by Surasak Tumcharoen
BANGKOK, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn formally ascended the throne on Saturday in magnificent ceremonies in the Grand Palace.
People across the country watched the rituals broadcast live by Television Pool of Thailand, while a large number people in yellow shirts showed up at Sanam Luang ground across the Grand Palace and elsewhere near the palace to witness the historic event.
As part of the royal rituals, the king took a purification bath and anointment with sacred water, which had been brought from sacred ponds and other water resources in all provinces across the country, and was presented Royal Regalia and a golden pad inscribed with his name and seal to mark his ascension to the throne.
Following the rituals, the 66-year-old king ceremonially named 40-year-old Queen Suthida, whom he earlier married in legal and traditional fashion in Baisal Daksin Throne Hall.
On Saturday afternoon, the king granted an audience with members of the royal family, privy councilors and high-level government officials, at Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall in the Grand Palace.
The monarch then proceeded on board a royal palanquin carried by soldiers in traditional costume from the throne hall to Emerald Buddha temple in the compound of the Grand Palace to pay homage to the Buddha image in the presence of 80 blessing monks.
He then proceeded to Phra Thep Bidorn Throne Hall and Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace to pay homage to the statues and relics of former kings and queens of Siam (the former name of Thailand).
In his first speech to the public upon the ceremonial ascension to the throne, the monarch pledged to preserve, develop and hold the reign with righteousness and for benefits and happiness of the Thai people.
He practically assumed the throne in late 2016 after his father, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, passed away.
On Sunday, the new monarch is scheduled to bestow royal titles to members of the royal family and lead a royal procession from the Grand Palace to three royal temples, namely Bovorn Nivet temple, Rajabopit temple and Phra Chetupon temple, passing several roads in Rattanakosin Island area. Many yellow-shirted people are expected to view the procession along the route.
On Monday, the king is scheduled to show up on the balcony of Sutthai Sawan Prasat Throne Hall to greet palace and government personnel and other people and receive best wishes from them.
King Vajiralongkorn is also scheduled to grant an audience with diplomats at Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace on Monday.
Thailand's last coronation rituals were conducted for the late King Bhumibol in 1950.
