Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s official coronation ceremony to begin on Saturday

SUMMARY

Three days of elaborate, centuries-old rituals beginning Saturday will formally endow Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn with regal legitimacy.

By APMay 3, 2019 4:37:12 PM IST (Updated)

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn, left, sits with Queen Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayudhya at Ampornsan Throne Hall in Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who will have his official coronation on Saturday, has appointed his consort as the country's queen. (Bureau of the Royal Household via AP, File)

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, left, is seen here with late King Bumibol Adulyadej, while attending a military review in Bangkok in 1996. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

King Bhumibol Adulyadej - the only monarch most Thais had known when he died in October 2016 after seven decades on the throne - won most of his countrymen's deep love and respect as an exemplar of rectitude and an avid cheerleader for his country's economic development. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

The 66-year-old Vajiralongkorn faces a challenge in the long-standing comparisons to his hardworking, deeply respected father. (Pool Photo via AP)

It will not be easy for Vajiralongkorn to emulate his father as he is likely to find it tough to build a standing among common people of the country. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

However Vajiralongkorn has started to make efforts to improve his reach to the people. He participated in two-high profile events in 2015, leading thousands of Thais in mass bicycling events to mark his parents' birthdays. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)