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adidas Originals Nite Jogger sneakers are available at adidas Brand Center Central World, adidas Originals Store Siam Center, adidas Originals Store Iconsiam.

Find out more at http://www.Adidas.co.th and http://www.Facebook.com/adidasTH

This year, the Walt Disney Company has launched the inspirational campaign “Create Your Story”, designed to encourage girls to set their imagination free by bringing the Disney Princess stories front-and-centre. The campaign highlights the epic, magical of each Disney Princess and showcases key moments focused on their inspiring qualities.

The event is now coming to Thailand and take place at Megabangna shopping mall from March 30 to April 7. Here Disney fans can engage in fun activities aimed to empower and encourage girls around the world to keep their dreams alive and pursue them.

Here are 11 Disney Princesses who can provide 11 thoughtprovoking messages to inspire girls and women all over the world.

Snow White – A Friend To All

Snow White is kind and gentle. Her wicked stepmother, the Queen, treats her unkindly. But Snow White always remains calm and compassionate. Generous and lovely, Snow White delights in the Seven Dwarfs’ company and becomes a great friend to them.

Cinderella – Never Give Up

Cinderella isn’t born a princess but has the natural graciousness of one. Gentle and kind, Cinderella is also hard working, which makes her a great role model. She keeps away from her cruel stepmother, Lady Tremaine, and her jealous stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella. They constantly mistreat her, but Cinderella is strong enough in mind and spirit to hold on to her dreams.

Aurora – Always Wonder

Whether called Princess Aurora or Briar Rose, the graceful and good-natured girl is always positive. Playful and kind, she’s fond of her woodland animal friends and loves her three “aunts”, always making them feel appreciated and loved.

Ariel – Explore New Worlds

King Triton’s youngest daughter is curious, independent, free-spirited, and adventurous. She feels confined by life under the sea and yearns to be part of the human world above the waves. Ariel is determined to follow her own dreams, and she courageously risks everything to make her dreams come true.

Belle – Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover

Intelligent and openminded, Belle has dreams. An avid reader, Belle yearns for adventures like those in her beloved books. Practical and loyal, Belle is capable of great love and courage, as shown by her willingness to give up her freedom for her father’s wellbeing. With her spirit and beauty, Belle sees beyond appearances and does what it takes to turn her dreams into reality.

Jasmine – See the Good in Others

An adventurous, courageous beauty, Jasmine wants to marry for love and to experience life outside the palace. As a strong, independent young woman, she’s quite capable of taking matters into her own hands, rejecting suitors and sneaking off to the marketplace alone.

Pocahontas – Respect the Earth

The beautiful daughter of Chief Powhatan is a playful, free-spirited young woman who knows every tree, waterfall and wild creature in her forest home. Her name means “Little Mischief”, and swift, surefooted Pocahontas takes physical risks with gleeful boldness. She seeks the right path for her life with equal determination and boldness, and her keen intelligence and strong spirit touch and change Captain John Smith and all who know her.

Mulan – Find your Inner Warrior

An irrepressible tomboy, Mulan would rather run freely than behave like a demure and dainty traditional daughter. Mulan loves her family deeply and hates to disappoint them, but it’s not until she follows her own path that her courage, intelligence and spirit bring honour to her and her family – proving that the blossom that blooms last is the loveliest of all.

Tiana – Make a Dream Real

Ambitious, intelligent and resourceful Tiana dreams of one day opening her very own New Orleans restaurant. Inspired by her late father, she knows everything about cooking and running a business, but still faces enormous obstacles standing in the way of her dreams. She works hard, saves every penny, and is determined to overcome all trials and tribulations. She is eager to see her dream come true and is confident in her own abilities.

Rapunzel – Jump into New Adventures

Artistic and passionate, Rapunzel survived her tower life by constantly keeping herself wrapped up in all kinds of crafts and activities.  However, her highly curious and adventurous nature makes her yearn to discover what life is like outside of the tower. Rapunzel represents the contemporary girl with a true balance of sweetness and assertiveness…but she knows, above all else, when she must listen to her heart.

