Vajiralongkorn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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| King Rama X | |||||
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Formal portrait, 2017
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| King of Thailand | |||||
| Reign | 13 October 2016 – present | ||||
| Coronation | 4 May 2019 | ||||
| Predecessor | Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) | ||||
| Heir presumptive | Dipangkorn Rasmijoti | ||||
| Regent | Prem Tinsulanonda (2016) | ||||
| Born | 28 July 1952 Bangkok, Thailand |
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| Spouse |
Soamsawali Kitiyakara
(m. 1977; div. 1991)Yuvadhida Polpraserth
(m. 1994; div. 1996)Srirasmi Suwadee
(m. 2001; div. 2014)Suthida Tidjai
(m. 2019)Niramon Ounprom
(m. 2019) |
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| Issue Detail |
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| House | Mahidol (Chakri dynasty) | ||||
| Father | Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) | ||||
| Mother | Sirikit Kitiyakara | ||||
| Religion | Theravada Buddhism | ||||
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| Latin signature |  |
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| Military career | |||||
| Allegiance | Kingdom of Thailand | ||||
| Branch |
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| Years of service | 1977–present | ||||
| Commands held |
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Vajiralongkorn (born 28 July 1952) is the current King of Thailand. He is the tenth king of the Chakri dynasty. He became king in 2016 and is known by his royal name Rama X.
King Vajiralongkorn is the only son of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit. He was named crown prince by his father in 1972 when he was 20 years old. After his father's passing on 13 October 2016, he accepted the throne on 1 December 2016. His official coronation ceremonies took place from 4–6 May 2019. His reign officially began on the day his father passed away. At 64 years old, Vajiralongkorn became the oldest Thai monarch to become king.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Vajiralongkorn was born on 28 July 1952 in the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall of the Dusit Palace in Bangkok. When he was one year old, he received his first name, Vajiralongkorn Boromchakrayadisorn Santatiwong Thewetthamrongsuboribal Abhikkunupakornmahitaladulyadej Bhumibolnaretwarangkun Kittisirisombunsawangwat Boromkhattiyarajakumarn.
Vajiralongkorn started school in 1956 at the Chitralada School in Dusit Palace. After finishing Mathayom 1 (grade seven), he went to private schools in the United Kingdom. He attended King's Mead prep school in Seaford, and then Millfield School in Somerset. He finished his secondary education in July 1970. In August 1970, he took a five-week military training course at The King's School in Sydney, Australia.
University Studies
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In 1972, the prince enrolled at the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Canberra, Australia. His education there included military training by the Australian Army and a bachelor's degree from the University of New South Wales. He graduated in 1976 as a lieutenant with a liberal arts degree.
In 1982, he earned a second bachelor's degree in law from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University.
Becoming Crown Prince and Public Service
Vajiralongkorn was officially named crown prince on 28 December 1972. This ceremony took place at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. He became the third crown prince of the Chakri dynasty.
Short Monastic Life
On 6 November 1978, at age 26, the prince became a monk at Wat Phra Kaew. This is a traditional practice for royals. He stayed at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara for 15 days, using the monastic name "Vajiralongkornno".
Military Career
After his studies, Vajiralongkorn became an officer in the Royal Thai Army. He started in Army Intelligence and attended the Command and General Staff College in 1977. He later became Deputy Commander of the King Chulalongkorn's Own Guards in 1978. In 1980, he was appointed Commander of the 4th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment. In 1992, he became Commander of the Royal Security Command.
He is a skilled military pilot and can fly planes like the Northrop F-5, F-16, and the Boeing 737-400. As his father grew older, Vajiralongkorn took on more royal duties and public appearances. He officially opened the 2007 Southeast Asian Games.
Medical and Health Care Support
Vajiralongkorn started "Crown Prince Hospitals" using money donated by the public. These hospitals provide medical care to people in remote areas. By 1977, 21 Crown Prince Hospitals had been built. By 2011, these hospitals had become important community hospitals. They offer high-quality services to everyone.
