The coronation of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun will complete his accession and accord legitimacy to his kingship.
The coronation is made up of several rites which will span three days. But the highlight will take place today as Thais will have the rare opportunity to witness the historic event.
The last coronation to take place was that of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, on May 5, 1950.
The coronation rites include a purification bathing rite in which the King will take a ceremonial bath with a shower of consecrated water, the royal anointment ceremony in which the King is anointed with coronation water, and a ceremony in which the King is presented with the royal regalia which symbolise the kingship of a monarch who completes the coronation rite.
After that, the King will grant an audience to a grand gathering of royal family members, privy councillors, cabinet members and senior government officials, and diplomats, who will offer their best wishes to the newly crowned King. A formal declaration of the King's faith and willingness to become the Royal Patron of Buddhism will follow.
Later on Saturday, the Assumption of the Royal Residence ceremony will be held. This ritual marks the King taking up residence at the Grand Palace.
On Friday, His Majesty the King arrived at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the Grand Palace to pay homage to the Emerald Buddha. He was accompanied by Queen Suthida and royal family members.
His Holiness lit a candle called the Candle of Victory.
Sunday will be the day for the blessings for the new royal titles and circumambulation. People can have an audience along the path.
On Monday, His Majesty the King will have an audience with the public at the Suddhaisavarya Prasad Throne Hall in the Grand Palace to receive wishes from the people and an audience with members of the international diplomatic corps.
