Jump to content

Vajiralongkorn

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Maha Vajiralongkorn)
"Rama X" redirects here. For the Indian ruler of the Kingdom of Cochin, see Rama Varma X.

  • Vajiralongkorn
  • วชิราลงกรณ
King Rama X
Formal portrait, 2017
King of Thailand
Reign13 October 2016 – present[a]
Coronation4 May 2019
PredecessorBhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)
Heir presumptiveDipangkorn Rasmijoti[3]
Born (1952-07-28) 28 July 1952 (age 72)
Bangkok, Thailand
Spouse
​
​
(m. 1977; div. 1991)​
​
​
(m. 1994; div. 1996)​
​
​
(m. 2001; div. 2014)​
​
​
(m. 2019)​
​
​
(m. 2019)​
Issue
Detail
Names
Phrabat Somdet Phra Poramenthra Ramathibodi Sisinthara Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Wachiraklao Chao Yu Hua
HouseMahidol (Chakri dynasty)[b]
FatherBhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)
MotherSirikit Kitiyakara
ReligionTheravada Buddhism
Signature
Military career
AllegianceKingdom of Thailand
Branch
Years of service1977–present
Commands

Vajiralongkorn[c] (born 28 July 1952) is King of Thailand since 2016. He is the tenth monarch of Thailand from the Chakri dynasty, titled Rama X.

The only son of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit, he was made crown prince by his father in 1972, at the age of 20. After his father's death on 13 October 2016, he was expected to ascend to the Thai throne but asked for time to mourn before taking the throne.[4] He accepted the throne on the night of 1 December 2016. His coronation took place from 4–6 May 2019.[5] The Thai government retroactively declared his reign to have begun on 13 October 2016, upon his father's death.[6] Aged 64 at that time, Vajiralongkorn became the oldest Thai monarch to ascend to the throne.[7] He is the wealthiest monarch in the world,[8] with a net worth estimated to be between US$30 billion[9] and US$70 billion.[10]

Early life and education

Vajiralongkorn was born on 28 July 1952 at 17:45[11] in the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall of the Dusit Palace in Bangkok. When the crown prince was one year old, Somdet Phra Sangkharat Chao Kromma Luang Vajirananavongse, the 13th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand of the Rattanakosin Era, gave the child his first name at birth, Vajiralongkorn Boromchakrayadisorn Santatiwong Thewetthamrongsuboribal Abhikkunupakornmahitaladulyadej Bhumibolnaretwarangkun Kittisirisombunsawangwat Boromkhattiyarajakumarn.[12]

Vajiralongkorn began his education in 1956 when he entered kindergarten at the Chitralada School in Dusit Palace. After completing Mathayom 1 (grade seven), he was sent to be educated at private schools in the United Kingdom, first at a prep school, King's Mead, Seaford, Sussex, and then at Millfield School, in Somerset,[13] where he completed his secondary education in July 1970.[14] In August 1970, he attended a five-week military training course at The King's School, in Sydney, Australia.[14]

University

Vajiralongkorn in 1972 as a student at Australia's Royal Military College, Duntroon

In 1972, the prince enrolled at the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Canberra, Australia. His education at Duntroon was divided into two parts, military training by the Australian Army and a bachelor's degree course under the auspices of the University of New South Wales. He graduated in 1976 as a new lieutenant with a liberal arts degree.[14]

In 1982, he completed a second bachelor's degree in law, with second-class honors at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University.

Heir apparent and social interest

Vajiralongkorn was proclaimed crown prince on 28 December 1972 at 12:23 in the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, making him the third crown prince of the Chakri dynasty.[12]

Short-term monastic life

On 6 November 1978, at age 26, the prince was ordained as a monk at Wat Phra Kaew. As is traditional for royals, he stayed at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara for 15 days, under the monastic name "Vajiralongkornno".[15]

Military training and career

Vajiralongkorn of Thailand climbs out of the cockpit of an F-5E Tiger II aircraft
Vajiralongkorn with Nilde Iotti in 1985

After completing his studies, Vajiralongkorn served as a career officer in the Royal Thai Army. He started his army career as a staff officer in the Directorate of Army Intelligence[16] and attended the Command and General Staff College in 1977.[17] After that he became Deputy Commander of the King Chulalongkorn's Own Guards, the 4th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment in 1978. In 1980 he was appointed as a Commander of the 4th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment.[18] In 1992 he became Commander of the Royal Security Command.[19]

He is a military pilot qualified to fly the Northrop F-5,[20] F-16, and the Boeing 737-400.[14] His military role in recent years has become increasingly ceremonial. As his father grew older, Vajiralongkorn took a more prominent part in royal ceremonial and public appearances. He officially opened the 2007 Southeast Asian Games, held in Nakhon Ratchasima.[21] The event occurred one day after the 80th birthday of his father.[22]

Medical and health care

Vajiralongkorn established "Crown Prince Hospitals" through funds donated by the public to serve as medical and health care centers for people living in remote areas. Crown Prince Hospitals had been set up in 21 locations in 1977. These hospitals had become major community hospitals providing services of international standards to the general public in 2011.[23]