Agricultural Development
Vajiralongkorn is also interested in helping with farming. He supports the "Mobile Agricultural Clinic Project." This project helps farmers quickly improve their farm production and solve problems. Experts in farming, livestock, fishing, and land development advise farmers. They also suggest ways to use new farming technology to increase food production.
Mobile Agricultural Clinic teams can quickly go to areas that need help. They provide technical services and share new farming knowledge. This project encourages farmers to learn about new agricultural developments and technology.
In his father's later years, Vajiralongkorn led the annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony. This ceremony is important to Thai farmers as it relates to ancient farming practices. Vajiralongkorn believes that efficient farming helps improve the lives of farmers, who are very important to the nation. Since becoming King, he has continued to lead this ceremony.
To honor his coronation, the Rice Department released five new types of rice. The King also continues the tradition of royal rice competitions, started by his ancestor Chulalongkorn.
Focus on Education
Vajiralongkorn has started education projects to help children get good learning opportunities. He also wants to encourage people to keep learning throughout their lives. He has a special connection with the Rajabhat University system, which has 40 higher education institutions. The chairman of the Council of Rajabhat University Presidents of Thailand said that Vajiralongkorn has attended graduation ceremonies at all Rajabhat Universities across the country. He has personally given degrees to all Rajabhat university graduates every year since 1978. It is estimated that he has given out over 2,100,000 degrees to Rajabhat graduates. He also donates 42 million baht each year to a scholarship fund for Rajabhat students.
Sport Interests
Vajiralongkorn was once known as the "Football Prince" and is also known for his cycling. He has been interested in many sports since he was young. He learned horseback riding at age 11 and became a good rider. While studying, he played sports like football, rugby, and rowing with friends.
Vajiralongkorn also sailed with King Bhumibol and his sister Princess Ubolratana. In football, he played as a forward and later a center-back at Chitralada School, Millfield School, and the Royal Military College, Duntroon. He shares his love for football with his father.
Residence
Vajiralongkorn often lives in Bavaria, Germany, where he has spent much of his adult life. His son, Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, attends school in that area. The King requested and received changes to the constitution. These changes ended the rule that he had to appoint a regent when he was away from Thailand. Thai officials have visited him in Germany. The German foreign ministry has stated that they do not want their country to be used for running another state's affairs. Thai officials have explained that the Prime Minister handles government matters, and the King is in Germany for personal reasons.
Reign as King
Becoming King and Coronation
After his father, Bhumibol Adulyadej, passed away on 13 October 2016, Vajiralongkorn was expected to become king. He asked for time to mourn before taking the throne. On the night of 1 December 2016, Regent Prem Tinsulanonda and other leaders invited Vajiralongkorn to become the tenth king of the Chakri dynasty. Vajiralongkorn accepted, saying he wanted to fulfill his father's wishes and benefit all Thais. The government officially declared his reign to have started on his father's death date. His formal coronation took place after his father's cremation, which was on 26 October 2017. His main home is now the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall.
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Vajiralongkorn's three-day coronation ceremonies happened from 4 to 6 May 2019. The coronation cost about one billion baht (US$29.8 million) and attracted 150,000 people to Sanam Luang.
Appointment of Privy Council Members
After the councillors to King Bhumibol Adulyadej resigned, Vajiralongkorn appointed 10 new members to the Privy Council. This was done under the country's laws. The members included Surayud Chulanont, Kasem Wattanachai, Palakorn Suwanrath, Atthaniti Disatha-amnarj, Supachai Poo-ngam, Chanchai Likhitjitta, and Chalit Pukbhasuk. Three new members were Paiboon Koomchaya, Dapong Ratanasuwan, and Teerachai Nakwanich. Prem Tinsulanonda was re-appointed as the Privy Council president. Later, on 13 December 2016, the King appointed two more members, Wirach Chinvinitkul and Charunthada Karnasuta. On 25 December 2016, Kampanart Rooddit was appointed.
