Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn has officially become King Rama X of Thailand on Thursday night, December 1, 2016. His Royal Title will be “His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.”
“I accept the invitation to fulfill the wish of His Majesty the Late King and for the benefit of all Thai people,” said His Majesty the King during the audience.
In a statement posted on the Government Public Relations Department website, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said “Now, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who has been the Heir to the Throne for 44 years, since 1972, has ascended as His Majesty King Rama X of the Royal House of Chakri”.
“He is accorded full royal prerogatives as stipulated by the Constitution,” the statement added.
The ceremony was held at Dusit Palace on Thursday afternoon where the new king accepted a ceremonial invitation to take the throne by the head of the interim parliament, Mr. Pornpetch Wichitcholchai.
Aside from Prime Minister Prayuth and Mr. Pornpetch, Chief Justice Veerapol Tangsuwan and Regent Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda also attended the audience with His Majesty the King.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Mr Pornpetch, and Veerapol Tungsuwan, president of the Supreme Court, accompanied Gen Prem.
The ascension is retroactive to October 13, 2016, the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej who is known as Rama IX.
Meanwhile, the coronation will be held after the cremation of King Bhumibol as soon as late next year.
