followed the three-day ceremony with great pride.

“The rich, traditional ceremonies are magnificent, beautiful and sacred. In 1950, my mother, MR Kitivadhana Chaiyan and my grandfather had the chance to be present at King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s coronation ceremony. My mother was among the ladies in waiting bearing symbolic items during the Assumption of the Royal Residence ritual. She was the person who held a cat that was believed to repel any maleficent forces. My family has always been loyal to the Chakri Dynasty. It’s in our blood and will never fade away.”

Gloyta Nathalang, senior vice president of Corporate Communications of BCPG, said that she and her husband were among the crowd greeting His Majesty on the second day of the ceremony, when the monarch was carried in a palanquin on a procession from the Grand Palace to three temples.

“Though we spent hours and hours waiting for the procession to pass through, it was nothing compared to what His Majesty had been going through in this heat during the auspicious ceremony. He has clearly shown the makings of a true king. I’m proud to be his loyal subject,” Gloyta said.

“The past few days have reminded me of one of the most popular novels, ‘See Pan Din – the Four Reigns’. Mae Ploy, the lead character, lives through the transitions under the reigns of four Chakri kings. The story shows how she grows up as a loyal subject and why the king is a strong pillar for the country and the people. I wondered how she coped with the transitions, from one reign to another, on four occasions. I started thinking about the current transition with anxiety, but as the days went on, the feeling changed to warmth and pride.”

Thongma Vijitpongpun, chief executive officer of Pruksa Holding Plc, said he rejoiced as he watched the ceremony being broadcast on TV, particularly when the King issued his First Royal Command, saying: “I shall continue to preserve and build the Royal legacy and shall reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the people forever.”

Thongma said: “His First Royal Command builds confidence in Thai people under his reign.

“The coronation ceremony illustrates the country’s long-held traditions and centuries-old rituals and how Thais are still closely bound to the monarchy. Meanwhile, it’s a rare chance to see the country’s intricately crafted objects and architecture that are masterpieces of the artisans. Bangkok’s beautiful landscape was also highlighted, and that can certainly promote tourism.”

Issara Boonyoung, chief executive officer of Kanda Group, said this event proves that Thais are a united people and that the monarchy is still the core of Thailand in the midst of political uncertainty.

“The King’s coronation proves that the Thai people are still closely bound to the monarchy and promotes Thailand’s history and culture that is unique and different from that of other countries,” says Issara.

Living under the reigns of Kings Rama VIII, IX and now the current monarch, Kitti Chambundabongse, 74, chairman of the advertising agency Spa Hakuhodo, said: “Watching King Rama X come to the throne is as amazing for all Thais as it is to all the foreigners living in our country. It is a once-in-a-life time experience to see and witness a beautiful and historical change in our Chakri Dynasty. I am glad that I have lived through the reigns of three kings.”

Laong Wongthongsalee, the 90-year-old founder of Chanthorn Restaurant in Chantaburi province, said this coronation was the pride of the nation.

“It reflects the country’s dignity, unique culture and tradition. I wish the monarch good health and a continuation of his virtues of kingship as he proclaims in his Royal Command,” Laong said.

Surangkana Wayuparb, executive director and chief executive of Electronic Transactions Development Agency under the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, said the coronation showed her many things, from the King’s resolution to reign the country with righteousness to the proper protocol being observed by every member of the Royal Family.

“The ceremony was fascinating and depicted our deep roots in history and culture as well as the unity of the Thai people. I am proud to be Thai, and a humble servant of two monarchs – late King Bhumibol and now King Maha Vajiralongkorn,” Surangkana added.

Nualphan Lamsam, president and chief executive officer of Muang Thai Insurance, also said he is |proud to have been born a Thai under the reign great kings.

“I promise to do good deeds, behave well and live a life that is useful for the country and society,” she said.

ML Pongwarin Kitiyakara, who had the chance to participate in this royal ceremony, noted that the ceremony is unique and reflects the uniqueness and beauty of Thai culture and tradition.

“I think it is the duty of Thai people to support this beautiful culture and repay the kindness of the monarchs who have protected the country and the people for a long time. We the people are like the King’s children, so we will take care of our father forever.”

Kanita Tungwarapojwitan, deputy managing director, Intage Thailand ltd said, “When His Majesty uttered his proclamation, the First Royal Command, “I shall continue to preserve and build upon the royal legacy and shall reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the people forever”, I felt that the country’ s monarchy was perfectly complete. It is a great merit to be born as a Thai under the Chakri Dynasty and by following the royal coronation ceremony, the wisdom of all the Kings in terms of the Thai nation, its culture and heritage is underlined. Long Live the King.”

