Bangkok celebrates Coronation Day with tributes to HM the King
Thai women wave national flags and kneel as the car carrying His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej passes en route to the Grand Palace.Celebrations for Coronation Day, marking the 60th anniversary of the official coronation of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, are being held all over the country starting on Wednesday.
In Bangkok, a massive street celebration organized by the Thai government stretches from Phan Fa Bridge to the Royal Plaza, and will run from Wednesday to Sunday, with special events taking place from 6pm until midnight. This includes two Khon masked dances from two episodes of the Ramayana epic and a stage play of Suwannahong.
Other planned events are an exhibition on the 60th anniversary of His Majesty's ascension to the throne and his personal movies, an international cultural expo and the opening of the Rama IX National Archive.
On Wednesday morning, Their Majesties traveled to Bangkok's Grand Palace from Siriraj Hospital to preside over an annual religious ceremony to mark the occasion, which was broadcast live on Thai television stations. Thousands of Bangkokians lined their motorcade route to greet them, with many wearing pink shirts in honor of the King.
Outside of Bangkok, 60 national parks will offer free entry until Sunday to celebrate the King's coronation anniversary. According to the Bangkok Post, each park will run a photo exhibition featuring the visits of Their Majesties the King and Queen.
