92-1281: Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) Dipangkorn Rasmijoti Paetongtarn Shinawatra ( PTP ) Phumtham Wechayachai ( PTP ) Suriya Juangroongruangkit ( PTP ) Anutin Charnvirakul ( BTP ) Pirapan Salirathavibhaga ( UTN ) Pichai Chunhavajira ( PTP ) Prasert Jantararuangtong ( PTP ) Wan Muhamad Noor Matha ( PCC ) Mongkol Surasajja [REDACTED] Wan Muhamad Noor Matha ( PCC ) Pichet Chuamuangphan ( PTP ) Paradorn Prissanananthakul ( BTP ) Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut ( PP ) [REDACTED] Mongkol Surasajja Kriangkrai Srirak Bunsong Noisophon President: Chanakarn Theeravechpolkul President: Prasitsak Meelarp President: Nakarin Mektrairat Diplomatic missions of / in Thailand Passport Visa requirements Visa policy Borders : Cambodia Laos Malaysia Myanmar (Maritime : India Indonesia Vietnam) Foreign aid The Constitutional Court ( Thai : ศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ , RTGS : San Ratthathammanun , pronounced [sǎːn rát.tʰā.tʰām.mā.nūːn] ), officially
184-505: A crop top and with full view of his half sleeve tattoo . On 3 January 1977, Vajiralongkorn married Princess Soamsawali Kitiyakara (born 1957), a first cousin on his mother's side. They had one daughter, Princess Bajrakitiyabha , born in December 1978. Vajiralongkorn started living with actress Yuvadhida Polpraserth in the late 1970s and had five children with her. Although Soamsawali had refused divorce for many years, Vajiralongkorn
276-408: A vote of no confidence . A one-sixth of the chamber vote is needed to call a debate and a simple majority is required for removal. A minister can also be removed by the king on the advice of the prime minister. As the primary government institution in the executive branch , the cabinet is ultimately responsible for the administration and management of various government agencies and departments. It
368-703: A career officer in the Royal Thai Army . He started his army career as a staff officer in the Directorate of Army Intelligence and attended the Command and General Staff College in 1977. After that he became Deputy Commander of the King Chulalongkorn's Own Guards, the 4th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment in 1978. In 1980 he was appointed as a Commander of the 4th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment. In 1992 he became Commander of
460-731: A daughter by her. They were married at a palace ceremony in February 1994, where they were blessed by the King and the Princess Mother , but not by the Queen. After the marriage, she was allowed to change her name to Mom Sujarinee Mahidol na Ayudhaya, signifying she was a commoner married to royalty. She was also commissioned as a major in the Royal Thai Army and took part in royal ceremonies with Vajiralongkorn. In 1996, two years after
552-490: A fourth branch of government more powerful than the judiciary, legislature, or executive. Judges stated their fear over political interference in the selection and impeachment of judges. The Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) eventually made several concessions regarding the composition and powers of the court. The constitution did not give the Constitutional Court the authority to overrule a final judgment of
644-509: A half-hour documentary critical of the royal family of Thailand. On 19 January 2009, Harry Nicolaides , an Australian national, was sentenced to three years in prison for self-publishing a fictional book deemed to have violated lèse majesté . The offending passage alluded to rumours that "if the prince fell in love with one of his minor wives and she betrayed him, she and her family would disappear with their name, familial lineage and all vestiges of their existence expunged forever". Nicolaides
736-487: A home video was released to WikiLeaks , showing Vajiralongkorn casually dressed and Princess Srirasmi Suwadee wearing only a G-string , all the while being attended to by several formally dressed servants, celebrating the birthday of the prince's poodle, Air Chief Marshal Fufu . Part of this video was broadcast on the programme Foreign Correspondent , on the Australian ABC channel on 13 April 2010, as part of
828-469: A member of the clergy, not be disenfranchised, not be mentally infirm, not be under indictment or conviction, not have been expelled by a state agency for corruption or incompetence, not be a paid civil servant or member of the judiciary , and not ever been removed from any office by the Senate of Thailand . Ministers of State are in theory appointed by the king , however in truth they are appointed at