IN THE afternoon session of the first day of the three-day Royal Coronation ceremony on Saturday, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, sat on the Budtan Kanchana Singhasana, or the Royal Throne.

Clad in regal vestments and wearing the Great Crown of Victory, with the royal nine-tiered umbrella “Nophapadol Maha Saweta Chatra” (Nine-tiered Umbrella of the State) rising over him, he was flanked by pages carrying the royal regalia.

HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn in regal vestments grants an audience to representatives of the Royal Family, the Privy Council, the Cabinet, as well as senior officials, who had come to offer their best wishes and pay homage to the monarch at Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall on Saturday.

The King granted an audience to representatives of the Royal Family, the Privy Council, the Cabinet as well as senior officials, who had all gathered to offer their best wishes and to pay homage to the new King at Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall.

On the auspicious occasion, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn represented the Royal Family members in offering their best wishes to His Majesty the King. She declared every member of the Royal Family was determined to uphold the truth and promised loyalty to the King.

“We, all the members of the Royal Family, declare our honesty and loyalty to make our best efforts to uphold the prestige of the Royal House of Chakri Dynasty.”

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, representing theRoyal Family, conveys their best wishes to the monarch.

Next, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who represented the Cabinet, government officials as well as the military, Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, president of National Legislative Assembly, and Cheep Chulamon, president of the Supreme Court, also conveyed their best wishes to the King.

In return, the King offered his blessings to members of the Royal Family, the representatives, and the Thai people. He thanked those who had come to offer their wishes and requested all Thai people to share his goal of fulfilling one’s duty by upholding the country’s stability and the people’s happiness to the utmost possible. He prayed to holy spirits to protect and bring prosperity to everyone.

His Majesty the King is carried on a palanquin to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to proclaim himself the Royal Patron of Buddhism on Saturday.

His Majesty proceeded to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to proclaim his formal declaration of faith by demonstrating his willingness to become the Royal Patron of Buddhism. He sat on the Budtan Kanchana Singhasana, which was carried on a royal palanquin by royal guards.

Along the way, many Thai people wearing yellow shirts sat on the ground, defying the heat, holding His Majesty’s portrait above their heads while cheering “Long Live the King”.

The King then went to the Prasad Phra Dhepbidorn or the Royal Pantheon to pay homage to nine statues of previous kings enshrined inside this building.

After that, the King proceeded to the Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Hall to pay homage to the Royal Relics of his ancestors, the previous Kings and Queens. There are a total of 22 Royal Relics, dating from King Rama I to King Rama IX.

The King pays homage to the Royal Relics  of previous Kings and Queens at the Dusit MahaPrasad Throne Hall on Saturday.

According to the official Royal Coronation programme, the Assumption of the Royal Residence – another important part of the ceremony that took place at Chakrabat Biman Royal Residence – was a private event and hence there was no live broadcast.

The details of the final session of the ceremony have been adjusted to be appropriate for the circumstances of each reign, according to an explanation on the history of the Royal Coronation ceremony by His Royal Highness Prince Damrong Rajanubhab (1862-1943).

The high-ranking officials prepares the canopy bed during the the Assumption of the Royal Residence on Saturday.

The full Royal Coronation ceremony is divided into two main sections: first, the coronation ceremony, for the glorification of the royal official title, and secondly, the Assumption of the Royal Residence Ceremony, for the King to reside in the palace for at least one night. The purpose of the ceremony is to symbolically take up the royal residence in the palace and perform a housewarming.

Royal auspicious items and utensils are taken along for the Assumption of the Royal Residence at Chakrapat Biman Royal Residence. The royal auspicious items include a cat, known as wila in Pali language, the mortar stone, auspicious seeds, green gourd, a golden key and a gold blossom of the betel palm. More objects were later added such as the whisk, which is made of the tail of a male white elephant and white rooster. The person bearing the sacred royal staff, one of the items of the royal regalia, carries it into the ceremony.

Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida in the royal procession of the Assumption of the Royal Residence on Saturday.

Traditionally, only persons belonging to the Royal Family are responsible for carrying the royal auspicious items. In olden days, the bearers of these auspicious articles for the Assumption of the Royal Residence ceremony were only women of the Royal Family.

HIS MAJESTY King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) completed his enthronement |rituals to become the 10th King of the Chakri Dynasty, honouring venerable traditions and customs, on the first day of the Royal Coronation at the Grand Palace in Bangkok on Saturday.

Day one of the three-day auspicious and symbolic ceremony was the most significant in the coronation ceremony, which consisted of a purification bath, the anointment, the crowning of the King and the investiture to declare his regal power.

HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn sits inside a specially erected pavilion in preparation for the Song Phra Muratha Bhisek or the purification bath on Saturday.

