HM’s coronation to come after election, says Prayut

His Majesty the King’s coronation is expected to be taken place after the general election, according to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

The prime minister yesterday said the government will have to wait for the King to issue a royal command announcing the schedule for the coronation ceremony.

The government cannot set the schedule itself, Gen Prayut said.

In preparing for the coronation, the government will also gather water from various water sources across the country for use in the coronation ceremony, Gen Prayut said.

According to tradition, water used in the coronation ceremony is collected from Thailand’s five major rivers — the Chao Phraya, the Pha Sak, the Ratchaburi, the Phetchaburi, and the Bang Pakong.

Also used in past coronation ceremonies was water collected from four lakes in Suphan Buri.

Gen Prayut said the Royal Household Bureau will release an official schedule for the coronation ceremony after His Majesty the King sets a formal coronation date.

The last coronation, of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, was on May 5, 1950.

On the election expected on Feb 24, the prime minister said the government will look at how to steer the country forward and ensure peace and order ahead of the poll.

The Election Commission will consider when to hold the election, but he still believed that Feb 24, set as the tentative poll date, will remain unchanged, Gen Prayut said.

The premier on Monday called on Thais to maintain unity and goodwill towards each other as His Majesty the King’s coronation was to take place soon.

The prime minister also said he hoped the upcoming election and Thailand taking over the Asean chairmanship on Jan 1 would proceed peacefully.