12/02/2016, 10.07
THAILAND
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Rama X: Thailand has a new king

by Weena Kowitwanij

Prince Vajiralongkorn was proclaimed monarch yesterday, making him the tenth ruler of the Chakri dynasty. The new king will be called Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkul, but will be known as Rama X.

 

Bangkok (AsiaNews) - Thailand has a new king. Prince Vajiralongkorn was proclaimed monarch yesterday, making him the tenth ruler of the Chakri Dynasty, successor to King Bhumibol Adulyadej. At 11 pm yesterday (local time) Thai State television broadcast the announcement of the ascent to the throne. The ceremony took place at the Dusit Palace in Bangkok Amphorn Satharn villa, in the presence of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the President of the Legislative Assembly, he said, turning to the prince: "In accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand [...] I would ask Prince Vajiralongkorn with gratitude to accept the invitation [to become king] ".

The heir to the throne said he would "meet the desire of King Bhumibol for the good of the Thai people." After the ceremony the Prime Minister announced that "according to ancient traditions and laws, the kingdom must not be left without a monarch on the throne, so the beginning of the new reign will be marked Oct. 13, 2016 [the date of the death of the late King]. The royal coronation ceremony will be accomplished after the cremation of His Majesty King Bhumibol, about a year after his death. "

The new king will be called Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkul (มหา ว ชิ รา ลง กร ณ์ บ ดิน ทร เทพ ย ว ราง กู ร), but will be known as Rama X, the tenth king of the Chakri Dynasty (begun in 1782).

All Buddhist temples of the country celebrated the news at the same time playing gongs, drums and bells to bless the new king.

Born July 28, 1952, Prince Vajiralongkorn is the second child (only son) of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. He has an older sister, Ubonratana Rajchakanya (much loved by the people) and two younger siblings, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Chulabhorn Walailak. He studied in England and Australia. He was proclaimed heir to the throne December 28, 1972 and for the past 44 years has accompanied the King and Queen on numerous visits to rural areas of the country, giving support to the population in need.

 

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