Royal milestone: Thai king celebrates with ceremony on January 14
The Thai government has scheduled a royal ceremony for Tuesday, January 14 to commemorate a significant milestone for His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. On this date, the current Thai king will have lived as long as King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty.
Rama I, known formally as Phra Bat Somdet Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok Maharat, passed away on September 7, 1809, at 72 years, six months, and nine days old, totalling 26,469 days, as noted by Jiraporn Sindhuprai, the minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office.
January 14 next year marks the day when King Maha Vajiralongkorn will reach the same lifespan as his ancestor, a moment celebrated by Thais as Sama Mongkol. The public relations committee, which is organising events for the king’s 6th cycle birthday, has announced plans for a royal ceremony in recognition of this occasion.
The committee has outlined several merit-making activities and events to enable Thai citizens to celebrate and express their loyalty and respect for the monarchy.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has also been involved, discussing seven proposed commemorative events for Sama Mongkol in a recent meeting. These events include sueb chata rituals at Saranrom Park and Wat Pho in Bangkok, renovation work at Wat Sangkat Rattanakhiri in Uthai Thani, a Khon dance performance at the Rama I Monument at the Memorial Bridge, tree planting at King Rama IX Memorial Park, and the introduction of commemorative coins, reported Bangkok Post.
“Merit-making activities and other events will be organised to allow Thais to celebrate the occasion while showing their loyalty and respect to the monarchy.”
In related news, in a dazzling display of tradition and grandeur, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn oversaw his first Trooping the Colour parade on December 3, joined by Her Majesty the Queen Consort Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana and Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.