People in yellow shirts (yellow is considered the colour of Monday, the day of birth of the current monarch) gathered outside the Grand Palace to join in what is considered a once-in-a-lifetime historic occasion.

The last time Thais witnessed this centuries-old royal tradition, which derives from Hinduism and Buddhism and is full of religious symbolism, was during the coronation of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) on May 5, 1950.

HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn arrived at the Grand Palace at 10am together with Queen Suthida and his three children – their Royal Highnesses Princesses Bajrakitiyabha and Sirivannavari Nariratana and Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn along with many other members of the Royal Family also attended. The King then proceeded to the Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall and the Baisal Daksin Throne Hall to light candles and pay his respects to the Triple Gems, the Buddha statues of the previous nine Kings of Chakri Dynasty and the royal regalia.

The purification bath

The consecrated water flows from a canopied showerhead for Song Phra Muratha Bhisek or the purification bath of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Saturday.

At 10.09am, the chosen auspicious time, the 66-year-old monarch changed into a gold-trimmed white cloth to participate in Song Phra Muratha Bhisek, or purification bath. He had the purification bath sitting on a fig-wood bench inside a specially erected pavilion with a tiered roof, adjacent to the Chakrapat Biman Royal Residence. Air Chief Marshal Satitpong Sukvimol, the permanent secretary of the Royal Household Bureau, sought the King’s permission to allow the consecrated water to flow from a canopied showerhead. As the consecrated water started flowing, the Brahmin priests blew conch shells and musicians played various instruments to mark the auspicious occasion, while the Armed Forces offered their salutes with artillery and cannon fire.

The water used for this ritual came from five principal rivers around the country and from four ancient ponds in Suphan Buri. The rivers – together referred to as Bencha Suttha Khongkha and representing five rivers in India, the origin of these traditions – are the Bang Pakong, Pasak, Chao Phraya, Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi. The four ponds are Sa Ket, Sa Kaeo, Sa Khongkha and Sa Yamuna.

The Supreme Patriarch pours water of benediction over the King’s hands on Saturday.

The Supreme Patriarch, His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, later poured water of benediction over the King’s back and hands. Two high-ranking senior members of the Royal Family, MC Pusarn Svasti and MC Chulcherm Yugala, poured the consecrated water from the vessel on the King’s hands. The chief Brahmin priest, Phra Maha Ratcha Khru Sri Wisutthikul, next offered him the sacred vessels with the water and the King poured the water over his head.

His Majesty pours on his head the consecrated water given by the chief Brahmin priest on Saturday. 

A bael leaf, with its three points symbolising Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, was also presented to His Majesty to be placed behind his right ear. MC Ticomporn Yugala later presented him water from 22 vessels made from different materials like gold, silver, copper to jade and bronze, one after another and His Majesty poured the water over his shoulders.

The anointment of Kingship

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha presents the monarch the anointing water at the Atha Disa Udumbara Raja Asana Throne on Saturday.

The next procedure was the most significant rite – Abhisek or the royal anointment. HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn changed into bejewelled regal vestments for the ceremony in the Baisal Daksin Throne Hall. He sat on the octagonal Atha Disa Udumbara Raja Asana Throne, which is made of intricately carved fig wood.

For the anointing, the water was drawn from 107 sources in 76 provinces and from the Satrakom Hall within the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The water was presented to him from the eight cardinal directions of the compass, representing the breadth of the Kingdom, as he turned in a clockwise manner to receive each one, starting from the east, considered the primary direction.

Senior members of the Royal Family and high-ranking officials served as Thai people’s representatives to present him the anointing water. MC Pusarn Svasti started from the east, followed by MC Mongkolcharlerm Yugala and MC Chalermsuk Yugala.

HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn receives the anointing water from Privy Council President and statesman Prem Tinsulanonda at the Atha Disa Udumbara Raja Asana Throne on Saturday.

They were followed by Privy Council President and statesman Prem Tinsulanonda, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, National Legislative Assembly president Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, Supreme Court president Cheep Chulamon, scholar Charas Suwanwela and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda.

The chief Brahmin priest then presented him with the Nophapadol Maha Saweta Chatra – the white, nine-tiered umbrella that is the most important symbol of the supreme sovereign.

The investiture and the installing of Her Majesty 

The chief Brahmin priest chants prayers seeking blessings for the King at the Bhadrapitha Throne during the investiture ritual on Saturday.

The crowning and investiture ceremonies were held later at the opposite throne, called Bhadrapitha. The chief Brahmin priest presented the monarch the Phra Maha Phichai Mongkut (the Great Crown of Victory) for the King to crown himself. Phra Suphannabat, or the Royal Golden Plaques upon which are inscribed his royal official full title and his horoscope, together with the royal seal of state, the royal regalia, the royal utensils, and the weapons of sovereignty were offered next.

