Rama X: The New King of Thailand

2 December 2016

At a ceremony held in Bangkok yesterday, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn formally accepted an invitation to ascend the throne. The late King’s only son was the designated heir to the throne. The 64-year-old is the tenth king of the Chakri dynasty becoming Rama X. His formal title is His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.

New Public Holiday for the King
King Vajiralongkorn was born in Bangkok on 28 July, 1952. From 2017 onwards, his birthday in July will be an annual public holiday in Thailand.

Following the death of his father on October 13, the Crown Prince did not immediately accept the crown. Instead, he advised the leader of the ruling military junta and the Thai parliament that he wanted time to mourn his father before accepting the invitation to ascend the throne. Yesterday’s special ceremony in Bangkok came on an auspicious day that marked 50 days since the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The coronation ceremony for Rama X won’t take place until after the late King’s cremation. In line with Thai tradition, various Buddhist merit-making ceremonies are being held for King Bhumibol Adulyadej ahead of his cremation which isn’t expected to take place until late 2017. The Royal Cremation Ceremony will be held at Sanam Luang, the royal ceremonial field in front of the Grand Palace.