Page 19 - The Royal Coronation Ceremony

Message

from
His Excellency General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.)

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand

The Kingdom of Thailand’s stability, prosperity, and sustainability has always been based
on the three institutional pillars - Nation, Religion and Monarchy. For centuries, the Thai Monarchy has
been the pillar of the Thai nation, serving as the unifying strength that binds all Thai people. Throughout
Thailand’s history, the kings of Thailand have been the head of state and have played an important role
in sustainable development, maintaining the sovereignty of the Thai nation, and the development of

Thai culture. They have reigned in accordance with the Theravada Buddhist concept of “Dhammaraja”,
practicing the Ten Virtues of the Righteous King. Thus as virtuous leaders, kings of the Thai nation have
made great sacrifices for the people and have brought peace and happiness to Thai society for many
generations. They have also led the country though many crises, including external threats to national
independence and sovereignty, through their skills, wisdom and courage. In this regard, Thai nation has
been extremely fortunate to have kings as our sovereign. The rite of coronation of a Thai king, therefore,
is a very auspicious and important occasion for the Thai nation and the Thai people.

This book, “The Royal Coronation Ceremony,” introduces the reader to the ancient royal
ceremony of the coronation, which has continued until today, and represents an important aspect of
Thai traditional heritage. I hope that it will illuminate to many the significance of the Thai royal tradition
of the coronation, which is one of the most sacred aspects of the Thai identity.

General (Ret.)

(Prayut Chan-o-cha)
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand

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The Royal Coronation Ceremony