920-578: A son, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, on 29 April 2005 and was then elevated to the rank of princess. Her son was immediately elevated to the rank of prince. In a magazine interview shortly after that, Vajiralongkorn stated his intention to settle down. In November 2014, however, Vajiralongkorn sent a letter to the interior ministry asking for Srirasmi's family to be stripped of the royal name Akharaphongpreecha awarded to her, following allegations of corruption against seven of her relatives. The following month, Srirasmi relinquished her royal titles and name and
1012-584: A vote. On the other hand, a precedent was established by the court that it would accept all petitions under Article 219 to preserve Parliament's right to question the constitutionality of emergency executive decrees. The NAP later filed impeachment proceedings with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) against prime minister Chuan Leekpai and the minister of finance Tarrin Nimmanahaeminda for violation of
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#17327836193421104-525: Is King of Thailand since 2016. He is the tenth monarch of Thailand from the Chakri dynasty , titled Rama X . The only son of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit , he was made crown prince by his father in 1972, at the age of 20. After his father's death on 13 October 2016, he was expected to ascend to the Thai throne but asked for time to mourn before taking the throne. He accepted
1196-530: Is 223.7 million Baht . As of March 2024, its president is Nakarin Mektrairat . The creation of the Constitutional Court was the subject of much debate during the 1996–1997 drafting of the 1997 Constitution of Thailand . Senior judges opposed the concept on the grounds that constitutional and judicial review should remain a prerogative of the Supreme Court and that a Constitutional Court would create
1288-421: Is Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, with the king having moved from Nonthaburi Palace in 2011. Vajiralongkorn's three-day coronation ceremonies took place from 4 to 6 May 2019. The one billion baht (US$ 29.8 million) coronation was anticipated to attract 150,000 people to Sanam Luang , which it did. Following the resignation of the councillors to Bhumibol Adulyadej, Vajiralongkorn appointed 10 members of
1380-728: Is affected by his reputation as a philanderer . In 2020, widespread unprecedented protests against his reign were popping up all over Thailand. For most of 2020, Vajiralongkorn reportedly rented out the alpine Grand Hotel Sonnenbichl in Garmisch-Partenkirchen for himself and his entourage during the COVID-19 pandemic . He remained there during the nationwide protests and amidst a wave of anti-monarchy sentiments in Thailand, sparking controversy in both Thailand and Germany. German foreign minister Heiko Maas has warned
1472-401: Is also allowed to call a national referendum . The cabinet is governed by the rule of collective responsibility , in which the members of the cabinet must support all policies despite personal or private disagreement. As a result, if the government fails or if the policies of the government fails then the entire cabinet must take responsibility; and resign in its entirety. The cabinet's term
1564-526: Is also the primary institution for the formulation of policies with regards to all areas of politics and governing. Legislatively the cabinet is one of the institutions allowed to submit bills to the National Assembly for consideration. The cabinet is also allowed to call a joint sitting of the National Assembly to consider important bills or even join a joint sitting of the Assembly. The cabinet
1656-678: Is away from Thailand. In comparison, his father often made state visits early during his reign, but he left the country only once after the 1960s—an overnight stay in neighboring Laos. Vajiralongkorn has also received visits from Thai officials and dignitaries in Germany. According to the German foreign ministry, the Thai ambassador has been told multiple times that Germany opposes "having guests in our country who run their state affairs from here." Thai officials have told Germany that Prime Minister Prayut
1748-429: Is estimated that over the past 35 years, at least 2,100,000 degrees have been handed out by the crown prince to Rajabhat graduates. He also donates 42 million baht annually to a scholarship fund benefiting Rajabhat students. Vajiralongkorn was once known as the "Football Prince" but is known for his cycling involvement. He has also shown keen interest in other sports since he was young. He learned horseback riding when he
1840-414: Is held in much less esteem (than the then-king Bhumibol). Bangkok gossips like to swap tales of his lurid personal life ... Besides, no successor, however worthy, can hope to equal the stature King Bhumibol has attained after 64 years on the throne." This issue of The Economist was banned in Thailand. In 2010, another issue of The Economist , also not distributed in Thailand, said that Vajiralongkorn
