Everything You Need to Know about Thai King’s Coronation 2019

On Apr 4, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn will complete his official ascension to the throne in the Royal Coronation Ceremony. King Vajiralongkorn inherited the throne following the death of his beloved father HRM Bhumibol Adulyadej in Oct 2016, but requested a mourning period before his coronation. From events to road closures, here’s everything you need to know.

Travelers of Thailand, mark your calendars! An event that many of us had been anticipating for a long of time is coming. The Royal Coronation of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun or King Rama X will take place in Bangkok from Saturday 4th to Monday 6th May 2019.

What will be special?

There will be numerous intricate events that follow the practices of the Royal Traditions most people have never witnessed before. This marks the first coronation in Thailand in seven decades, making him the 10th King of the Chakri Dynasty of Thailand.

What to expect

The government has declared Monday, 6th May a special nation-wide holiday for the public to join the celebrations in Bangkok.
The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will close from 4th-6th May 2019 due to ceremonies. Please note that the palace may potentially close for at least a week’s advance for the preparations.
All the shops and tourist attractions will resume their services as normal during this period. However, government-run attractions, like the national museums and royal palaces, will most likely be closed.

Royal Coronation Ceremony Timetable

May 4 (Saturday)

H.M. King Vajiralongkorn will officially be crowned on May 4. A ceremonial bathing rite of purification using sacred water will take place in the Grand Palace.

May 5 (Sunday)

A royal procession will take place in Bangkok featuring 1,368 soldiers led by a marching band, parading around Old Bangkok. We will see the inauguration of the king’s official name and signature on this very day.

May 6 (Monday)

Events will take place on this day at the Grand Palace in Bangkok with H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn meeting with foreign diplomats and members of the public. The government has designated this day as a national holiday to honor the coronation. A final public appearance by His Majesty the King will take place on the balcony of Sutthaisawan Prasat Hall.

Things to know for visitors

As the Grand Palace will be closed from May 4-6, there may be restricted access for the coronation rehearsals. There may also be road closures around the area of Old Bangkok during early May. In other parts of Bangkok, all forms of transport should run as normal. Shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions should all be open as usual, including these top things to do in Bangkok.

Key parade day road closures

Apr 5: Khaosan; Rachadamnoen Nok; Charoenkrung; Nakhon Sawan; Maha Chai; Dinso; Ram Buttri; Phra Sumen; Rachini. For a full list of all 34 road closures, visit this link for more details.