Page 153 - The Royal Coronation Ceremony

The Royal Scepter or “Than Phra Kon”

The original scepter was made during the reign of His Majesty King Buddha Yod Fa
Chulalok (Rama I). Its staff was made of Javanese Cassia wood. The finial was in the form of a
trident and was gilded with gold, as was its iron hilt inlaid with gold. It was named “Than Phra
Kon,” but originally was named “Than Phra Kon Ratchaphruek,” or “Royal Staff made of Javanese
Cassia wood.” In the reign of His Majesty King Mongkut (Rama IV), His Majesty ordered a new
scepter to be made of pure gold. The staff was designed to hide a sword within and it had the
figure of a deity on its finial. The scepter was called “Phra Saeng Sanao,” and also called “Than
Phra Kon Thewarup” or “The Royal Staff with a Deity.” This scepter is more a sword than royal staff,

and His Majesty preferred using this new scepter than the old one. However, His Majesty King
Vajiravudh (Rama VI), due to his royal admiration of heritage objects, brought back the original
scepter for use again in the Royal Coronation Ceremony, and, the “Than Phra Kon Thewarup”
was not included in the ceremony of that period.

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The Royal Coronation Ceremony