The chief Brahmin priest presents Phra Maha Phichai Mongkut or the Great Crown of Victory to the King.

After completing the bestowment of kingship, His Majesty addressed his first Royal Command in Thai, which was literally translated as “I shall continue,  preserve, and build upon the royal legacy and shall reign with righteousness for the benefit of the people forever.”

HM the King anoints Queen Suthida with the royal title of Her Majesty on Saturday.

Queen Suthida, who was named the new Queen on May 1 after the Royal Gazette announced their marriage on that day, was bestowed the official title of Her Majesty with sacred water from the conch shell together with sacred powder on her forehead as she prostrated herself in front of the King. The 41-year-old Queen was also presented with royal decorations, insignias and royal utensils.

The final procedure

HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn grants an audience at the Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall on Saturday.

In the afternoon session, the King granted an audience to members of the Royal Family, the Privy Council and the Cabinet and other high-ranking officials in the Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall. He then proceeded to Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, in a royal |procession to declare his willingness to become the Royal Patron of Buddhism.

His Majesty the King is carried on a palanquin to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to proclaim himself the

Royal Patron of Buddhism.

Later, members of the Royal Family also attended a ritual known as Chalerm Phra Raja Montien – the assumption of the royal residence – similar to a private housewarming celebration at the Chakrapat Biman Royal Residence.

The complete ceremonies

The royal procession from the Grand Palace to Wat Bovoranives, Wat Rajabopidh and Wat Phra Chetuphon is rehearsed. King Rama X on Sunday pays respects to the principal Buddha statues and the ashes of previous kings and queens.

The second day of the ceremony on Sunday sees the ceremonial bestowal of royal names and new titles upon members of the Royal Family. This will be followed by a royal procession along a seven-kilometre route from the Grand Palace to Wat Bovoranives, Wat Rajabopidh and Wat Phra Chetuphon.

At each temple, the King will pay his respects to the principal Buddha statues and the ashes of previous Kings and Queens while at the same time giving the public a chance to greet the new monarch. On the final day, May 6, the King will grant a grand public audience in the Grand Palace.

The royal barge procession to Wat Arun to present kratin – gift of robes presented to monks after the end of the Buddhist Lent – will be held in late October.

HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne after his father King Bhumibol passed away on October 13, 2016 and the National Legislative Assembly acknowledged his accession in November the same year. The coronation ceremony is being held after over two years of mourning.

It is the 12th coronation during the 10 reigns of the Chakri Dynasty. Rama I, Rama V and Rama VI each underwent two coronation ceremonies, while Rama VIII died before being formally crowned.

THE Bhadrapitha Throne on which His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn is seated on Saturday as he receives the Royal Regalia, Royal Decorations and the Royal Utensils as well as giving the First Royal Command can be traces back to the Ayutthaya Era (1350-1767).

While there is no evidence suggesting that the Bhadrapitha Throne and the Atha Disa Udumbara Raja Asana Throne were completed during that period, what is known is that King Rama IV selected the gold-inlay niello chair made of wood from the cluster fig tree found in the South of Thailand and which was presented by Chao Phraya Nakhon Si Thammaraj (Noi-klang) to become the “coronation chair”.

HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn sits on the Bhadrapitha Throne during the Crowning and the Investiture Ceremony on Saturday.

The Bhadrapitha Throne has a semicircular shape with armrests and a backrest with a few supports connected to the seat.

The throne was decorated with the seven-tiered umbrella for the ceremony in the reigns of Kings Rama I to Rama VII, but the umbrella was adjusted to become nine-tiered for the coronation of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX).

The seat of the throne is a gold-plated copper sheet, inscribed with the figure of a lion in the centre and surrounded by the Thai pattern known as kranok.

The edges and the legs of the throne are decorated with gold-inlay niello designs. The carved wooden base is gilded and decorated with glass mosaics.

The two flanking tables are of carved wood, gilded with gold and decorated with glass mosaic with legs carved into the figures of nagas.

It is upon these tables that the Royal Regalia and the Royal Utensils are placed. The throne is enshrined in the western portion of the Baisal Daksin Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace.

King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) occupies the Bhadrapitha Throne on November 16, 1873.

During a recent talk on “The Royal Coronation in the Rattanakosin Era” organised by the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, historian Dr Dinar Boontham explained that the coronation chair was influenced by the English coronation chair also known as King Edward’s Chair (1232-1307) and which was created in 1300. It is a high-backed, Gothic-style armchair carved from oak. Gilded lions were added in the 16th century to form the legs of the chair and it is here that the British monarchs sit when they are invested with regalia and crowned.