Agricultural development

Vajiralongkorn (right) with his mother, Queen Sirikit in 1991
US Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz (right) escorts Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn through an honor cordon and into the Pentagon on 12 June 2003

Also interested in agricultural development, Vajiralongkorn has accepted the "Mobile Agricultural Clinic Project" under his patronage. The project provides prompt services to farmers to enhance efficiency in farm production and solve farmers' problems. It provides experts in various agricultural fields who can advise farmers on plants, livestock, fisheries, and land development. He also offers suggestions on tackling agricultural problems and applying agricultural technology to increase productivity and improvement in the quality of agricultural production.[23]

Mobile Agricultural Clinic teams can move quickly to various spots in need of help. It has worked steadily and is ready to provide technical services and transfer technology. With this project, farmers have been urged to be aware of agricultural development and new technology.[23]

In the later years of his father, Bhumibol Adulyadej's reign, Vajiralongkorn represented the King in presiding over the annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony, which is meaningful to Thai farmers as an early practice of phytopathology in the country. Aware of the importance of efficient agriculture for better productivity, Vajiralongkorn emphasized full-cycle agricultural activities, believing they will help improve farmers' quality of life, who are traditionally considered the backbone of the nation.[23] Since becoming King himself Vajiralongkorn has presided over and participated in the ceremony in his own right.[24][25]

In honour of his coronation the Rice Department released five new rice varieties/cultivars[26] and the king has continued patronage of the royal rice varieties competition, the tradition of his ancestor Chulalongkorn.[27][28]

Focus on education

Vajiralongkorn has initiated education projects to improve children's access to quality learning and instill the concept of lifelong learning.[29] He has special ties to the Rajabhat University system of 40 institutions of higher learning. The chairman of the Council of Rajabhat University Presidents of Thailand said that Vajiralongkorn has presided over commencement ceremonies at all Rajabhat Universities nationwide and personally handed out degrees to all Rajabhat university graduates every year since 1978. It is estimated that over the past 35 years, at least 2,100,000 degrees have been handed out by the crown prince to Rajabhat graduates. He also donates 42 million baht annually to a scholarship fund benefiting Rajabhat students.[29]

Sport interest

Vajiralongkorn during Bike for Mom, royal cycle rallies in 2015

Vajiralongkorn was once known as the "Football Prince" but is known for his cycling involvement. He has also shown keen interest in other sports since he was young. He learned horseback riding when he was about 11 years old and soon became a capable rider. While studying in Thailand and abroad, he played several sports with friends, including football, rugby, and rowing.[30]

Vajiralongkorn also competed in sailing with King Bhumibol and sister Princess Ubolratana when they stayed at Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin. In football, Vajiralongkorn first played as a forward and later became a center-back at Chitralada School, Millfield School in England, and the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in Australia. He shares his love of the sport with his father.[30]

Residence

Most of the time, Vajiralongkorn lives in Bavaria in Germany,[31] where he has spent a significant amount of his adulthood. His son, Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, goes to school in the area.[31] The King requested and received changes to the constitution to end the requirement that he appoint a regent when he is away from Thailand. In comparison, his father often made state visits early during his reign, but he left the country only once after the 1960s—an overnight stay in neighboring Laos.[32] Vajiralongkorn has also received visits from Thai officials and dignitaries in Germany.[31] According to the German foreign ministry, the Thai ambassador has been told multiple times that Germany opposes "having guests in our country who run their state affairs from here." Thai officials have told Germany that Prime Minister Prayut is responsible for government matters, while the King is in Germany for personal reasons.[31]

Reign

Accession to the throne and coronation

Portrait of King Vajiralongkorn, EmQuartier, 2017
See also: 1924 Palace Law of Succession

According to the 2007 Constitution, the cabinet instructed the president of the National Assembly to invite Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn to the throne. He became the first monarch to be born in Thailand since his great-uncle Prajadhipok died in 1935.[33] After his father, Bhumibol Adulyadej, died on 13 October 2016, Vajiralongkorn was expected to succeed to the throne of Thailand but asked for time to mourn before taking the throne.[4] On the night of 1 December 2016, the fiftieth day after the death of Bhumibol, Regent Prem Tinsulanonda led the heads of the country's three branches of government to an audience with Vajiralongkorn to invite him to ascend to the throne as the tenth king of the Chakri dynasty.[34] Vajiralongkorn accepted the invitation, saying in a televised statement: "I would like to accept in order to fulfill his majesty's wishes and for the benefit of all Thais."[35][36] The government retroactively declared his reign to have begun upon his father's death, but it would not crown him formally until after the cremation of his father.[35] The remains were then cremated on 26 October 2017.[37][38][39] Currently, his main residence is Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, with the king having moved from Nonthaburi Palace in 2011.[40]

King Vajiralongkorn at Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, Dusit Palace in 2018