Changes to the Constitution
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In January 2017, Thailand's parliament voted to change the constitution. This allowed for amendments to the draft constitution as suggested by the King's office. The 2017 Constitution of Thailand was approved in a referendum in 2016. King Vajiralongkorn officially approved it on 6 April 2017. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that the King's office had asked for several changes to parts of the draft constitution related to royal power. This was a rare request from a Thai monarch.
In February 2019, the King's elder sister, Ubol Ratana, announced she would run for Thai prime minister in the 2019 general election. She was a candidate for the Thai Raksa Chart Party. Later that day, King Vajiralongkorn issued a strong statement saying her candidacy was "inappropriate" and "unconstitutional." The Election Commission of Thailand then stopped her from running. The Thai Raksa Chart Party was later banned by the Constitutional Court of Thailand for involving a royal family member in politics. Its leaders were banned from politics for ten years.
King Vajiralongkorn has direct control over the royal household and palace security agencies.
Challenges During Reign
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King Vajiralongkorn's reign has faced some public discussions. In 2020, Thailand saw public demonstrations where people expressed their views. These events gained attention both in Thailand and internationally.
For much of 2020, Vajiralongkorn stayed at the Grand Hotel Sonnenbichl in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, with his group. He remained there during the nationwide protests in Thailand. This sparked discussion in both Thailand and Germany. The German foreign minister, Heiko Maas, advised the King not to conduct state affairs from German soil. He also mentioned that the German government would look into his activities during his stay.
On 26 October 2020, protesters marched to the German Embassy in Bangkok. They asked the German government to investigate the King's activities in Germany. They wanted to see if he had been using his powers as king from German soil.
Personal Life
| Monarchs of the Chakri dynasty |
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Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) |
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Phra Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II) |
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Nangklao (Rama III) |
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Mongkut (Rama IV) |
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Chulalongkorn (Rama V) |
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Vajiravudh (Rama VI) |
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Prajadhipok (Rama VII) |
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Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) |
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Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) |
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Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) |
Public Image and Laws
In Thailand, there are strict laws against criticizing the royal family. These laws are known as lèse majesté. For many years, it has been against the law to criticize the king, queen, crown prince, and other members of the royal family.
In August 2011, German legal authorities in Munich temporarily held a Boeing 737 aircraft belonging to Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn. This happened because of an old debt owed by the Thai government to a German construction company. The debt was for a tollway and had grown to about €30 million. German authorities said this was a "last resort" to get the money back. The Thai government called the action "highly inappropriate." On 1 August, Vajiralongkorn's office announced he would pay a deposit of €20 million himself. The next day, the Thai foreign minister confirmed that the Thai government would pay the deposit.
In November 2016, a German magazine reported that the new king might have to pay a large inheritance tax bill. This was because he owned two villas in Bavaria, Germany, which could make him subject to local inheritance tax. On 16 May 2017, Thai officials warned Facebook after a video of the king was posted online.
Marriages and Children
Soamsawali Kitiyakara
On 3 January 1977, Vajiralongkorn married Princess Soamsawali Kitiyakara. She was his first cousin on his mother's side. They had one daughter, Princess Bajrakitiyabha, born in December 1978. Vajiralongkorn later began living with actress Yuvadhida Polpraserth. He had five children with her. Although Soamsawali did not want a divorce for many years, Vajiralongkorn was able to get a divorce in January 1993. The divorce was finalized in July 1993.
Sujarinee Vivacharawongse (Yuvadhida Polpraserth)
Yuvadhida Polpraserth was an aspiring actress when she met Vajiralongkorn. She became his partner and gave birth to his first son, Prince Juthavachara Mahidol, on 29 August 1979. They later had three more sons and a daughter. They married in a palace ceremony in February 1994. After the marriage, she was allowed to change her name to Mom Sujarinee Mahidol na Ayudhaya. She also became a major in the Royal Thai Army and took part in royal ceremonies. In 1996, two years after the wedding, Mom Sujarinee moved to Britain with all her children. Later, the prince brought their daughter back to Thailand to live with him. She was later given the title of princess. Sujarinee and her sons moved to the United States. As of 2007, she was known as Sujarinee Vivacharawongse. Vajiralongkorn has three grandchildren from his sons in America.
