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Thousands gather for glimpse of Thai king at final coronation event

Thai king

More than 2,000 oarsmen rowing to a steady drumbeat accompanied Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn down Bangkok's Chao Phraya river
More than 2,000 oarsmen rowing to a steady drumbeat accompanied Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn down Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river

 

Thousands of well-wishers dressed in royal yellow sat along the banks of Bangkok's Chao Phraya river to get a real-life glimpse of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn
Thousands of well-wishers dressed in royal yellow sat along the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river to get a real-life glimpse of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn

Public transport fares on Bangkok’s skytrain and underground subway were waived for the day, and onlookers were served complimentary meals while they waited.

The traditional event — which also drew foreign dignitaries and diplomats — originated from the river journeys of ancient Thai kings as they lead their battle flotillas into war.

Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne after the 2016 death of his father Bhumibol Adulyadej, who remains widely adored in Thailand and was revered as the country’s moral authority.

Since he took the throne, the assertive monarch has beefed up his security detail and retained direct control over the palace’s multi-billion-dollar fortune.

The flotilla had originally been scheduled for October 24, but was moved to mid-December due to worries over “water conditions and weather”.

Days later the 67-year-old king stripped his royal consort of all titles for displaying “disloyalty” and acting “against the appointment of the Queen”.

The traditional event originated from the river journeys of ancient Thai kings as they lead their battle flotillas into war
The traditional event originated from the river journeys of ancient Thai kings as they lead their battle flotillas into war

The public downfall of 34-year-old Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi provided a rare glimpse into the inscrutable private lives of Thailand’s ultra-wealthy and powerful monarchy.

The royal family sits at the apex of Thai society, and is protected by some of the world’s harshest anti-defamation laws.

 

 

 

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