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Vajiralongkorn proclaimed king of Thailand
[Dhaka Tribune] Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, became Thailand’s new king on Thursday after he accepted an invitation from parliament to succeed his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in October. King Bhumibol, 88, was widely loved and regarded as a pillar of stability during decades of political turbulence and rapid development in the Southeast Asian nation.Prince Vajiralongkorn, who will be known as King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, according to a statement released by the government’s public relations department, met Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, president of the National Legislative Assembly, at Bangkok’s Dusit Palace. "I would like to accept the invitation for the benefit of the Thai people," the new king said in a televised statement. The new king will also be known as Rama X, or the 10th king of Thailand’s Chakri Dynasty. New era for Thai monarchy Vajiralongkorn, 64, who inherits one of the world’s richest monarchies as well as a politically troubled nation, will ascend the throne 50 days after King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s death. As dusk fell in Bangkok, the prince arrived at the Grand Palace where his father’s body lies in state for religious rites to mark the 50th day since his death. Vajiralongkorn, who has been named successor for more than four decades, does not yet enjoy the same level of popularity. He spends much of his time outside of the public eye, particularly in southern Germany where he owns property. He has had three high-profile divorces, while a recent police corruption scandal linked to the family of his previous wife allowed the public a rare glimpse of palace affairs. Thursday’s ascension will end a period of uncertainty which followed a shock junta announcement after Bhumibol’s death that the prince had asked to delay his official proclamation so he could mourn. Thailand’s constitutional monarchy has limited formal powers. But it draws the loyalty of much of the kingdom’s super-rich business elite as well as a military that dominates politics through its regular coups. It is also protected from criticism by one of the world’s harshest lese majeste laws, carrying up to 15 years in jail for every charge of defaming the king, queen, heir or regent. That law makes open discussion about the royal family’s role all but impossible inside the kingdom and means all media based inside the country routinely self-censor. Convictions for so-called "112" offences -- named after its criminal code -- have skyrocketed since generals seized power in 2014. Experts say most have targeted the junta’s political opponents, many of whom support the toppled civilian government of Yingluck Shinawatra. Posted by: Fred 2016-12-02 |
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