It’s 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Thai capital Bangkok today, but there are still small crowds braving the heat to watch the country’s first coronation in 69 years.
Many watched on large screens around the Grand Palace.
Chalermpan Rangsriman, a 62-year-old retiree, arrived outside the Grand Palace early in the morning, despite being feeling ill.
“I am happy to see this event. Now we have a full King the country will be better. This ceremony is an auspicious thing to see. I am so proud of it,” he told CNN.
“That’s why I am here, even though it’s extremely hot and I’m not feeling well.”
Jinthanart Unjai, 66, arrived at around 11 a.m. in the morning. She says she almost cried, as the event reminded her of the King’s late father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was widely beloved and revered.
“I am still thinking of the late king. I’m so proud of our tradition,” she told CNN. “This is the first time in my life to see (this). I am so excited.”
Jinthanart Unjai, right, arrived to watch the ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday morning.
Marn Thongkum, a 44-year-old civil servant from northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima Province, came to Bangkok last night especially to see the event.
“This is an important day. I had to come see,” he said. “I feel so happy. I am grateful to have new king now.”
Like many others in Thailand, it was Marn’s first time seeing a coronation.
“This is Thailand,” he said. “We need to have king.”