1932-460: Is protected by one of the most strictly enforced lèse majesté laws in the world. For many years, criticism of the king, queen, crown prince, and more recently, former kings, members of the royal family, and even their pets have been strictly prohibited. Violations carry large fines and prison sentences of up to 35 years. However, Vajiralongkorn's private life continues to be a controversial subject of discussion in Thailand, although not publicly. In
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#17327836193422024-429: Is responsible for government matters, while the King is in Germany for personal reasons. According to the 2007 Constitution , the cabinet instructed the president of the National Assembly to invite Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn to the throne. He became the first monarch to be born in Thailand since his great-uncle Prajadhipok died in 1935. After his father, Bhumibol Adulyadej, died on 13 October 2016, Vajiralongkorn
2116-542: The 2006 Constitution , the Constitutional Tribunal was established to replace the Constitutional Court which had been dissolved by the Council for Democratic Reform . The Tribunal had nine members as follows: After the Constitutional Court was abolished by the Council for Democratic Reform and was replaced by the Constitutional Tribunal under the 2006 Constitution, the 2007 Constitution reestablishes
2208-450: The 2007 Constitution the cabinet is restricted to no more than 35 members. Members of the cabinet, unlike the prime minister, do not need to be a member of the House of Representatives , however most of them are. To be eligible to be a minister an individual must meet the following qualifications: The individual must also: not be addicted to drugs, not have been bankrupt , not be a monk or
2300-623: The 2017 constitution of Thailand was in effect, the judges from the 2007 Constitutional Court continued to work on the 2017 Court. In its first decision, the court ruled on the constitutionality of four emergency executive decrees issued by the Chuan government to deal with the Asian financial crisis . The government had issued the decrees in early-May 1998 to expand the role of the Financial Restructuring Authority and
2392-603: The Assets Management Corporation , to settle the debts of the Financial Institutions Development Fund through the issue of 500 billion baht in bonds , and to authorize the ministry of finance to seek 200 billion baht in overseas loans. The opposition New Aspiration Party (NAP) did not have the votes to defeat the bills, and therefore, on the last day of debate, invoked Article 219 of the constitution to question
2484-795: The Chitralada School in Dusit Palace. After completing Mathayom 1 (grade seven), he was sent to be educated at private schools in the United Kingdom, first at a prep school , King's Mead, Seaford , Sussex , and then at Millfield School , in Somerset , where he completed his secondary education in July 1970. In August 1970, he attended a five-week military training course at The King's School , in Sydney , Australia. In 1972,
2576-552: The Constitutional Court of the Kingdom of Thailand , is a Thai court created by the 1997 constitution with jurisdiction over the constitutionality of parliamentary acts , royal decrees , draft legislation, as well as the appointment and removal of public officials and issues regarding political parties. The current court is part of the judicial branch of the Thai national government . The court, along with
2668-570: The Council of Ministers of Thailand ; Thai : คณะรัฐมนตรี ; RTGS : Khana Ratthamontri ) is a body composed of thirty-five of the most senior members of the government of the Kingdom of Thailand . The cabinet is the primary organ of the executive branch of the Thai government . Members of the cabinet are nominated by the prime minister and formally appointed by the King of Thailand . Most members are governmental department heads with
2760-536: The King's Privy Council ( Thai : สภาที่ปรึกษาในพระองค์ ) (which still exists today) made up of 49 senior princes and officials. For the first time the kings of Siam exercised his powers through a council. On 14 July 1925 King Prajadhipok formed the Supreme Council of State of Siam ( Thai : อภิรัฐมนตรีสภา ; RTGS : Aphiratthamontrisapha ) made up of 5 senior princes (all of them his brothers and all of them ministers of state) to help govern