Merida – Be Brave

Passionate and brave, Merida is a headstrong teenager of royal upbringing who is struggling to take control of her own destiny. She feels most at home in the outdoors honing her impressive athletic skills as an archer and swordfighter, and racing across the magnificent Highland countryside with her faithful horse, Angus. With a spirit as vibrant as her untamed hair, Merida is determined to forge her own fate.

In partnership with elit Vodka, the 50 Best organisation is committed to celebrating role models who demonstrate a progressive vision for gastronomy. William Drew, group editor of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, said:“This award recognises female chefs whose passion, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit serve to inspire the next generation of cooks. Garima Arora has had a huge impact on the dining scene in Asia in a short period with her brilliant blend of Indian traditions and Thai ingredients.”

Arora worked briefly as a journalist before pursuing her interest in the culinary arts. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu Paris in 2010, she worked at Noma in Copenhagen, learning alongside legendary chef Rene Redzepi. Recalling her two-plus years at Noma, she says the experience forever changed her approach to cooking. “I learnt how to think about food more intelligently. I started looking at cooking more as a cerebral exercise, thinking about what you do, why you do it and understanding your place in a community.”

Returning to Asia in 2016, Arora was appointed sous chef at Gaggan, the award-winning Bangkok restaurant that has held the No 1 position on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list for four consecutive years. In April 2017, the chef opened Gaa, a three-storey restaurant located opposite Gaggan that celebrates a modern tasting menu using traditional Indian techniques. Showcasing her creativity and culinary inspirations, each dish is made from locally sourced ingredients and explores the connections between Thai and Indian food, from fruits and curries to sauces and spices. The menu is a reflection of Arora’s cultural heritage as well as the community that surrounds her.

Diners choose between a 10- or 14-course tasting menu, which changes quarterly to reflect seasonal specialities. The result is a dining experience that is innovative, modern, playful and unpredictable. In November 2018, Gaa earned its first Michelin star, making Arora the first Indian woman to win such an accolade.

“This award is a validation of our team’s hard work and commitment to excellence. I am honoured that chefs and respected industry peers voting on this award recognise and appreciate our efforts,” said Arora.

Frances Gaillard, international marketing director for Stoli Group, overseeing elit Vodka, added: “Arora has accomplished so much in such a short time – a true testament to her diligence and to her distinctive fusion of cuisines learned in some of the finest kitchens in Europe and Asia. We are pleased to be the latest to recognise this rising star in the gastronomy world.”

The elit Vodka Best Female Chef Award celebrates and rewards successful women who have risen to the top of the gastronomic world.

Previous holders of the Asia’s Best Female Chef title include Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava from Thailand (2013), Lanshu Chen from Taiwan (2014), Hong Kong’s Vicky Lau (2015), Margarita Fores of the Philippines (2016), May Chow from Hong Kong (2017) and Bongkoch “Bee” Satongun from Thailand (2018).

Learn more at http://www.theworlds50best.com/asia/en/our-manifesto.html

Michael Cassel Group in association with Disney Theatrical Productions has confirmed that the international tour of Disney’s “The Lion King” is to premiere in Bangkok promoted by BEC-Tero Scenario in September at Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre. The international tour, which is the 25th global production of Broadway’s landmark musical, will be performed in English with Thai subtitles.

“We’re excited to bring the world-renowned stage production of ‘The Lion King’ to Thailand,” says Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer, Disney Theatrical Productions. “Julie Taymor and her extraordinary creative team have realised a production of enormous scale, beauty and heart and I cannot wait for new audiences to join us.”

“The Lion King” is a one-of-a-kind majestic production that has established a new level of artistry for musical theatre from the staging, costumes, and choreography which are reminiscent of the vast savannahs of Africa and its distinctive animal characters. The musical is also greatly shaped by African music, language, and arts.

Ticket prices start at Bt1,500 and are available from Saturday March 30 at all ThaiTicketMajor outlets or log on to http://www.thaiticketmajor.com or contact (02) 262 3838. Special sponsor pre-sale is available on Thursday March 28-29 for Bangkok Bank credit card customers.

Check for updates at http://www.BecTero.com.

The pictures on sale at the store on the fourth floor of Helix Quartier at Bangkok’s EmQuartier allude to longstanding women’s issues such as inequality and oppression and to their fundamental rights, including safety, a career and financial freedom.

