Learn Thai Culture: The Royal Regalia and Royal Utentsils of Thailand

The Royal Regalia and Royal Utensils of Thailand

All Thailand rejoiced on the 9th of June 1946 when our beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej ascended to the throne just months before his 19th birthday.

Following the completion of his academic studies in Switzerland, His Majesty returned to the Kingdom for his official coronation on the 5th of May 1950, and took his First Oath of Accession to the throne with the immortal words: “We will reign with righteousness, for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people.”

1. The great white umbrella of state (พระนพปฎลมหาเศวตฉัตร/prá nóp-pá-bpà-don má-hăa sà-wàyt-dtà chàt)

2. The five royal regalia (เครื่องเบญจกกุธภัณฑ์/krêuang bayn-jà gà-gùt-tá-pan) or/rĕu (เครื่องสิริราชกกุธภัณฑ์/krêuang sì-rì  râat-chá-gà-gùt-tá-pan)

2.1 The great crown of victory (พระมหาพิชัยมงกุฎ/prá má-hăa  pí-chai mong-gùt)

2.2 The sword of victory (พระแสงขรรค์ชัยศรี/prá săeng-kăn chai-sĕe)

2.3 The royal staff (ธารพระกรไม้ชัยพฤกษ์/taan prá-gon mái chai-yá-préuk)

2.4 The Royal Fan and The Royal Fly Whisk (พัดวาลวิชนีและพระแส้หางจามรี/pát-waan wít- chá-nee láe prá sâe hăang jaam-má-ree)

2.5 The Royal Up-turned Slippers (ฉลองพระบาทเชิงงอน/chà-lŏng prá-bàat cherng ngon)

3. The royal untensils (พระเครื่องขัตติยาราชูปโภค/prá krêuang kàt- dtì-yaa raa-choo-bpà- pôhk), the personal use of the monarch

3.1 The betel nut set (พานพระขันหมาก/paan prá kăn màak)

3.2 The water urn (พระมณฑปรัตนครัณฑ์/prá mon-dòp rát-dtà-ná-kran)

3.3 The libation vessel (พระสุพรรณราช/prá sù-pan ná râat)

3.4 The receptacle (พระสุพรรณศรี/prá sù-pan ná  sĕe)

The use of Royal Regalia and Royal Utensils in coronation ceremonies dates back to the Sukhothai Kingdom of the 13th to 15th centuries; the state regarded by Thai historical tradition as the first Thai kingdom. During this period, Thai artisans in the time-honoured traditional patterns and designs befitting the dignity and status of the king, crafted the items of Royal Regalia and Utensils, used during the reign of King Rama 1 of the Royal House of Chakri. The Quintet of Royal Regalia, made at that time, has been used at subsequent coronations, including that of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on May 5th, 1950 at the Grand Palace.

By Prae
Thai Language Teacher