2852-560: The Privy Council . The command was issued under Section 2 of the 2014 interim constitution , completed with Sections 12, 13 and 16 of the 2007 constitution on the king which were retained and remain in effect. The remaining seven members are Surayud Chulanont , Kasem Wattanachai, Palakorn Suwanrath, Atthaniti Disatha-amnarj, Supachai Poo-ngam, Chanchai Likhitjitta and Chalit Pukbhasuk, with three new members, Paiboon Koomchaya, Dapong Ratanasuwan, and Teerachai Nakwanich. Prem Tinsulanonda
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2944-681: The Royal Security Command . He is a military pilot qualified to fly the Northrop F-5 , F-16 , and the Boeing 737-400 . His military role in recent years has become increasingly ceremonial. As his father grew older, Vajiralongkorn took a more prominent part in royal ceremonial and public appearances. He officially opened the 2007 Southeast Asian Games , held in Nakhon Ratchasima . The event occurred one day after
3036-661: The Thai Rak Thai political party; the 2014 removal of prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra from office; the dissolution of the Thai Raksa Chart Party before the March 2019 election; the dissolution of the Future Forward Party in 2020 and its successor Move Forward Party in 2024; and the removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in 2024. The FY2019 budget of the Constitutional Court
3128-524: The Thai prime ministership in the 2019 general election , running as a candidate of the Thaksin -allied Thai Raksa Chart Party . Later that same day, Vajiralongkorn issued a strongly worded statement, stating that her candidacy for prime minister is "inappropriate ... and unconstitutional". The Election Commission of Thailand then disqualified her from running for prime minister, formally putting an end to her candidacy. The Thai Raksa Chart Party
3220-450: The "Mobile Agricultural Clinic Project" under his patronage. The project provides prompt services to farmers to enhance efficiency in farm production and solve farmers' problems. It provides experts in various agricultural fields who can advise farmers on plants, livestock, fisheries, and land development. He also offers suggestions on tackling agricultural problems and applying agricultural technology to increase productivity and improvement in
3312-599: The 10 January 2002 edition of the Far Eastern Economic Review (FEER), an article appeared suggesting that Vajiralongkorn had business ties with then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. An immediate ban was placed on distribution of the magazine, and the Thai government, citing a threat to national security, suspended the visas of FEER's two Thailand correspondents, Shawn Crispin and Rodney Tasker. In 2002, The Economist wrote that "Vajiralongkorn
3404-537: The 1991–1992 military government of the National Peacekeeping Council . Stung by the Senate rejection of Amphorn Thongprayoon, the two Bangkok Civil Court judges, Sriampron Salikhup and Pajjapol Sanehasangkhom , petitioned the Constitutional Tribunal to disqualify Ukrit on a legal technicality. They argued that Ukrit only had an honorary professorship at Chulalongkorn University , while
3496-470: The 1997 constitution specifically specifies that a nominee, if not meeting other criteria, must be at least a professor . Echoing the Senate's rejection of Amphorn, the judges also alleged that Ukrit was involved in a multi-million baht lawsuit over a golf course. On 10 January 1998, the Tribunal ruled that the judges were not affected parties and therefore they had no right to request a ruling. Nevertheless,
3588-559: The 1997 constitution, was dissolved and replaced by a Constitutional Tribunal in 2006 following the 2006 Thai coup d'état . While the Constitutional Court had 15 members , seven from the judiciary and eight selected by a special panel, the Constitution Tribunal had nine members , all from the judiciary. A similar institution, consisting of nine members , was again established by the 2007 Constitution . The Constitutional Court has provoked much public debate, both regarding
3680-535: The 1999 decision that Newin Chidchop , the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, could retain his seat in cabinet after being sentenced to imprisonment for defamation ; the 2001 acquittal of Thaksin Shinawatra for filing an incomplete statement regarding his assets with the National Anti-Corruption Commission ; the 2003 invalidation of Jaruvan Maintaka 's appointment as auditor-general; the 2007 dissolution of
3772-472: The 80th birthday of his father. Vajiralongkorn established "Crown Prince Hospitals" through funds donated by the public to serve as medical and health care centers for people living in remote areas. Crown Prince Hospitals had been set up in 21 locations in 1977. These hospitals had become major community hospitals providing services of international standards to the general public in 2011. Also interested in agricultural development, Vajiralongkorn has accepted