Young French photographer Juliette Jourdain focuses on portraits, especially during live performances. The sophisticated results earned her coveted assignments with many worldclass fashion brands, and she had a string of shows around her homeland in 2014 and 2015.

German Angelika Buettner, resettled in New York City, is known for her remarkable use of style, shades and composition, deliberately mimicking those of movie shoots. Her images tell stories just through facial expressions and glances of the eyes.

Burttner has worked with Audi, Bacardi, L’Oreal, Maybeline, Swarovski and Wolford and had work published in Glint, Madame, Palace Coste and Vogue.

“YO!” has been revived for hiphop fans in Asia with each of the hosts bringing their distinct energy and flair to the series. Also running segments of the show will be rappers Joe Flizzow (as the Cypher Boss) and Zamaera (as The Game Master).

As a destination for current and new fans to discover the best in rap music and hiphop culture, “YO!” will be a diverse and widely distributed linear and digital series across MTV Asia’s platforms. From Thailand, DaBoyWay, YOUNGOHM, FIIXD and Radio 3000 will be part of the show.

“Our YO! MTV Raps will celebrate the explosion of hiphop culture across the region — the music, the talent, the fashion and the lifestyle. We’re pumped that this celebration will be led by hosts who bring a crazycool mix to the party. Yung Raja combines his unique energy with a sparkling take on hiphop in the region, while Kim Lee is a huge hiphop fan who will add her own style and glamour,” said Abhishek K Rao, senior director, MTV Brand, Southeast Asia.

Kim Lee said “Hip hop is all about ‘the culture’, and I can’t wait to be part of a show that will showcase the true expression of the Asian experience of hip hop.”

“I’m psyched to come back a second time to host the biggest, dopest hip hop show in Asia. We are bringing more beats, more rappers, so get ready to discover some new, exciting music and have a blast,” added Yung Raja.

This series is on the back of MTV Asia’s “YO! MTV Raps” special which aired in June 2018, featuring 11 Asian hiphop artists from Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The top performing 5artist Cypher video garnered over 1.2 million video views in Southeast Asia. The special was also awarded the ‘Best Music or Dance Programme’ at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in December 2018. In addition to MTV Asia’s “YO! MTV Raps” edition, MTV International will premiere local versions of the hiphop franchise for the UK, Germany and Africa this year.

Additional details and artists will be announced at a later date.

Keep updated at http://www.MtvAsia.com.

This learning exchange is a programme of the Forum for Family Planning and Development of the Philippines and is part of a weeklong study tour for Filipino policy makers, service providers, CSOs and youth leaders from five provinces to come together to learn about effective strategies and good practices in implementing sexual and reproductive health programmes in Thailand and more generally in Southeast Asia.

The various activities in the learning exchange are designed to create a venue for participants to talk and share their own implementation of SRH programmes; observe and learn about effective strategies and good practices in programme implementation from NGO and governmentrun facilities in Thailand; gain more knowledge from SRHR experts and advocates on current and emerging SRH issues that could have policy and programme implications; strengthen the project implementation team and local partnerships as well as to network with other champions in the Southeast Asian region; and improve skills to be better SRH advocates.

A panel will give participants insights into contextual and policy issues shaping SRH approaches and interventions.

Among the speakers are Alejandro Herrin on the topic “Experiences in Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health in The Philippines”, Wassana InAim, UNFPA deputy country representative Thailand, who will cover Thailand’s experiences, and Rosalia Sciortino from the Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University and director of SEA Junction).

Find out more by calling (097) 002 4140 or email southeastasiajunction@gmail.com.

CHILDREN’S BEDTIME reading can evolve from fantasies about wizards and princesses to tales of real-life feminist heroines with the new book “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2”.

But everyone agrees this is not just a book for kids.

Just released by Nanmeebooks, Volume 2 follows up on the original – a New York Times bestseller – with profiles of 100 more of the most successful and interesting women in history, from Nefertiti to Beyonce. Each is given a single page filled with witty and inspirational thoughts.

Little known in her ancestral homeland, Sarinya Srisakul is the AsianAmerican woman to serve with the New York Fire Department.

