HM the King celebrates Coronation Day

Waving national flags and chanting "Long Live the King," hundreds of people lined up at Siriraj Hospital and along the road from the hospital to the Grand Palace.

Upon arriving at the Grand Palace, their Majesties the King and Queen proceeded to Amarin Winitchai Hall at 10.30am and lighted joss sticks and candles for paying homage to their ancestors.

HRH the Crown Prince offered the four necessities to Buddhist monks before the ceremony is broadcast nationwide at 12.30pm.

Attending the ceremony included Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Privy Councillor chairman Gen Prem Tinsulanond, Army Commander in Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda and other high ranking officials.

To commemorate the Coronation Day, the public is invited to venerate past kings at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha's Prasat Phra Thep Bidorn from 8am-5pm and join a grand street celebration organised by the government that stretches from Phan Fa Bridge to the Royal Plaza. The event runs from today to Sunday.

Many activities were scheduled for the grand celebration under the theme "uniting all hearts to express loyalty" from 6pm-midnight daily at the Royal Plaza, said Suriya Soucksakit, assistant to the culture minister.

After the ceremony, HM the King returned to Siriraj Hospital where he has been staying since last year.