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3864-628: The Constitution. The NAP argued that the letter of intent that the government signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure emergency financial support was a treaty , and that Article 224 of the constitution stipulated that the government must receive prior consent from Parliament to enter a treaty. Vajiralongkorn The King The Queen Royal Noble Consort Sineenat Bilaskalayani The Queen Mother Vajiralongkorn (born 28 July 1952)
3956-466: The Constitution. The Senate ended up electing Komain Patarapirom to replace Ukrit. Under the 2007 Constitution , the court is competent to address the following: The Constitutional Court was modeled after the Constitutional Court of Italy . According to the 1997 constitution , the court had 15 members, all serving nine year terms and appointed by the king upon senatorial advice: According to
4048-432: The Constitutional Court and makes various changes to it. The court is back with greater vigour and is also empowered to introduce to the National Assembly the draft laws concerning the court itself. Under the 2007 Constitution, the Constitutional Court has nine members, all serving for nine year terms and appointed by the King with senatorial advice: After the 2014 Thai coup d'état , the court had not been dissolved. Until
4140-508: The Constitutional Court the authority to rule on any case in which the constitution did not specifically delegate an agency the power to adjudicate. The constitution allowed individual justices to be the subject of impeachment proceedings with the vote of one-fourth of the members of the House or with the approval of 50,000 petitioners. A vote of three-fifths of the Senate is required for impeachment. Earlier drafts had required votes of only 10% of
4232-401: The House speaker. On 8 January 1998, in a six to three vote, the Tribunal ruled the Senate did not have the authority to do background checks or reject the Supreme Court's nominees. The Tribunal ruled that the Senate's review powers were limited to examining the records of the nominees and electing half of those nominees for appointment. Immediately after the Supreme Court filed its request to
4324-400: The King in presiding over the annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony, which is meaningful to Thai farmers as an early practice of phytopathology in the country. Aware of the importance of efficient agriculture for better productivity, Vajiralongkorn emphasized full-cycle agricultural activities, believing they will help improve farmers' quality of life, who are traditionally considered the backbone of
4416-573: The King not to govern from German soil. He also mentioned that the European state will be investigating his behavior during his stay in Germany. On 26 October 2020, protesters marched to the German Embassy in Bangkok , petitioning the German government to investigate the King's activities in Germany for the possibility that he had been exercising powers from German soil. Vajiralongkorn
4508-592: The Royal Military College, Duntroon, in Australia. He shares his love of the sport with his father. Most of the time, Vajiralongkorn lives in Bavaria in Germany, where he has spent a significant amount of his adulthood. His son, Dipangkorn Rasmijoti , goes to school in the area. The King requested and received changes to the constitution to end the requirement that he appoint a regent when he
4600-437: The Senate voted to remove the name of Supreme Court Vice-president Amphorn Thongprayoon , on the grounds that his credentials were dubious and on allegations that he had defaulted on three million Baht in debt. The Supreme Court was furious, arguing the constitution did not empower the senate to do background checks or to reject Supreme Court nominees. The Supreme Court requested a ruling from the Constitutional Tribunal chaired by
4692-432: The Supreme Court. An affected party, or a court, could request the opinion from the Constitutional Court if it believed a case involved a constitutional issue. The court where the initial action was pending would stay its proceedings until the Constitutional Court issued its decision. Constitutional court decisions would have no retroactive effect on previous decisions of the regular courts. The constitution also did not give
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#17327836193424784-422: The Tribunal, Justice Amphorn withdrew his name. After the Tribunal's ruling, the Supreme Court elected justice Jumpol na Songkhla on 9 January 1998 to replace Amphorn. The Senate ignored the Tribunal's ruling and proceeded to review Jumphol's background and delayed a vote to accept his nomination for seven days so that the Senate could evaluate Jumphol. Finding no problems, the Senate acknowledged his appointment to