Nanmeebooks had a hit with the first volume, and for the second recruited the same three well-known Thai women to translate the words of original authors Francesca Cavallo and Elena Favilli.

Emcee Saraichatt Jirapaet, actress Siriyakorn Pukkavesa Markworth and professional translator Ploysang Akyard have done a wonderful job crafting the Thai edition, which was launched recently at the Open House Bookstore at Central Embassy in Bangkok.

Where Volume 1 featured such personalities as Queen Elizabeth I, Michelle Obama and Serena Williams, the follow-up ranges just as widely, casting spells of a different kind with profiles JK Rowling and Beatrix Potter, the authors who created Harry Potter and Peter Rabbit, respectively.

There is the World War 1 exotic dancer-turned-spy Mata Hari and Mary Shelley, the author of “Frankenstein”. There’s another fascinating US first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. And you can read about Buffalo Calf Road Woman, who played such an important role in Native American history, and the 19th-century Chinese revolutionary Qiu Jin.

Another page is dedicated to the three African American women whose mathematical calculations for Nasa were crucial to the Mercury and Gemini space programmes and who were the subjects of the Oscar-nominated film “Hidden Figures”. They are Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson.

Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson 

Contemporary “rebels” profiled include German Chancellor Angela Merkel, golfer Lorena Ochoa, Afghan graffiti artist Shamsia Hasani and entertainers Madonna, Ellen Degeneres and Oprah Winfrey.

Apart from the selection of subjects, what makes the book so striking is the portraits drawn and painted by 60 top female artists in a dazzling array of styles.

Volume 1 came out in 2016, the product of a crowdfunding campaign, and sold 60,000 copies. Volume 2 turned again to the “crowd” and took in $1 million dollars within 30 hours from 71 counties. The overseas publisher has prepared 100,000 copies and will likely need to print more.

Of special appeal to Thai readers in the second edition is a profile of Sarinya Srisakul, the first Thai and first Asian-American woman to serve with the New York Fire Department, yet she’s barely known in Thailand.

Her father thought she was crazy when told she’d signed up to become a firefighter. “The main thing about being ‘heroic’ is helping others,” Sarinya is quoted as saying. A colleague says, “Sarinya was the first on the scene whenever there was a woman who needed help.” Her explanation: “Sometimes seeing a face like your own gives a huge sense of relief to someone in an emotional state.”

“The ‘rebel girls’ give off a very positive energy,” said Sansanee Tulyathanabordee, who helped edit both volumes’ Thai editions.

“Women can be independent, confident, creative and different. They can change the world. The authors selected stories about figures very diverse in age, nationality and religion to reaffirm that, no matter who you are, what you have become or what you’re fighting for, everybody has a dream and you should never give up on it.

Audrey Hepburn

“There was a Brazilian woman who dreamed of being a novelist,” Sansanee said, “but along the way she became a mother, a baker and many other things – until she turned 75, when her dream finally came true.

“The authors, Cavallo and Favilli, used to work in Silicon Valley and were inspired to write the book after being subjected to discrimination by their male colleagues. That’s what drove them to pursue this strong and empowering project.”

Translator Saraichatt said the book – both volumes – feels “like my child”.

“I heard about it when it was first released in the US,” she said. “I’m really impressed by many of the remarkable women profiled. It’s enchanting and inspiring.

“I told my daughter [Bella Jirapaet, an award-winning dancer and ballerina] that there was a ballerina in the book. That’s how it relates to modern times and shows you how you can change the world, how you can inspire others. You don’t have to be an inventor, but just be good at whatever you do and be confident. Do the best you can.”

Saraichatt noted that JK Rowling presented her first Harry Potter novel to publishers under her given name, Joanne. “They told her book buyers might decide a book by a woman wouldn’t be as enjoyable as one by a male author,” so she switched to the gender-neutral “JK”.

Saraichatt said one of her favourite biographical essays in Volume 1 is the story of Rosa Parks, the African American woman who in 1955 famously refused to give up her bus seat to a white man in what was then a brutally racist American South.

JK Rowling

Defying Alabama state law and the demands of the bus driver, Parks inadvertently helped trigger the civil-rights movement.