Srirasmi Suwadee
Vajiralongkorn married for a third time on 10 February 2001. He married Srirasmi Suwadee, who had worked for him since 1992. This marriage was not made public until early 2005. She gave birth to a son, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, on 29 April 2005. She was then given the title of princess, and her son was immediately made a prince.
In November 2014, Vajiralongkorn asked for Srirasmi's family to lose their royal name. This followed some accusations against seven of her relatives. The next month, Srirasmi gave up her royal titles and name. She was officially divorced from Vajiralongkorn.
Suthida Tidjai
On 1 May 2019, three days before his coronation, Vajiralongkorn married Suthida Tidjai. She was the former acting commander of the Royal Thai Aide-de-Camp Department. Suthida became the queen consort of King Vajiralongkorn. Their marriage registration took place at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in Bangkok. His sister Princess Sirindhorn and Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda were witnesses.
Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi
On 28 July 2019, Vajiralongkorn gave the title of "Chao Khun Phra" or Royal Noble Consort to Major General Niramon Ounprom. This was the first time in nearly a century that a secondary consort was officially named. Three months later, on 21 October 2019, a palace order removed Sineenat's title and ranks. It stated that she had been disrespectful to Queen Suthida and disloyal to the king. On 2 September 2020, Sineenat's titles were given back. A declaration stated that she "is not tarnished" and that it would be "as if she had never been stripped of her military ranks or royal decorations."
Children
| Name | Relation | Birth | Notes |
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| By Soamsawali Kitiyakara (married 1977, divorced 1991) | |||
| Bajrakitiyabha, Princess Rajasarini Siribajra |
Daughter | 7 December 1978 | |
| By Yuvadhida Polpraserth (married 1994, divorced 1996) | |||
| Juthavachara Vivacharawongse | Son | 29 August 1979 | born as Juthavachara Mahidol, married to Riya Gough, has issue |
| Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse | Son | 27 May 1981 | born as Vacharaesorn Mahidol, married to Elisa Garafano, has issue |
| Chakriwat Vivacharawongse | Son | 26 February 1983 | born as Chakriwat Mahidol |
| Vatchrawee Vivacharawongse | Son | 14 June 1985 | born as Vatchrawee Mahidol |
| Princess Sirivannavari | Daughter | 8 January 1987 | born as Busyanambejra Mahidol |
| By Srirasmi Suwadee (married 2001, divorced 2014) | |||
| Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti | Son | 29 April 2005 | |
Honours and Titles
Styles of
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| Reference style | His Majesty |
| Spoken style | Your Majesty |
Military Rank
- General, Admiral and Air Chief Marshal
Volunteer Defense Corps of Thailand Rank
- Volunteer Defense Corps General
Foreign Decorations
Denmark: Knight of the Order of the Elephant (2001)
Malaysia: Honorary Grand Commander of the Most Esteemed Order of the Defender of the Realm (2013)
North Korea: First Class of the Order of the National Flag (1992)
Peru: Grand Cross of the Order of the Sun of Peru (1993)
Portugal: Grand Cross of the Military Order of Aviz (1981)
Spain: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III (1987)
United Kingdom: Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (1996)
Wear of Orders, Decorations, and Medals
The ribbons worn regularly by Vajiralongkorn in uniform are as follows:
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Images for kids
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Vajiralongkorn during Bike for Mom, royal cycle rallies in 2015
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King Vajiralongkorn reigning from the German state of Bavaria triggered anti-monarchy sentiments and became one of the issues that led to 2020–2021 Thai protests.
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King Vajiralongkorn's portrait on Ratchadamnoen Avenue
See also
In Spanish: Vajiralongkorn para niños