4876-537: The United States, and as of 2007, she was known as Sujarinee Vivacharawongse . From his sons in America, Vajiralongkorn has three grandchildren. Vajiralongkorn married for a third time on 10 February 2001, to Srirasmi Suwadee (royal name: Akharaphongpreecha ), a commoner of modest background who had been in his service since 1992. The marriage was not disclosed to the public until early 2005. She gave birth to
4968-460: The advice of the prime minister to the king. Before taking office, a minister must make a solemn declaration before the king in the following words: "I, (name of the declarer), do solemnly declare that I will be loyal to the King and will faithfully perform my duties in the interests of the country and of the people. I will also uphold and observe the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand in every respect." The 2007 Constitution of Thailand calls
5060-483: The cabinet the "Council of Ministers". The entire IXth chapter is dedicated to it. There are only 20 cabinet ministries, which means that 15 ministers are without portfolio. They can, however, be appointed deputy prime ministers or deputy ministers . According to the constitution, the cabinet must, within fifteen days of being sworn in, state its policies to the National Assembly of Thailand . Ministers have
5152-452: The combined House and Senate to call for a vote of impeachment, and votes of three-fifths of the combined Parliament of Thailand to dismiss a justice. The constitution gave the judiciary a strong influence over the composition of the Constitutional Court. Originally, the court was to have nine justices including six legal experts and three political science experts. A panel of 17 persons would propose 18 names from which parliament would elect
5244-532: The concept of lifelong learning. He has special ties to the Rajabhat University system of 40 institutions of higher learning. The chairman of the Council of Rajabhat University Presidents of Thailand said that Vajiralongkorn has presided over commencement ceremonies at all Rajabhat Universities nationwide and personally handed out degrees to all Rajabhat university graduates every year since 1978. It
5336-488: The constitutionality of an emergency decree. The NAP argued that since there was no emergency nor necessary urgency (under Article 218(2)), the government could not issue any emergency decrees. Article 219, however, specifically notes the constitutionality of an emergency decree can be questioned only on Article 218(1) concerning the maintenance of national or public safety, national economic security, or to avert public calamity. The government, fearing further economic damage if
5428-417: The corporation's interests in bankruptcy, stated the measure was a "last resort" in seeking repayment. The Thai government, which had not responded to German demands, called the move "highly inappropriate". On 1 August, Vajiralongkorn's office announced he would pay the deposit amounting to €20 million himself. One day later the Thai foreign minister Kasit Piromya confirmed that the Thai government would pay
5520-557: The country. However, after the revolution in 1932, the Khana Ratsadon decided to dissolve this council. Instead the new constitution created a direct precursor of the cabinet called: the People's Committee of Siam ( Thai : คณะกรรมการราษฎร ; RTGS : Khana Kammakan Ratsadon ) led by a president. The privy council from then on became a royal advisory council. With the promulgation of "permanent" constitution at
5612-409: The court on 23 January 1998. The appointment of former Senate and Parliament president Ukrit Mongkolnavin was especially problematic. The Senate had initially elected Ukrit from the list of ten legal specialists nominated by the selection panel, despite claims by democracy activists that Ukrit was unqualified to guard the constitution because he had served dictators while president of parliament under
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#17327836193425704-460: The court's jurisdiction and composition as well as the initial selection of justices. A long-standing issue has been the degree of control exerted by the judiciary over the court. The decisions of the court are final and not subject to appeal . Its decisions bind every state organ, including the National Assembly , the Council of Ministers , and other courts. The various iterations of the court have made several significant decisions. These include