“To be honest, I don’t know half of the 100 remarkable women in this book, but I’m eager to find out more, which is why ‘Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls’ is suitable for readers of all ages. You learn not only about the person but about history too.

“I look at every woman and every mother as my icons. My mother was single mum and a police investigator and I wonder how she ever managed. People told me I couldn’t be a freelance emcee or have a baby, but it’s been two decades now and I’m proud of myself.”

Sirinya “Cindy” Bishop, who’s enjoyed a successful career as a fashion model and become increasingly outspoken about women’s issues, said she found the book “very timely” given the global #MeToo and #Time’sUp movements against gender inequality and sexual harassment. She initiated the campaign “Don’t Tell Me How to Dress” last year, which caught on like wildfire.

“As a model I had to work twice as hard just to overcome the perception that models were beautiful and nothing more,” she said. “Well, I’m a successful model and an emcee. I have my own business and now I’m an activist too.

Qiu Jin

“My campaign’s message isn’t only about sexual assault but also about stopping the blame being put on victims of assault. And the more I campaign, the more I realise how little people know about the problem and how many willing to accept a double standard.

“As a mother, I believe this book should be read to both girls and boys,” Cindy said, “for her to dream big and for him to be respectful.

“Women can transform the world just through the little things we do. This book about real lives shows us that imaginative writing doesn’t have to be about fairytale princesses.”

REBELS HAVE DREAMS TOO

>> “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2” from Nanmeebooks is sold for Bt795 (hardcover) at the Open House Bookshop, Wankaew Bookstore and other shops and at http://www.Nanmeebooks.com.

ALMOST 70 YEARS have passed since the coronation ceremony of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) in May, 1950. The ancient traditional practice to formally complete the accession to the throne of the current monarch, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), will take place this May following more than two years of mourning of the passing of King Bhumibol, in October, 2016.

Monarchs of the Chakri Dynasty, Kings Rama IV, V, VI, VII and IX, are pictured from left

King Maha Vajiralongkorn took the throne after his father passed away and the National Legislative Assembly acknowledged his accession in November 2016, making him the 10th King of the Chakri Dynasty, meaning that the succession is officially anointed by law, but not by the royal traditional customs that have been practised for hundreds of years.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) at his coronation ceremony in May, 1950

The three-day coronation ceremony from May 4 to 6 requires comprehensive procedures that are intricate, complicated and full of symbolic meanings according to Hinduism and Buddhism. To provide knowledge and understanding of the historic ceremony and the procedures, the Culture Ministry is releasing a set of four books for distribution to libraries and schools nationwide and which are also available through e-book platforms for free download at http://www.m-culture.go.th.

The first hardcover book “The Royal Coronation Ceremony” comes in two versions, Thai and English, and tracks the history of the coronation ceremony, the preparations and the elements used to anoint the kingship. The second paperback “A Collection of Knowledge on the Royal Coronation Ceremony” in Thai gives details of the procedures and sacred sites used to hold the ceremony.

The Culture Ministry releases a set of four books on the history and the details of procedures of the coronation ceremony that can also be downloaded for free.

The last paperback “A Collection of Articles about the Royal Coronation Ceremony” in Thai compiles old articles written by such scholars as Prince Damrong Rajanubhab and Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongse about the regal vestments, the royal regalia and the coronation ceremonies from the reigns of Kings Rama II and V.

“After founding the Chakri Dynasty and the city of Bangkok in 1782, King Rama I re-examined the collective records of the coronation ceremony held during the late Ayutthaya period, resulting in a revised procedure for the ceremony that has become the prototype of the traditional rites for accession ever since,” said deputy prime minister Wissanu Krea-ngam at the book launch held at the Government House on Monday.

The paperback “A Collection of Knowledge on the Royal Coronation Ceremony” in Thai

Eleven coronation ceremonies have been held during the reigns of the nine Kings of the Chakri Dynasty. Kings Rama I, V and VI performed the ceremonies twice, while King Rama VIII unfortunately passed away before being crowned.

The first abbreviated coronation ceremony of King Rama I was held in 1782 shortly after he established the Rattankosin Era. A full-scale affair, took place three years later when the construction of several throne halls and the making of the royal regalia were completed.

