The royal regalia or Khrueang Raja Kakudhabhand symbolises the kingship of a monarch who completes the coronation rite. The regalia holds symbolic significance and represents different aspects of a king's role as a leader.
Of all the regalia, the nine-tiered Great White Umbrella of State or Nophapadon Maha Saweta Chatra enjoys the most exalted status as it embodies the supremacy of a monarch, similar to a European king's crown.
The Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella (pictured) is reserved for a Thai king who has been fully consecrated in the coronation ceremony. A king who has yet to complete the coronation rite uses a seven-tiered one. The eight small tiers placed above the royal umbrella (chatra) symbolise a king's territorial conquests in all eight directions.
The tiers represent the accumulation of royal umbrellas which were taken from defeated opponents in battles and added to the monarch's own chatra, demonstrating his supremacy, based on ancient Indian beliefs.
Evidence shows the chatra was used as the symbol of kingship during the reign of King U-thong, the first king of the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1350 to 1369).
The other objects on the regalia include the Great Crown of Victory or Phra Maha Phichai Mongkut.
Upon receiving the crown, which weighs about 7kg, the King will put it on his head himself. The sheer weight of the crown serves to remind a newly-crowned king of the heavy burdens and responsibilities, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said.
Another item on the royal regalia is the Sword of Victory or Phra Saeng Khan Chai Sri. The sword represents the ability to cut through problems with accuracy, Mr Wissanu said.
The next item is the Royal Staff or Than Phra Kon. It represents the principles which help guide a monarch to success, he said.
The other item is the set of Royal Slippers or Chalong Phrabat Choeng Ngon. In the coronation ceremony, the chief Brahmin will place them on the feet of the King. The slippers symbolise the people who support and protect the King.
If the King walks without the slippers on, he may step on sharp objects and hurt himself, Mr Wissanu said. The Royal Fan and Flywhisk or Walawichani represent a king's ability to repel any bad things that might harm his subjects.
