The chant of "Long Live the King" was heard all along the seven-kilometre route of His Majesty King Rama X's post-coronation procession on Sunday.
For the first time since he was crowned, the King granted an audience to his people. Both Thais and foreigners in yellow shirts were waiting to pay their respects to him as they lined the road during his visit to three important temples in the afternoon.
Areas of Sanam Luang in front of the Grand Palace and the Supreme Court were filled with supporters from early in the morning despite the bright sunshine and baking hot temperature.
Sukanda Tangpattanatana, a 27-year-old from Ayutthaya's Tha Rua district, prostrated on the ground with tears on her eyes as he passed by, saying she had been delighted to show her respect to the King because he is "the father of the land".
She said the King has done good things for the country since the first day he was on the throne, especially the Jit Arsa (volunteers) project, which encourages people to contribute to local initiatives.
"People coming here shows that we have unity right now. We came here to show respect to him and let him know that we all love him," she said.
Another attendee, Nattharika Nurak, 63, from Krabi, said joined the Jit Arsa programme in Krabi after she retired.
She said she was sure the work of King Rama X and the volunteers would help make the country prosperous and was in the spirit of initiatives implemented by the late King Bhumibol.
Ratchaporn Promsen, 53, from Chiang Mai, said her family had paid their respects to the Buddha images at Wat Bowon Niwet in the morning and then been thrilled to witness the King in person later in the day.
"I watched the coronation ceremony on TV. I am delighted that he [King Rama X] loves and adores King Rama IX as well as his mother and the members of the royal family. The royally-initiated projects, such as Jit Arsa, and his speeches reflect his kindness to the people at all levels. He is a beautiful role model," she said.
Somboon Phromsen, 76, also from Chiang Mai, said the sun was strong and the day was very hot but he did not let that deter him from getting a glimpse of the King
He said he wished the King good health so he could be the centre of Thai people's moral compass for many years to come.
A lady who declined to be named, from Bangkok's Sai Mai district, said that she and her friends arrived at the Grand Palace area at noon so that they could select the best location to see the new King. They were not disappointed.
"I have never seen this kind of royal ceremony in my life. It is the first time and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So I came here to enjoy the extraordinary atmosphere along with everyone else who has come to celebrate our new King," she said.
Kennedy Vidal from Brazil and Takuya Miyashita, from Japan, were among numerous foreigners who waited for a long time in front of the Grand Palace to see the procession Sundayafternoon.
Both had bought the Thai flag and royal flag to wave as the King proceeded past them.
"I have been travelling around Asia for two months but I made sure to be here for the coronation ceremony. I wanted to see it because it is a chance to see something unique and truly special. It is amazing.
"It is a new experience. I know how very important his father was to the people of Thailand and how important this ceremony is to them too," Mr Vidal said.
Takuya Miyashita said: "I know about the King as I come to Thailand every year. This year I decided to make sure I could see the coronation on my visit. In my country, a new emperor has just been crowned. People are looKing ahead to a bright new future in both countries."
Pornnaras Lertkijrungruang and her friend, both in their 60s and from Chom Thong district, Bangkok, arrived at the checkpoint near Wat Pho at 5am and waited all day to witness the procession.
"We were so delighted we almost shed tears. His Majesty the King waved to us. He was so graceful. We have been so impressed since May 3.
"We both had goosebumps when we saw him being crowned and accepting the royal regalia. It was a very special moment when he delivered the first royal speech."
Pornkamol Srinoi, 59, a royally initiated volunteer from Pathum Thani, said: "I feel very proud because my hometown in tambon Dong Lakhon, Muang district, Nakhon Nayok, is near one of the ponds where the holy water was brought for the ceremony. It is a centuries-old tradition."
Mana Stansook, a 41-year-old man from Phetchaburi province, said he had wanted to bring his family to this auspicious occasion and they had all been thrilled to see the King with their own eyes, adding that it was the great moment for the country.