King Rama V held the coronation ceremony twice, in 1868 and again in 1873.

King Rama V performed the first one at the young age of 15, and again when reaching maturity at the age of 20. King Rama VI was first crowned with simplified rituals, shortly after the passing of his father, King Rama V, and then later in a full-scale event with the participation of foreign royals.

“In the upcoming coronation ceremony, May 4 is the most important day because it’s when His Majesty attends Song Phra Muratha Bhisek (the purification bath) and Abhisek (the royal anointment) as well as being presented with the crown and the royal regalia including the nine-tiered white umbrella (the most important symbol of the supreme sovereign),” Wissanu explained.

“Though in many countries, the act of bestowal of a crown is the heart of the ceremony, the key procedure in Thai traditional practice, which draws on Indian precepts, focuses on the purification bath and the anointment with sacred water,” he added.

May 5, 1950: King Bhumibol waited within a pavillion ready to participate in the purification bathing ceremony. 

Thai monarchs are highly revered as divine Kings – a tradition influenced by Hinduism. According to the ancient Brahmanism textbook, the sacred water for the purification bath and anointment rites must come from Pancha Maha Natee or five main streams in India, namely the Ganga, Mahi, Yamuna, Aciravati and Sarabhu Rivers. These rivers flow down from Mount Kailash that is considered in Hinduism the physical embodiment of Mount Sumeru – the epicentre of the universe and the abode of Shiva.

“In the late Ayutthaya period, five local principle rivers collectively called Bencha Suttha Khongkhawere used to represent the five main streams in India. The five sources were Bang Pakong, Pasak, Chao Phraya, Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi Rivers. During the Ban Phlu Luang dynasty (1688-1767) – the last group of Kings in the Ayutthaya Kingdom, water from four ancient sacred ponds –Sa Ket, Sa Kaeo, Sa Khongkha and Sa Yamuna in Suphan Buri – was added to the ritual because the dynasty’s Kings hailed from Suphan Buri,” added Prof MR Suriyavudh Suksvasti, the art historian and chief of the sub-committee set up to providing information of the coronation ceremony.

King Rama VI was first crowned with simplified rituals in 1910, shortly after the passing of his father, King Rama V, and then later in a full-scale event with the participation of foreign royals in 1911.

The five local principle streams and four sacred ponds in Suphan Buri were used in the ceremony until the reign of King Rama V when the five streams in India were included in the ritual.

“King Rama IV, who was ordained for 27 years before acceding to the throne, added the Buddhist religious procedure of chanting and consecrating the holy water to the purification bath in addition to the Hinduism practice. He was also the first monarch to perform the protocol of crowning himself with the Great Crown of Victory – an item of the royal regalia offered by a chief Brahmin in the ceremony. There was no record of previous Kings performing this protocol,” Suriyavudh added during his talk on the coronation ceremony at the Government Public Relations Department last month.

The coronation ceremony of King Rama IV in 1851

During the coronation ceremony of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the sacred water to be used in the purification bath will be collected from five local main streams and four ponds in Suphan Buri. For the anointment rite, the sacred water will come from 107 important sites in 76 provinces and from the Grand Palace.

The water collecting ceremony at each site will start at the same auspicious time on April 6. The water consecration ritual will be done at each province’s principle temple on April 8.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) will complete his enthronment according to the venerable traditional practices in a ceremony extending from May 4 to 6.

All the sacred water will later be brought to Wat Suthat Thep Wararam in Bangkok for the water consecration ritual again on April 18, before proceeding to the ordination hall of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the next day in preparation for the ceremony.

“The sacred water from all sites will be sanctified at Wat Suthat because this temple was built by King Rama I in 1809 to symbolise Mouth Sumera after he established Krung Rattanakosin (now Bangkok) whose name represented the heaven of the Indra deity,” Suriyavudh explained.

The chief Brahmin offered King Bhumibol the Great Crown of Victory during his coronation ceremony on May 5, 1950.

On the morning of May 4, His Majesty, dressed in white garments, will first participate in the purification bath by sitting on a wooden bench inside a pavilion specially erected next to Chakrapat Biman Royal Residence in the Grand Palace. The sacred water will flow out from a canopied showerhead.

