Court astrologers traditionally make predictions about the future at every important transition in the nation’s history. (Photo: Representational/Pixabay)

Bangkok: Pondering whether her job is the right fit and whether her romantic relationship is meant to be, Jarunun Sangjun, 27, does what any typical Thai would do: seek out a fortune-teller for advice. The fortune-teller, who has a table set up on the side of the road near a temple in Bangkok, asks for the date and time of her birth before drawing up horoscope charts.

“The stars are saying this year you’ll change jobs, start a new relationship,” says the fortune-teller known as Ajarn Jamras, who said he has been practicing for 30 years.

The roadside divination is a world away from Thailand’s elaborate preparations for the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn on May 4. But astrology plays a key role in the coronation ceremonies this week when the monarch, too, will have his horoscope cast.