Maha Vajiralongkorn (Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun), 1952–, king of Thailand (2016–). He attended school in Australia, where he graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, and Univ. of New South Wales (1976), and then served in the Thai armed forces. Having been designated crown prince in 1972, he succeeded his father, Bhumibol Adulyadej, upon his death. A member of the Chakri dynasty, the new king was formally crowned Rama X in May, 2019; his formal reign title is Phrabat Somdet Phra Vajira Klao Chao Yu Hua. The king has consolidated his power and influence since succeeding his father. In 2017 parliament approved the transfer of royal security agencies, the crown property bureau, and other agencies from the military government to the king, and two infantry regiments were placed under the king's direct command in 2019.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Southeast Asia History: Biographies