Vajiralongkorn's three-day coronation ceremonies took place from 4 to 6 May 2019.[41] The one billion baht (US$29.8 million) coronation was anticipated to attract 150,000 people to Sanam Luang, which it did.[5][42][43][44]

The appointment of members of the privy council

See also: Privy Council of Thailand

Following the resignation of the councillors to Bhumibol Adulyadej, Vajiralongkorn appointed 10 members of the Privy Council. The command was issued under Section 2 of the 2014 interim constitution, completed with Sections 12, 13 and 16 of the 2007 constitution on the king which were retained and remain in effect. The remaining seven members are Surayud Chulanont, Kasem Wattanachai, Palakorn Suwanrath, Atthaniti Disatha-amnarj, Supachai Poo-ngam, Chanchai Likhitjitta and Chalit Pukbhasuk, with three new members, Paiboon Koomchaya, Dapong Ratanasuwan, and Teerachai Nakwanich. Prem Tinsulanonda was re-appointed Privy Council president by royal command.[45] On 13 December 2016, the King appointed two new members, Wirach Chinvinitkul and Charunthada Karnasuta.[46] On 25 December 2016, the King appointed one more new member, Kampanart Rooddit.[47] On 19 January 2017, Privy Councillor Chanchai Likhitjitta died at the age of 71.[48]

Direct political interference

The coronation of King Rama X B.E. 2562 (A.D. 2019)

Thailand's military-appointed parliament voted overwhelmingly in January 2017 to make amendments to the interim constitution, so as to allow amendments to the draft constitution as suggested by the new king's office. Critics said the new constitution would give the military a powerful political say for years or decades.[38] The 2017 Constitution of Thailand was approved in a referendum in 2016, and was endorsed by Vajiralongkorn on 6 April 2017, Chakri day, in a ceremony at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.[49][38] Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that the office of King Vajiralongkorn had asked for several changes to clauses related to royal power in the draft constitution, a rare intervention by a reigning Thai monarch.[50] After the death of King Bhumibol, political activity was paused during a period of mourning that ended in 2017.[38]

In February 2019, in an unprecedented move, the King's elder sister, Ubol Ratana, announced her candidacy for the Thai prime ministership in the 2019 general election, running as a candidate of the Thaksin-allied Thai Raksa Chart Party.[51][52] Later that same day, Vajiralongkorn issued a strongly worded statement, stating that her candidacy for prime minister is "inappropriate ... and unconstitutional".[53] The Election Commission of Thailand then disqualified her from running for prime minister, formally putting an end to her candidacy.[54] The Thai Raksa Chart Party was banned on 7 March 2019 by the Constitutional Court of Thailand for bringing a member of the royal family into politics and its political leaders were banned from politics for a decade.[55]

Vajiralongkorn has direct control over the royal household and palace security agencies.[56]

Controversies

See also: 2020–2021 Thai protests

Vajiralongkorn's reign has been plagued by controversies unheard of during the reign of his predecessor. His image is affected by his reputation as a philanderer.[57] In 2020, widespread unprecedented protests against his reign were popping up all over Thailand.[58]

King Vajiralongkorn reigning from the German state of Bavaria triggered anti-monarchy sentiments and became one of the issues that led to protests across Thailand.

For most of 2020, Vajiralongkorn reportedly rented out the alpine Grand Hotel Sonnenbichl in Garmisch-Partenkirchen for himself and his entourage during the COVID-19 pandemic.[59] He remained there during the nationwide protests and amidst a wave of anti-monarchy sentiments in Thailand,[60] sparking controversy in both Thailand and Germany.[61] German foreign minister Heiko Maas has warned the King not to govern from German soil.[62] He also mentioned that the European state will be investigating his behavior during his stay in Germany.[63]

On 26 October 2020, protesters marched to the German Embassy in Bangkok, petitioning the German government to investigate the King's activities in Germany for the possibility that he had been exercising powers from German soil.[32][64][65]

Personal life

Monarchs of
the Chakri dynasty
Phutthayotfa Chulalok
(Rama I)
Phutthaloetla Naphalai
(Rama II)
Nangklao
(Rama III)
Mongkut
(Rama IV)
Chulalongkorn
(Rama V)
Vajiravudh
(Rama VI)
Prajadhipok
(Rama VII)
Ananda Mahidol
(Rama VIII)
Bhumibol Adulyadej
(Rama IX)
Vajiralongkorn
(Rama X)

Public image, the media, and the law

King Vajiralongkorn's portrait on Ratchadamnoen Avenue

Vajiralongkorn is protected by one of the most strictly enforced lèse majesté laws in the world. For many years, criticism of the king, queen, crown prince, and more recently, former kings, members of the royal family, and even their pets[66] have been strictly prohibited. Violations carry large fines and prison sentences of up to 35 years. However, Vajiralongkorn's private life continues to be a controversial subject of discussion in Thailand, although not publicly. In the 10 January 2002 edition of the Far Eastern Economic Review (FEER), an article appeared suggesting that Vajiralongkorn had business ties with then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. An immediate ban was placed on distribution of the magazine, and the Thai government, citing a threat to national security, suspended the visas of FEER's two Thailand correspondents, Shawn Crispin and Rodney Tasker.[67]

