Maha Vajiralongkorn becomes the king of Thailand

Sunday, December 4, 2016

On Thursday, Thailand Prince Mara Vajiralongkorn was crowned as king of Thailand. Vajiralongkorn is the tenth king of the Chakri dynasty, to also be known as King Rama X.

At a formal ceremony at Dusit Palace Vajiralongkorn, 64, accepted an invitation from the National Legislative Assembly. He said "I would like to accept [this] invitation for the benefit of the Thai people."

King Vajiralongkorn's father King Bhumibol died seven weeks ago at the age of 88 after serving as the king for more than seven decades. Two years ago, the military gained power in a coup. King Bhumibol acted as the unifying figure of the Kingdom.

Following King Bhumibol's death, 96-year-old Prem Tinsulanonda served as regent. Tinsulanonda was the head of the royal advisory council. King Vajiralongkorn was not immediately crowned as the king after his father's death saying he needed time to grieve.

King Vajiralongkorn has lived in Germany for many years. He is immune from public criticism due to lese majeste legislation, which provides for up to fifteen years in jail. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha announced the retrospective commencement of the new reign from October 13.

King Bhumibol is to be cremated around a year from his death.

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Sources

Richard C. Paddock. "New King for Thailand as Crown Prince, Vajiralongkorn, Ascends to Throne" — The New York Times, December 1, 2016
"Thailand's crown prince becomes country's new king" — Reuters, December 1, 2016

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