วันฉัตรมงคล(wan chàt mong-kon) May 5, Celebrating the 60th Coronation Anniversary 2010
Thai People Wholeheartedly Pay Tribute to His Majesty the King
Every year on the fifth of May, Thai people across the nation wholeheartedly celebrate Coronation Day, which marks the coronation anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
His Majesty the King was crowned on 5th May 1950, four years after he actually assumed his kingship in 1946. The coronation ceremony was performed in the Grand Palace in accordance with ancient royal traditions. At the ceremony, His Majesty uttered the traditional proclamation: “We shall reign with righteousness for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people.” His activities and engagements throughout the more than 60 years of his reign have already confirmed this historic oath. He has been the leading and guiding spirit behind much of Thailand’s remarkable growth in international prestige and trust.
The fact that His Majesty the King has reigned for more than 60 years has given him a great advantage, as he has dealt with people all over and in different situations. His views and suggestions are of great importance, and the Government places value in them. His advice is sought in major decisions affecting the country as a whole. Known around the world as a king who is devoted to working hard for the well-being of his subjects, His Majesty the King has tirelessly visited his people everywhere. His useful advice has helped in the improvement of their living conditions. More than 3,000 projects have been carried out under his initiatives, mainly to raise the standards of rural life and enable his subjects to be self-reliant.
His Majesty the King married Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara on 28 April 1950, and on his coronation day in the same year, he elevated his consort to the highest rank and conferred on her the title “Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.” Her Majesty the Queen always remains at the side of His Majesty, sharing his concerns for the suffering of the Thai people and his hopes for their future well-being and happiness.
The coronation anniversary this year is special, as it is entering the 60th anniversary of His Majesty’s coronation. In June 1988, His Majesty became the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history, surpassing the 42-year reign of his grandfather, King Chulalongkorn, Rama V. In 1996, His Majesty celebrated his Golden Jubilee, and in 1999, he observed his 72nd birthday, a milestone accompanied by an outpouring of affection from his people.
With equal affection, in 2006, celebrations were held on the auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne. That made him the longest-reigning monarch in today’s world. It culminated in the grand reception attended by monarchs or representatives of 25 of the contemporary world’s 28 monarchies, as a show of congratulatory tribute to His Majesty’s dedication, foresight, and wisdom, reflected in Thailand’s economic growth, the well-being of its people, and the security of the nation.
5 May 2010 was occasion marking the entering into the 60th coronation anniversary of His Majesty the King. Many events were held to celebrate this occasion nationwide.
By Prae
Thai Language Teacher