In 2002, The Economist wrote that "Vajiralongkorn is held in much less esteem (than the then-king Bhumibol). Bangkok gossips like to swap tales of his lurid personal life ... Besides, no successor, however worthy, can hope to equal the stature King Bhumibol has attained after 64 years on the throne." This issue of The Economist was banned in Thailand. In 2010, another issue of The Economist, also not distributed in Thailand, said that Vajiralongkorn was "widely loathed and feared" and "unpredictable to the point of eccentricity",[68] while the online journal Asia Sentinel said that he was "regarded as erratic and virtually incapable of ruling";[69] the journal was blocked shortly thereafter.[70] In a leaked diplomatic cable, senior Singaporean foreign ministry official Bilahari Kausikan said that Vajiralongkorn had a gambling habit partly funded by exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.[71]

On 12 November 2009, a home video was released to WikiLeaks, showing Vajiralongkorn casually dressed and Princess Srirasmi Suwadee wearing only a G-string, all the while being attended to by several formally dressed servants, celebrating the birthday of the prince's poodle, Air Chief Marshal Fufu.[72][73] Part of this video was broadcast on the programme Foreign Correspondent, on the Australian ABC channel on 13 April 2010, as part of a half-hour documentary critical of the royal family of Thailand.[74]

On 19 January 2009, Harry Nicolaides, an Australian national, was sentenced to three years in prison for self-publishing a fictional book deemed to have violated lèse majesté. The offending passage alluded to rumours that "if the prince fell in love with one of his minor wives and she betrayed him, she and her family would disappear with their name, familial lineage and all vestiges of their existence expunged forever".[75][76] Nicolaides was later pardoned by the king.[77] Nicolaides later stated that "it's entirely fiction from cover to cover".[78]

In August 2011, the German judicial authorities in Munich impounded a Boeing 737 aircraft, one of two belonging to Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn.[79] Administrators seized the aircraft because of a 20-year-old Thai government debt owed to a now-defunct German construction corporation for the Don Mueang Tollway, that had risen to some €30 million. German authorities, representing the corporation's interests in bankruptcy, stated the measure was a "last resort" in seeking repayment. The Thai government, which had not responded to German demands, called the move "highly inappropriate".[80][81] On 1 August, Vajiralongkorn's office announced he would pay the deposit amounting to €20 million himself.[82] One day later the Thai foreign minister Kasit Piromya confirmed that the Thai government would pay the deposit.[83]

In November 2016, Manager Magazin published a report stating that the new king could be issued with an inheritance tax bill in excess of €3.5 billion. According to the report, the new King is domiciled in Bavaria where he owns two villas which makes him subject to local inheritance tax.[84] On 16 May 2017, Thai officials warned Facebook after an online video was posted of the king wearing a crop top and with full view of his half sleeve tattoo.[85]

Marriages and issue

Soamsawali Kitiyakara

On 3 January 1977, Vajiralongkorn married Princess Soamsawali Kitiyakara (born 1957), a first cousin on his mother's side. They had one daughter, Princess Bajrakitiyabha, born in December 1978. Vajiralongkorn started living with actress Yuvadhida Polpraserth in the late 1970s and had five children with her. Although Soamsawali had refused divorce for many years, Vajiralongkorn was finally able to sue for divorce in the Family Court in January 1993. In the court proceedings, Vajiralongkorn accused Soamsawali of being completely at fault for the failed relationship. She was not able to refute the charges due to the prohibition against lèse majesté. The divorce was finalized in July 1993.[86]

Sujarinee Vivacharawongse (Yuvadhida Polpraserth)

When Vajiralongkorn was introduced to Yuvadhida Polpraserth, she was an aspiring actress. She became his steady companion and gave birth to his first son, Prince Juthavachara Mahidol, on 29 August 1979. He later had three more sons and a daughter by her. They were married at a palace ceremony in February 1994, where they were blessed by the King and the Princess Mother, but not by the Queen. After the marriage, she was allowed to change her name to Mom Sujarinee Mahidol na Ayudhaya, signifying she was a commoner married to royalty. She was also commissioned as a major in the Royal Thai Army and took part in royal ceremonies with Vajiralongkorn. In 1996, two years after the wedding, Mom Sujarinee (as she was now known) decamped to Britain with all her children, while Vajiralongkorn caused posters to be placed all around his palace accusing her of committing adultery with Anand Rotsamkhan, a 60-year-old air marshal.[87] Later, the prince abducted the daughter and brought her back to Thailand to live with him. She was later elevated to the rank of princess, whilst Sujarinee and her sons were stripped of their diplomatic passports and royal titles. Sujarinee and her sons moved to the United States, and as of 2007, she was known as Sujarinee Vivacharawongse.[88] From his sons in America, Vajiralongkorn has three grandchildren.

