Vajiralongkorn

Vajiralongkorn
The Public Relations Department (กรมประชาสัมพันธ์) · CC BY 3.0 th · source
Name	Vajiralongkorn
Caption	King of Thailand
Succession	King of Thailand
Reign	13 October 2016 – present
Coronation	4 May 2019
Predecessor	Bhumibol Adulyadej
Full name	Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun
House	Chakri dynasty
Father	Bhumibol Adulyadej
Mother	Sirikit
Birth date	28 July 1952
Birth place	Royal Thai Army Hospital, Dusit Palace, Bangkok
Religion	Theravada Buddhism

Vajiralongkorn is the current monarch of Thailand, ascending the throne in 2016 after the death of Bhumibol Adulyadej and formally crowned in 2019. He served for decades in the Royal Thai Army and held numerous roles across Royal Household Bureau institutions, King Prajadhipok's Institute, and military units before becoming king. His reign has been marked by constitutional, institutional, and public controversies involving the Constitution of Thailand (2017), the Thai monarchy, and relationships with Thai political actors.

Early life and education

Born in Bangkok at Dusit Palace to Bhumibol Adulyadej and Sirikit, he is a member of the Chakri dynasty. He attended Chulalongkorn University Demonstration School, Harrow School, Millfield School, and Bundeswehr University Munich before graduating from the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Australia. He trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom and undertook additional courses with the United States Air Force and Royal Thai Air Force institutions. His education connected him with international military and royal networks including figures from the House of Windsor, House of Bernadotte, and House of Glücksburg via state visits and ceremonial events.

Military career and public roles

Commissioned into the Royal Thai Army, he served in units such as the King's Guard and held ranks up to Field Marshal. He trained as a pilot with the Royal Thai Air Force and flew helicopters in ceremonial and operational contexts, participating in events involving the United Nations and regional partners like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He chaired or patronized institutions including the Crown Property Bureau (before formal transfer), Chulalongkorn University, and the Royal Project Foundation, interfacing with ministries such as the Ministry of Defence (Thailand) and agencies like the National Legislative Assembly (Thailand). His public roles brought him into contact with political leaders from the People's Alliance for Democracy, the People's Democratic Reform Committee, and party figures from Palang Pracharath Party during pivotal moments in Thai politics.

Accession to the throne and coronation

Following the death of Bhumibol Adulyadej on 13 October 2016, he was proclaimed king by the National Assembly of Thailand and endorsed by the Privy Council of Thailand. His accession required formal procedures under the 2007 Constitution of Thailand and the subsequent Constitution of Thailand (2017). A grand coronation took place from April to May 2019 with rites at Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace, Bangkok, attended by foreign dignitaries, royal houses including the House of Windsor and delegations from Japan, China, and United States envoys, reflecting Thailand’s diplomatic links with ASEAN members and major powers.

Reign and constitutional powers

As monarch he exercises powers defined by the Constitution of Thailand (2017), including roles in appointments and symbolic functions overseen by institutions like the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Defence (Thailand), and the National Security Council (Thailand). During his reign, the Crown Property Bureau has seen restructuring, affecting assets associated with the Monarchy of Thailand and interactions with private sector actors and conglomerates in Bangkok. He has issued royal commands and been involved in military promotions and honors through mechanisms such as the Order of the Rajamitrabhorn and state ceremonies involving the Prime Minister of Thailand, King Prajadhipok's Institute, and the Privy Council of Thailand.

Personal life and family

He is the son of Bhumibol Adulyadej and Sirikit and a member of the Chakri dynasty. His marriages and relationships involved notable figures including Srirasmi, Suthida, and other members of the Thai aristocracy; his family includes children who have occupied public profiles within Thai royal and social contexts. Personal residences have included Madaras Palace and properties associated with the Grand Palace, Bangkok, while travel and private arrangements have linked him to locations such as Bavaria in the Federal Republic of Germany and residences in Bangkok.

Public image, controversies, and criticism

His public image has been shaped by media coverage, scrutiny under the Lèse-majesté law (Article 112), and international reporting by outlets covering the Thai protests (2020–2021), the 2014 Thai coup d'état, and debates over constitutional monarchy reform advocated by groups like the Free Youth (Thailand) and activists involved in the 2020 Thai protests. Critics have pointed to episodes involving the Privy Council of Thailand, the Crown Property Bureau, and military appointments, while supporters emphasize royal patronage of initiatives linked to Royal Project Foundation and cultural institutions such as Wat Phra Kaew and Chulalongkorn University. International human rights organizations and foreign governments have commented on press freedom, civil liberties, and enforcement of Article 112 (Thai Criminal Code) in relation to public discourse about the monarchy.

Category:Monarchs of Thailand Category:Chakri dynasty