Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn on Tuesday became the new monarch of Thailand, succeeding his father King Bhumibol who died seven weeks ago at 88.

 

Ending nearly two months of royal interregnum, the prince assumed the kingship as the 10th King of his dynasty just three days before a public holiday commemorating the birth of his late father, who was widely revered as a national father figure. His Majesty the King Vajiralongkorn, 64, has been the designated heir since 1972.

 

His ascension to the throne was announced, per the constitution, at about 11.20 am by the National Legislative Assembly, an interim parliament serving as a rubber-stamp legislature under the military junta.

 

“My dear fellow members,” assembly chairman Pornpetch Wichitcholchai said in a speech to the lawmakers. “Upon this most auspicious occasion, I would like to ask all members to stand up and offer praise to the new king.” (read the full story at Khaosod English)