The lion represents power and courage, while the fig tree is considered sacred and of religious significance in both Buddhism and Hinduism.

King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) sits atop the Atha Disa Udumbara Raja Asana Throne in the Baisal Daksin Throne Hall on February 25, 1925.

The Atha Disa Udumbara Raja Asana Throne, a pedestal or bench-like throne, is also made of fig or udumbara wood, which is the source of its name.

HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn receives the anointing water from Privy Council President and statesman Prem Tinsulanonda at the Atha Disa Udumbara Raja Asana Throne on Saturday.

It is carved in an octagonal form to represent the eight directions of the compass. The wood-carved throne, decorated with gold gilt and ornamented with glass mosaic, is placed under the seven-tiered umbrella and enshrined at the eastern part of the Baisal Daksin Throne Hall. It is used as the seat of the King when he receives the anointing water.

King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) wears the royal vestments and crown-headdress as he sits on the Budtan Kanchana Singhasana Throne during his coronation on December 2, 1911.

The third throne used in the coronation ceremony is the Budtan Kanchana Singhasana Throne. This is a medium-sized golden bench, made of carved wood, gilded with gold and ornamented with carved figures of garuda and thepphanom, the heavenly deities that surround the two-layered base above the pedestal.

In the grand Royal Coronation Ceremony, this structure will be placed upon the Royal Throne.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) delivers the Royal Address of Appreciation to well-wishers from the Budtan Kanchana Singhasana Throne on May 5, 1950.

When it is mounted under the Royal Nine-tiered Umbrella, Nophapadon Maha Saweta Chatra, it becomes the Budtan Kanchana Singhasana Throne.

The King will be seated on this throne on occasions of important ceremony, such as the Royal Coronation and the celebration of the King’s birthday, to receive an address of benediction.

HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn sits atop the Budtan Kanchana Singhasana Throne and grants an audience at the Amarinda Vinijaya Throne Hall on Saturday.

The golden bench is also used as the Royal Palanquin when the King travels in a Royal Procession circumnavigating the capital.

On these occasions, it will be called the Bhudtan Thong Royal Palanquin.

With the procedures of the coronation ceremony of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) generally following those of his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s coronation on May 5, 1950, another ceremony that is expected to happen on Saturday (May 4), coronation day, is the anointment of the new Queen with the official title of Her Majesty according to traditional royal customs.

Just three days before coronation, the King appointed General Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhya as the Queen, the Royal Gazette announced on Wednesday, mentioning that the 66-year-old monarch had married General Suthida, 41, in accordance with laws and traditions earlier that same afternoon.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn appoints Gen Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhya as the Queen on Wednesday (May 1).

According to the TV pool news broadcast on Wednesday evening, the couple was seen signing the marriage register and the King also bestowed her with the royal decoration of the Most Illustrious Order of the Royal House of Chakri and King Rama X’s Royal Cypher Medal. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Privy Councillor General Prem Tinsulanonda signed as witnesses.

Prior to becoming Queen, she was a commander of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s household guard in 2014 and then a commander of the Special Operations Unit of the King’s Guard before being promoted to the rank of general in 2016. A year later, she was named Dame Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao, which bestows the title Thanphuying.

The programme related to the installation of the new Queen of King Maha Vajiralongkorn has not been officially announced. However, the history of this procedure goes back to the coronation ceremony of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) in 1925 when he proclaimed his royal consort Queen Rambhai Bharni as Her Majesty.

King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) applies sacred water on the forehead of Queen Rambhai Bharni to install her as Her Majesty on February 25, 1925.

The ceremony to install the Queen of King Rama VII was held after he had been anointed and invested as well as uttered the first royal command to members of the Royal Family, Privy Council, the Cabinet and other high-ranking officials at the Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall.

Later, at the Baisal Daksin Throne Hall, King Rama VII sat on the Bhadrapitha Throne and anointed Queen Rambhai Bharni with sacred water from the Great Conch Shell together with sacred powder on her forehead as she prostrated herself in front of him. Queen Rambhai Bharni was also presented with royal decorations, insignias and royal utensils.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) anoints Queen Sirikit to the official royal title of Her Majesty on his coronation day on May 5, 1950.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) followed that tradition by installing Queen Sirikit to become Her Majesty on May 5, 1950. King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit also granted a public audience from a balcony of the Suddhaisavarya Prasad Throne Hall at the Grand Palace two days later.

Another important ritual historically organised in the final session of coronation day is Chalerm Phra Raja Montien (the assumption of the Royal Residence) – something akin to a private housewarming celebration. It is customary for the newly crowned monarch to spend at least one night at the Chakrapat Biman Royal Residence in the innermost part of the Grand Palace.

