A sea of well-wishers clad in yellow endured the scorching heat in front of the balcony of the Suddhaisavarya Prasad Throne Hall on Monday, where Their Majesties the King and Queen granted a public audience to Thais from across the country.
The 36-degree Celsius temperature did not seem to dampen the festive mood among the attendees -- many of whom had gathered on the grounds since early in the morning to catch a glimpse of the King in the afternoon.
Clad in yellow -- the auspicious colour associated with the King's birthday -- the crowds carried portraits of King Rama X, the national flag and the monarch's standard as they knelt down to honour His Majesty the King.
Afterwards, they chanted "Song Phra Charoen" -- or, "Long Live the King" -- as His Majesty appeared on the balcony and waved to the crowd below.
It was the second time His Majesty the King appeared in public since his coronation in the Grand Palace on May 5. The King first appeared in public when he was carried atop the royal palanquin Budtan Thong on Sunday for the seven-kilometre liap phranakhon procession, where His Majesty paid a visit to three important temples as a part of the lavish coronation ceremony that began on Saturday.
Jongrak Hongboriboon, 49, travelled for seven hours by bus to Bangkok from Surat Thani to witness the historic public audience, which is known in Thai as "Ork Sihabanchorn".
"I arrived early to make sure I could get a good spot. It is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I can share this story with my children and grandchildren back home," she told the Bangkok Post.
Sinjai Boonprakong, a 37-year-old woman from Bangkok's Lat Krabang district also came five hours early to secure a spot, because she wanted to attend the ceremony in person to show how much she adores the King.
"I can watch the ceremony at home, but I chose to come here myself to show the King how the Thai people love the Chakri dynasty," she said.
Kiatsiri Chomsamut, 53, from Ubon Ratchathani, said his entire family drove all the way to Bangkok to attend the historic moment.
"We came here to show our respect to the King and let him know that we all love him. The King, Queen, Princesses and Prince look magnificent on the balcony, especially when they waved and smiled at the public," he said.
Maitree Krittayawut, 80, attended the coronations of both King Rama IX and King Rama X. Mr Maitree, who lives in Sri Yan, said he was in a state of euphoria when he caught a glimpse of His Majesty the King.
"I feel lucky to be a part of two historic occasions in my lifetime. I attended the event for three consecutive days, all by myself," he said, before adding that he hopes that after the coronation, Thailand will be more peaceful and free from political unrest.
Similarly, Pranee Youpong, 62, said she could not be happier to see His Majesty the King with her own eyes.
"I took the train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok alone. When I arrived at Sanam Luang, I met a soldier and asked him whether I could enter the Grand Palace [compound]. He said yes and ushered me into the hall," she she told the Bangkok Post.
"I sat on the sidewalk and saw the King smile to a boy. He is more handsome in person than on television."
During the entire ceremony, volunteers were busy handing out drinking water and administering first aid to attendees who were affected by the heat as they waited for His Majesty to appear on the balcony.
Pichai Jongsukwattana, 62, who also volunteered in the funeral of King Rama IX, said he wanted to dedicate his life to the royal institution. "His Majesty the King must be very happy because a large number of people turned up to support him," he said.
Monarchs from other countries sent messages to congratulate His Majesty the King's for his coronation.
From Rabat, King Mohammed VI of Morocco sent a congratulatory message to His Majesty King Rama X.
"The Sovereign expressed to King Maha Vajiralongkorn, on his behalf and the Moroccan people, his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes of success in serving the Thai people," the Moroccan Embassy in Bangkok said on Monday.
The Qatari Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as King Abdullah of Jordan have also sent messages to congratulate His Majesty the King for his coronation.