Srirasmi Suwadee

Vajiralongkorn married for a third time on 10 February 2001, to Srirasmi Suwadee (royal name: Akharaphongpreecha), a commoner of modest background who had been in his service since 1992. The marriage was not disclosed to the public until early 2005. She gave birth to a son, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, on 29 April 2005 and was then elevated to the rank of princess. Her son was immediately elevated to the rank of prince. In a magazine interview shortly after that, Vajiralongkorn stated his intention to settle down.[89]

In November 2014, however, Vajiralongkorn sent a letter to the interior ministry asking for Srirasmi's family to be stripped of the royal name Akharaphongpreecha awarded to her, following allegations of corruption against seven of her relatives.[90] The following month, Srirasmi relinquished her royal titles and name and was officially divorced from Vajiralongkorn.

Suthida Tidjai

On 1 May 2019, three days before his coronation, Vajiralongkorn married Suthida Tidjai, former acting commander of Royal Thai Aide-de-Camp Department.[91] Suthida was therefore made the queen consort of King Vajiralongkorn[91][92] whose coronation took place in Bangkok on 4–6 May 2019.[93] The marriage registration took place at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in Bangkok, with his sister Princess Sirindhorn and President of Privy Council Prem Tinsulanonda as witnesses.[94]

Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi

On 28 July 2019, Vajiralongkorn bestowed the title of "Chao Khun Phra" or Royal Noble Consort, and the royal name of Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, to Major General Niramon Ounprom; the occasion marked the first official naming of a secondary consort for nearly a century.[95] Three months later, on 21 October 2019, a palace order stripped Sineenat of her title and ranks, stating that she had been disrespectful to Queen Suthida and disloyal to the king.[96] On 2 September 2020, Sineenat's titles were restored with a declaration that she "is not tarnished" and "Henceforth, it will be as if she had never been stripped of her military ranks or royal decorations."[97]

Children

Children of King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajira Klao Chao Yu Hua[88]
Name Relation Birth Notes
By Soamsawali Kitiyakara (married 1977, divorced 1991)
Bajrakitiyabha, Princess
Rajasarini Siribajra		 Daughter (1978-12-07) 7 December 1978 (age 45)
By Yuvadhida Polpraserth (married 1994, divorced 1996)
Juthavachara Vivacharawongse Son (1979-08-29) 29 August 1979 (age 45) born as Juthavachara Mahidol, married to Riya Gough, has issue
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse Son (1981-05-27) 27 May 1981 (age 43) born as Vacharaesorn Mahidol, married to Elisa Garafano, has issue
Chakriwat Vivacharawongse Son (1983-02-26) 26 February 1983 (age 41) born as Chakriwat Mahidol
Vatchrawee Vivacharawongse Son (1985-06-14) 14 June 1985 (age 39) born as Vatchrawee Mahidol
Princess Sirivannavari Daughter (1987-01-08) 8 January 1987 (age 37) born as Busyanambejra Mahidol
By Srirasmi Suwadee (married 2001, divorced 2014)
Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti Son (2005-04-29) 29 April 2005 (age 19)

Honours

Styles of
  • King Vajiralongkorn
  • Rama X of Thailand
Reference styleHis Majesty
Spoken styleYour Majesty
Royal Monogram of King Vajiralongkorn
as Crown Prince
as King

Military rank

  • General, Admiral and Air Chief Marshal[98]

Volunteer Defense Corps of Thailand rank

Foreign decorations

See also: List of honours of the Thai royal family by country

Wear of orders, decorations, and medals

The ribbons worn regularly by Vajiralongkorn in undress uniform are as follows :[106]

Ribbon bars of the Vajiralongkorn

Ancestry

Notes

  1. ^ After a mourning period, on 1 December 2016, Vajiralongkorn accepted the formal invitation to become king. He was king retroactively to the day of his predecessor and father's death on 13 October 2016. Prem Tinsulanonda had acted as regent from that date.[1][2]
  2. ^ In the Thai tradition, the house (ราชสกุล) is distinct from the dynasty (ราชวงศ์). Vajiralongkorn is the third king of the House of Mahidol (ราชสกุลมหิดล) and the tenth king of the Chakri dynasty (ราชวงศ์จักรี).
  3. ^ Thai: วชิราลงกรณ; RTGS: Wachiralongkon, pronounced [wá.tɕʰí.rāː.lōŋ.kɔ̄ːn] ⓘ