King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Bharni are pictured with the ladies of the inner court in the royal procession of the assumption of the royal residence on February 25, 1925.

During the ceremony, ladies of the inner court will carry auspicious articles and utensils to the residence.

The items have varied from reign to reign and include a cat symbolising good luck.

According to traditional Thai belief, a cat has nine lives and great night vision that can repel any maleficent forces. The grinding stone, a household utensil, is usually offered during the housewarming ceremony to signify stability. The green winter melon, regarded as a cool vegetable, represents pleasantness, while the assortment of grains refers to fertility.

King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit in the royal procession of the assumption of the royal residence on May 6, 1950.

Other objects may be added such as areca flowers signifying prosperity and a golden key symbolising ownership.

A flywhisk made from the tail hairs of a white elephant was first used in the ceremony of King Rama IV to signify his majesty, while a white hen, said to have multiple benefits, was added to that of King Rama VII.

Senior female members of the Royal Family will be in charge of preparing and blessing the canopy bed, which follows on from the service of benediction usually held in the residence prior to the coronation ceremony.

THE COUNTRY LOOKS ON

The live broadcast in English of the coronation ceremony from May 4 to 6 can be followed on the |following channels:

TV: NBT World

Radio: FM 88 MHz

Facebook: @nbtworld

Live streaming: http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/live

Application: NBT World for Android

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The Versa Lite automatically tracks your steps, calculates the distance you have covered and the calories you have burned based on your steps. It also tracks the minutes you are active as well as how well or badly you sleep each night.

It has features to remind you to walk at least 250 steps each hour between 9am to 5pm so that you will remain active throughout the day.

The Versa Lite also has a heart rate sensor that uses Fitbit’s PurePulse Heart Rate technology. The sensor will monitor your heart rate all the time and keep a record of your resting and active heart rates – a record that comes in useful if you are unfortunate enough to develop a heart problem.

The data from the heart rate sensor is used by exercise functions on the watch, which boasts 15 exercise modes from which to select.

The Versa Lite does not have a built-in GPS so you must connect it to your smartphone and use the GPS on the smartphone to see real-time pace and distance while you are out exercising. The available exercises for tracking are Walk, Run, Bike, Elliptical, Hike, Golf, Tennis, Weights, Interval Workout, Workout, Treadmill, Stairclimber, Spinning, Yoga, Bootcamp, Circuit Training, Kickboxing, Martial Arts and Pilates.

To use the Versa Lite, you will need to register for an account with Fitbit for syncing and tracking your fitness data. All of the fitness data recorded by Versa Lite will be synced to your account’s cloud storage with a Fitbit app that you must download and install on your smartphone. Then, you need to use the Fitbit app to connect to the Versa Lite. When you buy a Fitbit fitness tracker, it’s like you also buy lifetime after-sales service with free cloud storage. Best of all, Fitbit also sends you a weekly report of your fitness data, such as total steps taken over the past seven days, total estimated distance travelled, average daily calories burned, total active minutes, average resting heart speed, and average restful sleep per day.

Using and navigating Versa Lite is intuitive. You can navigate the fitness watch by tapping the touch screen, swiping from side to side and up and down or pressing the back button.

You can swipe down the screen to see notifications from your connected smartphone. The Versa Lite can alert you of an incoming call and SMS message, calendar notifications as well as other apps’ notifications. You can use the Fitbit app to customise which apps can send notifications to the watch.

If paired with an iPhone, Android 8.0 or later, Versa Lite lets you accept or reject incoming phone calls. After you accept a call by tapping the green phone icon, you must use the phone to speak as the watch does not have a built-in microphone. You can also send

a voice mail from the watch when you reject a call.

If you connect the watch to an Android phone, when you view a text message, you can also send a prepared quick reply text message to the sender.

You swipe up the watch main display to see your daily stats, including the number of steps you have taken, current heart rate, length of your sleep in the previous night and the number of steps you have taken in the current hour between the 9am to 5pm monitoring time.

To see which apps are available on the Versa Lite, simply swipe the display to the left. You’ll find Exercise, Alarms, Relax, Weather, Timer and Strava.

The Exercise app is where you can select the more than 15 exercise modes to do. The Relax one will provide guided breathing sessions to calm you down and reduce your heart rate.

You can also use Fitbit app to download more apps. Among those available are World Clock, The New York Times, TicTacToe, Uber by Fitbit, Snake Game, Peg Solitaire, and News Headlines.

During my test, the Versa Lite worked fine in recording my daily steps and reminded me to move every hour between 9 and 5. I used the Walk mode of the Exercise app to take a 10-km walk in the neighbourhood. The watch had no problem using the GPS of the connected smartphone to record the details of my neighbourhood map though it’s worth noting that the accuracy of the map depends on the accuracy of the GPS data on your smartphone.

