Maha Vajiralongkorn

Maha Vajiralongkorn is the reigning King of Thailand, having ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Bhumibol Adulyadej, in 2016. As the tenth monarch of the Chakri dynasty, he is formally titled King Rama X. His reign has been marked by a consolidation of royal authority, significant changes to the structure of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, and periods of intense public and international scrutiny.

Early life and education

Born at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall within the Dusit Palace complex in Bangkok, he is the second child and only son of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. His early education took place in Thailand before he was sent to study at King's Mead School in Sussex and later at Millfield in Somerset, England. He underwent military training in Australia at The King's School in Parramatta and at the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Canberra, graduating in 1976. He further pursued military studies in Thailand at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and completed specialized training courses in the United States, including at the United States Army Armor School at Fort Knox.

Reign

His formal accession was proclaimed on 1 December 2016, with the official coronation ceremonies held at the Grand Palace in Bangkok in May 2019. A key feature of his reign has been the direct control of the Crown Property Bureau, a multi-billion dollar portfolio of assets. He has also integrated key military units, such as the 1st Infantry Regiment and the Royal Security Command, more closely under the palace's purview. During periods of political tension, including the 2020–2021 Thai protests, his role and the country's strict lèse-majesté laws, particularly under Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code, became central points of public debate. He has issued several royal commands and pardons, and his formal duties include presiding over state ceremonies and signing legislation passed by the National Assembly of Thailand.

Personal life and family

He has been married four times and has seven children. His first marriage was to Soamsawali Kitiyakara, a cousin, with whom he has one daughter, Bajrakitiyabha. His second marriage was to Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, with whom he had five children before the union was dissolved; among them is Dipangkorn Rasmijoti. His third wife was Srirasmi Suwadee, a former royal consort, with whom he has a son, Dipangkorn Rasmijoti. In 2019, he married Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayudhya, who was subsequently proclaimed Queen Suthida. In 2020, he appointed Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi as a Royal Noble Consort, a title not used in Thailand for nearly a century, though her position was later subject to change. His official residence is primarily at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, though he spends considerable time in Germany.

Public image and controversies

His reign has been accompanied by a complex public image, shaped by both traditional reverence for the monarchy and modern media scrutiny. Periods of residence outside Thailand, primarily in Bavaria, have attracted international media attention and occasional diplomatic remarks from officials in Germany. The palace's management of the Crown Property Bureau and the king's personal control over vast wealth have been subjects of analysis. The use of the lèse-majesté law saw a significant increase during his reign, particularly following the 2020–2021 Thai protests, where criticism of the monarchy became more public. His personal life, including marital relationships and the status of the Royal Noble Consort, has frequently been covered by international outlets like the BBC and Reuters, though domestic coverage in Thailand remains heavily restricted.

Titles, styles, and honours

His full formal title is lengthy, beginning with "Phra Bat Somdet Phra Paraminthra Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun". As sovereign, he holds the rank of Admiral of the Fleet, Field Marshal, and Marshal of the Royal Thai Air Force by right. He is the sovereign of all Thai orders, including the Order of the Royal House of Chakri, the Order of the Nine Gems, and the Order of Chula Chom Klao. His principal foreign honours include the Order of the Elephant from Denmark, the Order of the Seraphim from Sweden, the Order of the Chrysanthemum from Japan, and the Royal Victorian Chain from the United Kingdom. He has also received decorations from nations including Spain, Brunei, and Nepal.

Category:Thai monarchs Category:Chakri dynasty Category:1952 births Category:Living people