References

  1. ^ "Vajiralongkorn ascends the throne as King Rama X". Khaosod English. 2 December 2016. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  2. ^ Paddock, Richard (1 December 2016). "New King for Thailand as Crown Prince, Vajiralongkorn, Ascends to Throne". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 3 December 2016. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  3. ^ Turner, Paige (25 November 2019). "5 things to know about Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, son of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn". South China Morning Post.
  4. ^ a b "Thai Prime Minister Prayuth says Crown Prince seeks delay in proclaiming him King". Coconut.co. Bangkok: Coconuts BKK. Agence France-Presse. 13 October 2016. Archived from the original on 14 October 2016. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  5. ^ a b "Coronation of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn to be held May 4–6: palace". The Nation. Agence France-Presse. 1 January 2019. Archived from the original on 1 January 2019. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  6. ^ Paddock, Richard C. (1 December 2016). "New King for Thailand as Crown Prince, Vajiralongkorn, Ascends to Throne". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 11 April 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  7. ^ "Maha Vajiralongkorn – King of Thailand". Archived from the original on 3 November 2016. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  8. ^ Baker, Chris; Phongpaichit, Pasuk (7 April 2022). A History of Thailand. Cambridge University Press. p. 362. ISBN 978-1-009-03418-0.
  9. ^ Hoffower, Hillary (17 July 2019). "Meet the 10 richest billionaire royals in the world right now". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 26 September 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  10. ^ Thailand protests: How much is the king worth? | Counting the Cost. Al Jazeera English. 30 January 2021. Starts at 7:23. Archived from the original on 30 October 2021.
  11. ^ ราชกิจจานุเบกษา, ประกาศสำนักนายกรัฐมนตรี เรื่อง ให้หยุดราชการและชักธงชาติเนื่องในการที่พระราชกุมารประสูติ Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine, เล่ม 69, ตอนที่ 49, 12 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2495, หน้า 2434
  12. ^ a b "Long Live the King: Childhood". Bangkok Post. 1 December 2016. Retrieved 3 December 2016.
  13. ^ "Old Millfieldian Society – Overseas Branch Officials". Omsociety.com. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
  14. ^ a b c d "Long Live the King: Military Education". Bangkok Post. 1 December 2016. Retrieved 3 December 2016.
  15. ^ "Long Live the King: the Upholder of Religions". Bangkok Post. 1 December 2016. Retrieved 3 December 2016.
  16. ^ พระราชกรณียกิจ : ด้านทหาร
  17. ^ พระราชกรณียกิจด้านการทหารและการบิน สมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัวมหาวชิราลงกรณ บดินทรเทพยวรางกูร รัชกาลที่ ๑๐
  18. ^ สมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัว ร.๑๐ ทรงพระปรีชาการทหาร/
  19. ^ พระราชกรณียกิจ รัชกาลที่ ๑๐ "ด้านการทหารและการบิน"
  20. ^ "Crown Prince is a qualified military pilot". The Straits Times. 30 November 2016. Archived from the original on 1 December 2016. Retrieved 3 December 2016.
  21. ^ "Southeast Asian Games Open in Thailand". Voice of America. Archived from the original on 2 December 2016. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  22. ^ Lines, Chris. "Burma Wins Silver at Southeast Asian Games". The Irrawaddy. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 2 December 2016. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  23. ^ a b c d "BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS CROWN PRINCE MAHA VAJIRALONGKORN". Royal Thai Embassy to Singapore. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
  24. ^ The Star (9 May 2019). New Thai king and queen take part in 'Royal Ploughing' ceremony. YouTube.
  25. ^ "Thailand king cancels ceremonies as COVID surges". Nikkei Asia. 4 May 2021. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  26. ^ "Five rice varieties launched in honour of Royal Coronation". The Nation. 7 May 2019. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  27. ^ "History". กระทรวงเกษตรและสหกรณ์ [Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives]. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  28. ^ "Rice Breeding and R&D Policies in Thailand". Food and Fertilizer Technology Center Agricultural Policy Platform (FFTC-AP). 26 April 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  29. ^ a b Mala, Dumrongkiat (1 December 2016). "Crown Prince: Education key to progress". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
  30. ^ a b "King continues his father's legacy". Bangkok Post.
  31. ^ a b c d Saudelli, Giulia (16 October 2020). "Thailand's king should not reign from German soil, Berlin says". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  32. ^ a b "Thai protesters shun Parliament, ask Germany to probe king". Channel NewsAsia. 27 October 2020. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  33. ^ Kershaw, Roger (2001). Monarchy in South-East Asia: The faces of tradition in transition (1st ed.). London: Routledge. pp. 152–153. ISBN 0415243483.
  34. ^ "Crown Prince becomes King". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
  35. ^ a b "Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn proclaimed king". BBC News. 1 December 2016. Archived from the original on 21 April 2018. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
  36. ^ "Crown prince Vajiralongkorn becomes Thailand's new king". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 2 December 2016. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  37. ^ Holmes, Oliver (26 October 2017). "Thailand grieves over former king at lavish cremation ceremony". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 24 December 2017. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  38. ^ a b c d "Thai king's coronation likely by the end of 2017: deputy PM". Reuters. 21 April 2017. Archived from the original on 26 April 2017. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