Fitbit Versa Lite has a suggested retail price of Bt6,690 and it is available at the Fitbit official store on Lazada.co.th.

KEY SPECS

>> Sensors: A MEMS 3-axis accelerometer, which tracks motion patterns; optical heart-rate tracker; ambient light sensor

>> Wireless: Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n

>> Memory: 7 days of storage for daily stats, sleep information, and exercise history

>> Wristband size: 140 mm-180 mm (small); 180 mm-220 mm (large)

>> Water resistance: Water resistant up to 50 metres

>> Maximum operating altitude: 8,534 metres

>> Battery: Lithium-polymer, two-hour charging time, four days of battery life

DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY for sportsmen and women as well as gym rats, the new Audio-Technica Ath-Sport7TW wireless in-ear headphones are sweat and weather resistant and can be rinsed after workouts. Moreover, they come with four interchangeable sizes (XS, S, M, L) of ergonomic Freebit ear fins to give you a custom – and comfortable – fit designed to stay in place during physical activity.

The phones have good sound quality, reproduced by 5.8mm dynamic drivers, a frequency response of 20 to 25,000 Hz and a high sensitivity of 91dB and impedance of 14 ohms.

The package comes with four sizes of eartips – XS, S, M, and L – and an M size of Comply foam eartips. If you select the size that perfectly fits your ear canals, the music quality will be optimised.

I found during the test that the earbuds reproduced good music sounds with clarity and outstanding highs and mids as well as good bass. I listened to rock music for hours and the earbuds didn’t slip out once during my workout.

The Sport7TW have a microphone built-in so that you can use them as a wireless headset for your smartphone.

For additional safety when using outdoors, particularly in areas with heavy traffic, the headphones include a switchable hear-through function that allows you to keep track of ambient noise. You can select three levels of hear-through from low to middle and high or you can turn it off. When the hear-through mode is turned on, the volume of the music is automatically reduced to enhance the surrounding sound.

Each of the earpieces has a touch sensor for controlling the operations, such as answering phone calls, playing music and adjusting volume. You can also access the Audio-Technica Connect app on your smartphone to quickly and easily adjust headphone settings.

For example, you can use the app to turn the hear-through on or off. When it is turned on, you can use the app to adjust the level of ambient sounds that you can hear. The app can be used to select between AAC and SBC audio codecs.

The app also displays level of battery of the wireless ear buds. When fully charged, the earbuds have up to 3.5 hours of battery life. The portable charging cradle has a built-in power bank that lets you charge the earpieces

four more times, extending the Sport7TW’s life by 14 more hours.

That means with the charging case, you have a total battery life of 17.5 hours.

The use of the touch sensors to control the earphones quickly becomes second nature.

While playing music, you touch the sensor on the right side once to play or pause the music, twice to skip to the next track or three times to play the previous track. Or you can hold it for about two seconds to activate your connected smartphone’s speech recognition feature, such as Siri on iOS device.

You can also touch the sensor on the left side once to increase the volume or twice to turn it down.

If a call comes in, touch the right earpiece’s sensor to answer the phone call hold it for two seconds to reject the call. During a call, you can touch the right sensor and hold for about two seconds to end it.

You can also use the app to switch the functions of the right side and left side of the touch sensors.

The earbuds are light so they are comfortable to wear for long hours especially when you use the right size of eartips. Each side of the earpiece weighs just 6.4 grammes while the charging cradle weighs about 64 grammes.

The ATH-SPORT7TW supports Bluetooth 5.0. I had no problem con

necting it to my smartphone. It was ready for pairing once I removed the earpieces from the charging cradle.

The ATH-SPORT7TW is distributed by RTB Technology for Bt7,690 and available in black and grey. You can buy it at Mankong Gadget, Pro Plug In, Soundproof, Indy Gadget, Soundaholic, AV Value, Power Mall or online including at Lazada, Mercular, ToHome and Shoppee.

