Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn was proclaimed king of Thailand late Thursday, opening a new chapter for the powerful monarchy in a country still mourning the death of his father. Vajiralongkorn, 64, who inherits one of the world's richest monarchies as well as a politically troubled nation, ascends the throne 50 days after King Bhumibol Adulyadej's death. After weeks of complex palace protocols the prince was invited by the head of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to ascend the throne in an event broadcast on all Thai television channels.
"I agree to accept the wishes of the late king... for the benefit of the entire Thai people," Vajiralongkorn, who was named heir for more than 40 years, said. The sombre ceremony at his Bangkok palace was attended by junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha, the powerful head of the privy council and the chief of the NLA. Red-jacketed courtiers looked on as a palace staff member shuffling on his knees presented the new king with a microphone through which he delivered his few words of acceptance.
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