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 IMAGESThailand 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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