KEY SPECS

>> Driver: 5.8mm dynamic

>> Frequency Response: 20 – 25,000 Hz

>> Sensitivity: 91 dB/mW

>> Impedance: 14 ohms

>> Battery: Headphones: DC 3.7V lithium-ion battery; Battery case: DC 3.7V lithium polymer battery

>> Battery Life: approximately 3.5 hours plus an additional 14 hours with charging case

>> Charging time: Headphones: Approx 2 hours; Charging case: Approx 3 hours

>> Weight: Headphones (Both L and R): Approx. 6.4 g / Charging case: Approx. 64 g

>> Microphone Type: MEMS type

>> Microphone Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional

>> Microphone Frequency Response: 100 – 8,000 Hz

>> Microphone Sensitivity: -42 dB(1V/Pa,at1kHz)

>> Charging Time: Headphones: Approx. 2 hours

>> Charging case: Approx. 3 hours

>> Bluetooth: Version 5

>> Support Codec: AAC, SBC

>> Compatible Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP

>> RF output: 4.74 mW EIRP

>> Maximum communication range: Line of sight – approx. 10 m (33′)

>> Frequency band: 2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz

>> Modulation method: FHSS

>> Accessories include: USB charging cable (30 cm USB Type A / Micro USB Type B), Eartips (XS, S, M, L), Ear fins (XS, S, M, L), Comply foam eartips (M)

Backed by Boon Rawd Trading, Virgin Active and Sport Mall, the Sunday event is a fundraiser for UNHCR (the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), the Thairath Foundation and the Sueb Nakhasathien Foundation.

The run starts at 5.30am in front of Siam Paragon.

“Health is always a major concern, so we would like to encourage people to take good care of their health and also promote running,” said Mayuree Chaipromprasith, senior executive vice president at Siam Piwat.

“The theme is ‘Be Amazed with extraordinary experiences, Be Inspired with determination and good energy, and Be Revolutionary by reaching your potential’. We expect about 3,000 participants. And we’ve invited three noted fashion designers to design the race Tshirt and medals, each one supporting a different foundation.”

Phupawit Kritpolnara, founder and designer at Issue, has incorporated a heart shape in his T-shirt to express idea of love and caring, as well as emphasising the heart and circulatory system. There are five stars in a row on the back of the tee – a reward for those who complete their workout.

Chalermkiet Katikasemlert has utilised the identity of his brand, Wonder Anatomie, to deliver the message of exercising. Exercise involves physical structure, so the anatomy image fits in. A blaze of orange represents movement when running.

From Q Design and Play, Prapat Somboonsith conceived the tee for people donating to the Sueb Nakhasatien Foundation, which has green as its colour, relating to forests and wildlife. A playful flame erupts in vivid green.

The OneSiam One Run will have a mini-marathon of 10 kilometres and a 4km fun run.

Runners wearing the Issue T-shirt get a pink medal when they cross the finish line and the money they have raised goes to UNHCR.

Runners in the Wonder Anatomie tee will take home an orange medal and support the Thairath Foundation. And runners clad in Q Design and Play get a green medal from the Sueb Nakhasathein Foundation.

Registration costs Bt450, which covers the T-shirt, a bag, snacks and beverages, as well as discount coupons for many shopping outlets.

The top 10 finishers win Bt5,000 in cash each and award plates. The next 10 get Bt3,000, the next Bt1,500 and the next Bt1,000. There are also five prizes of Bt5,000 for a fancy outfit contest.

Applications are open at http://www.OneSiamOneRun.com.

The 3MC model assumes a classic durable canvas construction across the upper with padded 3-stripe mark details and a Trefoil logo panel on the lateral side, finished with tonal laces and a contrast white heel panel. This is then placed atop a classic vulcanised rubber outsole and branding hits on the insole and tongue.

The 3MC will be launched on Thursday (May 9) with a retail price of Bt2,500 and will be available at adidas Brand Center Central World and adidas Originals Store.

Find out more at http://www.Adidas.co.th/3mc.

Grab brought premium merchandise from Marvel Studios’ ‘Avengers: Endgame’ to the kids and  the Grab Thailand team along with Grab driver-partners enjoyed a delicious meal with the children and brought them to see a special screening of “Avengers: Endgame”, the latest in the superhero series at Major Cineplex Lotus Bang Kapi.

Grab-Platinum users who donated their Grab-Rewards points to buy movie tickets for the kids through the “Saving the Everyday with One Super App” campaign, they have brought indescribable joy to these children who were extremely excited to enjoy the movie.

“I am glad to take part in this activity organised by Grab and become a reallife superhero for one day. It is a great opportunity for us to give back to society and help those in need. I am very honoured that driving with Grab not only supports my livelihood, but also allows me to bring happiness to the kids. I look forward to joining future social impact activities with Grab and making a difference to the lives of fellow Thais,” said  Sriwisan Kerdpradit, a Grab driver-partner.

 “The children are very happy that the Grab team are taking them out to see a movie today. We would like to thank Grab for creating a wonderful activity that brings so much joy, hope and anticipation for our children. I would also like to invite everyone to help share things to those in need. We do not have to wait until we have many things to share. We can start by sharing small things with one another to make the society a better place,” added Chairat Midchid, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager of Baan Nokkamin Foundation.