Bangkok: His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen attended a royal ceremony celebrating His Majesty the King's 28th birthday. The event took place on July 28, 2026, at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
According to Thai News Agency, the royal couple traveled from Amporn Sathan Palace, Dusit Palace, to the ceremony. They were accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, His Royal Highness Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti Mahavajirotthamangkul Siri Vibulyarajakumara, and Chao Khun Phra Sineenath Pilaskalyani. Upon their arrival, they were received by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, and Her Royal Highness Princess Aditaya Tharakiti Khun.
The ceremony commenced with His Majesty the King receiving blessings from Chinese and Vietnamese monks before entering the main chapel. The King lit auspicious candles and incense at various altars, including those dedicated to King Rama I and King Rama II. Her Majesty the Queen followed suit at a separate altar. The monks chanted Buddhist prayers, and the King granted an audience to elderly royal officials, distributing royal gifts of charity.
In the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall, His Majesty the King presided over the conferring of the ecclesiastical rank of Somdej Phra Raja Khana (Supreme Patriarch). The ceremony included the presentation of a golden plaque, ceremonial fan, robes, and other insignia to the newly appointed Somdej Phra Raja Khana, accompanied by traditional music. The King then participated in additional religious observances, including lighting candles and incense to honor the Buddha image and the nine celestial deities associated with his birthday.
Afterward, His Majesty presented the Phra Kring Pavaret amulet to Somdej Phra Theerayanmuni and engaged in further worship activities at the Phaisan Thaksin Throne Hall. The ceremony concluded with the King receiving respects from attendees before returning to the palace in the royal automobile.