Asian_Geographic_Issue_4_2017

(John Hannent) #1

The king of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn, has been


king for less than a year, inheriting the crown on the


death of his father, the much-loved King Bhumibol


Adulyadej, in October 2016. He was educated in the


UK and Australia, as well as in Thailand, and after


becoming crown prince, had to wait more than 40


years to finally ascend to the throne. During this time,


he served in the armed forces, was ordained as a monk,


and set up a series of projects in healthcare, education,


and agriculture, thus gaining experience outside the


palace walls.


A New Era

{ thailand }


left A portrait of the
late Thai King Bhumibol
Adulyadej


right Thailand’s King Maha
Vajiralongkorn at the Ananta
Samakhom Throne Hall of
Dusit Palace in Bangkok

“W hy is it that the king can do no wrong? This shows they do not
regard the king as being a human. But the king can do wrong”


  • King Bhumibol Adulyadej (1927–2016)


IMAGE © GETTY IMAGES

Thailand has had no fewer than


19 constitutions and charters


since it became a constitutional


monarchy in 1932


What exact political role the new king will have


in Thailand is yet to be confirmed. He requested


changes to the interim constitution after it was


approved in a 2016 referendum, and the follow-up


general election is yet to take place.


However, his place as head of state seems assured.


Thailand has had no fewer than 19 constitutions and


charters since it became a constitutional monarchy


in 1932, but every single government has accepted the


hereditary monarch as the head of state. The Thai regal


position gained in both influence and wealth under


the late King Bhumibol.


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