His Majesty the King yesterday presided over the elevation of 69 senior Buddhist monks to a higher rank to mark the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne.

The ceremony took place at the Amarin Vinijai Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace.

Of the 69 - selected from provinces nationwide - four raja kana monks were promoted from thep to dharma status.

Phra Thep Mongkol Suthi, of Wat Rachapradit Bangkok, is now Phra Dharma Trailokajarn, while Phra Thep Metee, of Wat Maha That Bangkok, became Phra Dharma Suthee.

Phra Thep Siri Pimol, of Wat Saket Bangkok, is now Phra Dharma Sitthi Nayok, and Phra Thep Silwisut, of Wat Yala in Yala province, is now Phra Dharma Sithi Monkol.

A dozen monks from other temples were promoted from raj to thep, while 20 ordinary monks moved up to raj, and 33 at the level of phra khru gained ordinary status.

All 69 were graciously presented with certificates of their new titles, along with honorary fans, by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.

After the ceremony, 99 monks chanted prayers for HM the King.

Among those observing the auspicious occasion were Royal Family members, privy councillors, the prime minister and the presidents of Parliament and the Supreme Court.

Later in the evening, a spectacular firework display lit up the sky over the majestic Chao Phya River, to the delight of onlookers and those watching the celebrations live on TV.

The firework display was organised by the Defence Ministry and began at 9.20pm aboard three Army ships anchored on the Chao Phya River.

Lt-General Pasit sonthikhan, the chief technical officer, said the display could be seen from both sides of the river, from Phra Pinklao Bridge to Phra Buddha Yodfa Bridge.

He said all three ships, anchored near Wat Arun, were positioned to allow the detonation of fireworks over a period of 15 minutes to create a V-shaped display in the sky.