  39. ^ Shawn W. Crispin, How stable is post-cremation Thailand? Archived 11 February 2018 at the Wayback Machine, Asia Times (6 December 2017).
  40. ^ "New Thai king receives Japanese emperor". Nikkei Asian Review. Archived from the original on 8 April 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  41. ^ "Making of a monarch: King's image peppers Thailand ahead of coronation". France 24. Agence France-Presse. 30 April 2019. Archived from the original on 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  42. ^ "More than 150,000 to attend ceremonies". Bangkok Post. 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  43. ^ Sriring, Orathai; Kittisilpa, Juarawee (28 April 2019). "Thailand rehearses elaborate $31 million coronation for king". Reuters. Archived from the original on 28 April 2019. Retrieved 29 April 2019.
  44. ^ "Thai king celebrated in post-coronation procession". dw.com. 5 May 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  45. ^ "King appoints 10 members to his Privy Council". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  46. ^ "King appoints two new privy councilors". Thai PBS. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
  47. ^ "Former assistant army chief appointed Thailand's new privy councillor". Xinhua News Agency. Archived from the original on 26 December 2016. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  48. ^ "Privy Councillor Chanchai Likhitjitta dies". The Nation. Archived from the original on 27 January 2017. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  49. ^ "King signs to promulgate new Constitution". Nation Multimedia Group. 6 April 2017. Archived from the original on 6 April 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
  50. ^ "Thai parliament approves king's constitutional changes request, likely delaying elections". Reuters. 13 January 2017. Archived from the original on 14 January 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  51. ^ Beech, Hannah (8 February 2019). "Thai King's Sister Is Picked to Run for Prime Minister, Upending Politics". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 13 February 2019. Retrieved 8 February 2019.[failed verification]
  52. ^ Withnall, Adam (8 February 2019). "Thai princess joins election race to become prime minister in stunning move for 'apolitical' royals". The Independent. Archived from the original on 14 February 2019. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  53. ^ "Thai king says sister's candidacy for prime minister is 'inappropriate', 'unconstitutional': Palace statement". Channel NewsAsia. 8 February 2019. Archived from the original on 12 February 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  54. ^ Jett, Jennifer (11 February 2019). "Thai King's Sister Is Formally Barred From Running for Prime Minister". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 19 February 2019. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  55. ^ "Constitutional Court disbands Thai Raksa Chart". Bangkok Post. 7 March 2019.
  56. ^ "Thai king takes control of five palace agencies". businesstimes.com.sg. 2 May 2017. Archived from the original on 6 May 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  57. ^ Bernstein, Richard (24 January 2020). "Thailand's playboy king isn't playing around". Vox. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  58. ^ Rasheed, Zaheena. "Why are Thai students protesting against King Vajiralongkorn?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  59. ^ Wiley, Melissa (6 April 2020). "Inside the luxury hotel where Thailand's playboy king is reportedly self-isolating with 20 women during the coronavirus outbreak". Business Insider.
  60. ^ Mahtani, Shibani (16 October 2020). "Thousands of anti-monarchy protesters defy Thailand's new emergency decree". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 19 October 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  61. ^ "Thai king's sojourn in Bavaria causes headache for Berlin". Financial Times. 11 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  62. ^ "Germany warns Thai King not to govern from its soil". The Telegraph. 9 October 2020. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  63. ^ Solomon, Feliz; Bender, Ruth (26 October 2020). "Thailand's King Becomes a Foreign Relations Challenge for Germany". The Wall Street Journal.
  64. ^ "Thai protesters march on German embassy to seek probe of king". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  65. ^ "Protesters march to German embassy". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  66. ^ Hale, Erin (30 November 2016). "4 Facebook Posts That Can Get You Arrested In Thailand; section Make fun of the King's dog; fined 500,000 baht with 86 days in prison". Forbes. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
  67. ^ Duncan. McCargo, Media and Politics in Pacific Asia, p. 146
  68. ^ "As father fades, his children fight". The Economist. 18 March 2010. Archived from the original on 28 May 2010. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  69. ^ More Lèse majesté Charges in Thailand Archived 21 August 2013 at the Wayback Machine Asia Sentinel, 1 April 2010
  70. ^ "Thailand - Grenade attacks and online censorship amid mounting political tension". fromtheold.com. 30 March 2010. Archived from the original on 22 August 2010. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  71. ^ Dorling, Philip; McKenzie, Nick (12 December 2010). "Top Singapore officials trash the neighbours". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 28 May 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  72. ^ Rayner, Gordon (4 February 2011). "WikiLeaks cables: Thailand's royal pet". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 1 March 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014. An experienced diplomat should be able to greet anyone from a king to a despot, but nothing could prepare one US ambassador for the experience of meeting a military officer that happened to be a poodle.
  73. ^ "WikiLeaks cables reveal scandal and disease in Thai royal family". The Australian. The Times. 24 June 2011. Archived from the original on 1 July 2011. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