He will change into the regal vestments to attend the royal anointment rite at Atha Disa Udumbara Raja Asana Throne that is intricately carved with fig wood in octagonal shape. The anointment water will be presented to the King in eight cardinal directions of the compass – representing his rule of the Kingdom. The monarch has to turn in the clockwise direction to receive, starting from the east that is considered the primary direction. The chief Brahmin will also present him Nophapadol Maha Saweta Chatra (the nine-tiered white umbrella).

February 25, 1925: King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) seated on Atha Disa Udumbara Raja Asana Throne to receive the anointing water.

His Majesty will then proceed to another throne Bhadrapitha enshrined with the nine-tiered white umbrella for the crowning and investiture ceremony. The chief Brahmin will present him Phra Suphannabat (the royal golden plaque) upon which is inscribed his royal official title, together with the royal seal of state, the royal regalia, the royal utensils, and the weapons of sovereignty. The monarch will crown himself with Phra Maha Phichai Mongkut (the great crown of victory) – the second most important item in the set of royal regalia after the nine-tiered white umbrella – and utter the oath of his accession.

The royal procession of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) to Wat Arun on December 4, 1911

The next procedure is granting an audience to royal family members, privy councillors, cabinet members and high-ranking officials at Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall before proceeding to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram to declare his willingness to become the royal patron of Buddhism. The paying homage to the royal relics of previous Kings and Queens are performed later.

“Another important ritual is Chalerm Phra Raja Montien (the assumption of the royal residence) for the King to inhabit the palace. A high-ranking royal family member will be in charge of preparing the bed and giving blessing. This ritual signifies His Majesty as the chief of the monarchy. During the ceremony of King Rama IX, he resided there for one night,” added Suriyavudh.

The following day will see the ceremony to bestow the royal name on the newly crowned King, in line with the traditions governing the monarchy. On the same day, certain members of the royal family will be bestowed new titles to reflect their relationship with the monarch.

The final ceremony takes place outside the Grand Palace in the form of a royal procession to Wat Bovoranives, Wat Rajabopidh and Wat Phra Chetuphon to pay respect to the principle Buddha statues and the royal ashes of the previous Kings and Queens.

On the last day of ceremony, May 6, King Maha Vajiralongkorn will hold a grand audience with members of the public and foreign diplomats 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 October.

A momentous event

The preparation schedules of the coronation ceremony are as follows

April 6 and 8: The collecting of sacred water and the water consecration ritual nationwide

April 18: The gathering of sacred water from all designated sites to be consecrated at Wat Suthat in Bangkok

April 19: The procession of sacred water to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram in preparation for the purification bath and the anointment rite

April 22 and 23: The inscription ceremony of the royal seal of state, the royal golden plaque and the royal horoscope at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram

May 2: King Maha Vajiralongkorn pays homage to the King Rama V Equestrian Monument at the Royal Plaza in the grounds of Dusit Palace, and the King Rama I Monument at Phra Buddha Yod Fa Bridge

May 3: The procession of the royal seal of state, the royal golden plaque and the royal horoscope from Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram to the Grand Palace

The three-day coronation ceremony will take place from May 4 to 6

May 4: The purification bath and the anointment rite, the crowning and investiture ceremony, the granting an audience to the royal family members and high-ranking officials, and the assumption of the royal residence at the Grand Palace

May 5: The bestowing of the royal name and the new titles of the members of the royal family at the Grand Palace and the royal procession to Wat Bovoranives, Wat Rajabopidh and Wat Phra Chetuphon

May 6: The grand audience with the public and foreign diplomats at the Grand Palace

Late October: The royal barge procession to Wat Arun

A set of four books on the coronation ceremony, published by the Culture Ministry, is available for free download at http://www.m-culture.go.th.

ONE OF the most respected rehabilitation centres in Southeast Asia, The Cabin Chiang Mai boasts a high success rate in helping addicts of any age kick their habits. Now open for nine years, it spread its wings a couple of years ago and opened a parallel centre known as Edge, which offers activity-based programmes for young men and gaming addicts aged 18 to 26.