  74. ^ "Foreign Correspondent". Abc. 31 July 2012. Archived from the original on 26 May 2011. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  75. ^ Davies, Julie-Anne (5 September 2008). "Thais detain Aussie writer". The Australian. Archived from the original on 16 September 2008. Retrieved 21 January 2009.
  76. ^ Thai court jails Australian novelist for three years over royal 'insult' Archived 25 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine, The Scotsman, 19 January 2009
  77. ^ "Thailand frees Australian writer". BBC News. Archived from the original on 18 November 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2016.
  78. ^ Australian Writer Who Insulted Thai Monarchy Shares Prison Cell With Child Molester, Weapons Dealer Archived 27 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine, Huffington Post, 22 February 2009.
  79. ^ "Thai Aircraft List29022555.xls". Department of Civil Aviation. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
  80. ^ "Germany Impounds Thai Prince Vajiralongkorn's Jet". BBC. 13 July 2011. Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
  81. ^ "Plane stupid: the damage is done". The Nation. 19 July 2011. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2011. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) confirmed the Thai government's contention that the RTAF in 2007 presented the Boeing 737 jet to the Prince for his personal use.
  82. ^ "Is the dispute with Walter Bau coming to an end?". Bangkok Pundit. 2 August 2011. Archived from the original on 16 August 2011. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
  83. ^ "Government pays for Crown Prince's Boeing". Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. 2 August 2011. Archived from the original on 3 August 2011. Retrieved 2 August 2011.[failed verification]
  84. ^ "Bayern hofft auf Milliarden von Thailands Kronprinz". Manager Magazin. 17 November 2016. Archived from the original on 4 May 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  85. ^ Ives, Mike; Mozur, Paul (16 May 2017). "Thailand Warns Facebook After Video Seems to Show King in Crop Top". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 17 May 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  86. ^ Nonthaburi Family Court, Documents of Case #79/2536, 14 January 2007
  87. ^ Campbell, Christy (20 October 1996). "Adultery princess casts shadow on untouchables". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 22 November 2003.
  88. ^ a b "Thailand's new king in profile". BBC. Archived from the original on 3 December 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
  89. ^ "Simplicity, warmth win hearts", The Nation Archived 11 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine
  90. ^ "Thailand crown prince strips wife's family of royal name". BBC News. 29 November 2014. Archived from the original on 1 December 2014. Retrieved 2 December 2014. It comes after seven of her close relatives were arrested in a purge of officials allegedly involved in corruption.
  91. ^ a b ประกาศ เรื่อง สถาปนาสมเด็จพระราชินี (PDF). Ratchakitcha. Royal Thai Government. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 May 2019. Retrieved 1 May 2019.
  92. ^ "พระราชประวัติ สมเด็จพระราชินีสุทิดา". BBC. 1 May 2019. Archived from the original on 23 October 2019. Retrieved 1 May 2019.
  93. ^ "A new Queen emerges in pre-coronation Thailand". Asia Times. May 2019. Archived from the original on 1 May 2019. Retrieved 1 May 2019.
  94. ^ "New queen named". Bangkok Post. 1 May 2019. Retrieved 1 May 2019.
  95. ^ Thaitrakulpanich, Asaree (30 July 2019). "Rama X Names First Royal Consort in Almost a Century". Khaosod English. Archived from the original on 3 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
  96. ^ Charuvastra, Teeranai (21 October 2019). "Royal Consort Sineenat Stripped of Royal Ranks". Khaosod English. Archived from the original on 21 October 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  97. ^ "Thailand's king reinstates his consort after her fall from grace". BBC. 2 September 2020. Retrieved 2 September 2020. The king's latest decision means that "Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi is not tarnished", the Royal Gazette announced. "Henceforth, it will be as if she had never been stripped of her military ranks or royal decorations."
  98. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  99. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  100. ^ "Modtagere af danske dekorationer" (jump down to just above the picture gallery and search for Vajiralongkorn of Thailand in the search box [where it says "Søg efter navn eller titel"]). kongehuset.dk (in Danish). Archived from the original on 12 May 2019. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  101. ^ "Semakan Penerima Darjah Kebesaran, Bintang dan Pingat". Istiadat.gov.my. 20 January 2016. Archived from the original on 19 July 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  102. ^ "Немеркнущие заслуги в развитии отношений между КНДР и Таиландом". Сайта МИД КНДР. 10 March 2022.
  103. ^ "ไทย - เปรู". Archived from the original on 23 February 2022. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
  104. ^ "Foreign recipients of Portuguese honours - Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn". ordens.presidencia.pt. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  105. ^ "Boletín Oficial del Estado" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 March 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
  106. ^ The miseducation of King Rama X

Further reading

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Vajiralongkorn.
Wikiquote has quotations related to Vajiralongkorn.
Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)
House of Mahidol
Cadet branch of the House of Chakri
Born: 28 July 1952
Regnal titles
Preceded by King of Thailand
13 October 2016 – present 		Incumbent
Heir presumptive:
Dipangkorn Rasmijoti
Thai royalty
Vacant
Title last held by
Vajiravudh 		Crown Prince of Thailand
28 December 1972 – 13 October 2016 		Vacant
Order of precedence
First Thai order of precedence
The Sovereign
1st position 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vajiralongkorn&oldid=1255284730"