Edge is the brainchild of the professional clinical team and Cam Adair, founder of GameQuitters, which now has more than 500 members from 95 countries including the US, Singapore, China and South Korea.

“I was bullied so much that I shifted to online schooling. I got hooked on gaming when I was 16. By 2013, I was suicidal and when I actually wrote a suicide note. I realised I had to stop and step out into the world,” says Adair, a recovering game addict from Canada.

“In 2017, I shared my story online and later opened a space for those suffering addiction and wanting to quit. Gaming addiction is a big problem. I used to get lots of emails asking me the same question – ‘What should I do?’”

Located in Mae Rim district, the luxury 120-room resort occupies 37 rai and is divided into four villages for general addiction, LGBT, young men and women. Each community keeps the guests connected to urban living with such modern facilities as swimming pools, well-equipped fitness centres and executive lounges, plus a hospital.

“Addiction is a disease, generally caused by a state of low dopamine in the midbrain, which results in the positive feeling of reward [happiness] being hijacked. The key idea is that we need to move addicts from their familiar surroundings to reduce the impulse,” says Andy Leach, clinical leader and counsellor of The Cabin.

Head counsellor of the Edge programme John Logan is responsible for conducting motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and the 12-step model of addiction recovery.

Focusing on being physically fit and mental health issues, it combines traditional therapy (group and one-on-one), with physical activity (muay thai, gym and triathlon training), wilderness sessions, cognitive behavioural therapy, holistic treatment (art therapy and meditation), social responsibility, sober fun, family work and continuing care.

“The addicts, who get treatment when their brains, are still not fully developed – so in the 18 to 26 age group – have a far better chance of reversing their behaviour than those aged 40. For the Edge programme, the first 45 days focus on electronic detox and addiction, while the second 45 days are about retraining and reteaching how to use technology in a healthy way and how to reach a healthy relationship with technology,” Logan says.

“Group therapy is key to all addiction treatments. Clients come to share their lives and everyone can learn from their experiences. Cardio exercise can help generate natural dopamine. That’s why we’ve added muay thai and triathlon training to the programme.

“The wilderness session is designed to bring clients closer to nature. There are many outdoor activities like hiking up a mountain to watch the waterfall. They can spend time admiring the beauty of nature.”

Fitness coordinator Steve Jenkins offers three two-hour muay thai classes a week at the Bangarang Gym. Depending on their ability, all young men train together and also have triathlon preparation that involves cycling, running and swimming every Tuesday and Thursday.

“In Thailand, muay thai is a martial art that attracts young men. Here they will learn a new skill that builds up their self-esteem. Self-esteem is one of the first things to go whatever their issue happens to be,” Jenkins explains.

“They are working together as a team and there is a peer pressure dynamic in young men. They are pushing together and tend to be a very cohesive group. They are a tight group who are able to share, laugh, joke and train together. This is something not done in addiction. They enjoy themselves without drugs, alcohol or anything else.”

Keen on physical development, overall wellbeing, fitness performance and rehabilitation, Jenkins helps the youngsters fulfil their physical potential and improve their discipline and mental readiness.

“The fortunate side of the physical activity is that it makes young men more manageable and helps them appreciate what they’re doing in the therapeutic programme. When they’re a little tired, they feel relaxed and listen to what’s coming in,” Jenkins says.

“We try to give people the tools to deal with the problems in their life when they get back to the real world. We allow the families to our camp and some parents are shocked when they see their sons working towards a triathlon. They don’t expect to see their son fit and happy to do that. They have never seen their sons doing any physical exercise.”

Skilled therapist Maureen S facilitates two one-hour art therapy sessions a week and some boys have discovered their talent and become artists.

“Art therapy helps people to release their feelings. One of our patients talked about his mother’s death two years ago through drawing,” Maureen says.

“I can read their mind and emotions by the colours and strokes they use. For example, a person who creates a very light drawing lacks confidence and wants to be invisible.”

The main core of the therapy is to work with the family so they can continue the treatment when the young men return home. The Cabin allows the families to observe and participate in their sessions so that they can learn more about addiction and how to treat their family members.

HELP AT HAND

>> The Cabin Chiang Mai is at 296/1, Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai.

>> Find out more at http://www.TheEdgeRehab.com.