5796-405: The decree were delayed, opposed the court's acceptance of the complaint, as the opposition clearly had failed to cite the proper constitutional clause. The court wished to set a precedent, however, demonstrating it would accept petitions under Article 219, even if technically inaccurate. Within a day it ruled that it was obvious to the general public that the nation was in an economic crisis, and that
5888-418: The decrees were designed to assist with national economic security in accordance with Article 218(1). The decrees were later quickly approved by Parliament. The NAP's last minute motion damaged its credibility, and made it unlikely that Article 219 will be invoked unless there is a credible issue and the issue is raised and discussed at the beginning of parliamentary debate, rather than at the last-minute before
5980-463: The deposit. In November 2016, Manager Magazin published a report stating that the new king could be issued with an inheritance tax bill in excess of €3.5 billion. According to the report, the new King is domiciled in Bavaria where he owns two villas which makes him subject to local inheritance tax. On 16 May 2017, Thai officials warned Facebook after an online video was posted of the king wearing
6072-426: The end of that year, the name of the committee was changed to the "council of ministers" and the name of the chair to prime minister , after King Prajadhipok deemed the old names too communistic . The first cabinet of Thailand was led by Phraya Manopakorn Nititada . All government departments and agencies were then immediately transferred to its control. To date there have been 58 cabinets of Thailand. According to
6164-536: The interim constitution, so as to allow amendments to the draft constitution as suggested by the new king's office. Critics said the new constitution would give the military a powerful political say for years or decades. The 2017 Constitution of Thailand was approved in a referendum in 2016 , and was endorsed by Vajiralongkorn on 6 April 2017, Chakri day, in a ceremony at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that
6256-399: The invitation, saying in a televised statement: "I would like to accept in order to fulfill his majesty's wishes and for the benefit of all Thais." The government retroactively declared his reign to have begun upon his father's death, but it would not crown him formally until after the cremation of his father. The remains were then cremated on 26 October 2017. Currently, his main residence
6348-498: The judiciary, and prompted the parliament president on 21 January to invoke his authority under Article 266 of the 1997 Constitution to order the Constitutional Tribunal to consider the issue. On 8 February, in a four to three vote, the tribunal ruled that Ukrit's special professorship did not qualify him for a seat on the Constitutional Court. The tribunal noted that Chulalongkorn's criteria for honorary professorship were different from its criteria for academic professors, as intended by
6440-1494: The king. On 2 September 2020, Sineenat's titles were restored with a declaration that she "is not tarnished" and "Henceforth, it will be as if she had never been stripped of her military ranks or royal decorations." The ribbons worn regularly by Vajiralongkorn in undress uniform are as follows : [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Cabinet of Thailand Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) Dipangkorn Rasmijoti Paetongtarn Shinawatra ( PTP ) Phumtham Wechayachai ( PTP ) Suriya Juangroongruangkit ( PTP ) Anutin Charnvirakul ( BTP ) Pirapan Salirathavibhaga ( UTN ) Pichai Chunhavajira ( PTP ) Prasert Jantararuangtong ( PTP ) Wan Muhamad Noor Matha ( PCC ) Mongkol Surasajja [REDACTED] Wan Muhamad Noor Matha ( PCC ) Pichet Chuamuangphan ( PTP ) Paradorn Prissanananthakul ( BTP ) Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut ( PP ) [REDACTED] Mongkol Surasajja Kriangkrai Srirak Bunsong Noisophon President: Chanakarn Theeravechpolkul President: Prasitsak Meelarp President: Nakarin Mektrairat Diplomatic missions of / in Thailand Passport Visa requirements Visa policy Borders : Cambodia Laos Malaysia Myanmar (Maritime : India Indonesia Vietnam) Foreign aid The cabinet of Thailand (formally,
6532-526: The nation. Since becoming King himself Vajiralongkorn has presided over and participated in the ceremony in his own right. In honour of his coronation the Rice Department released five new rice varieties/cultivars and the king has continued patronage of the royal rice varieties competition, the tradition of his ancestor Chulalongkorn . Vajiralongkorn has initiated education projects to improve children's access to quality learning and instill
6624-435: The nine justices. The panel president would be the president of the Supreme Court of Thailand , the panel itself would have included four political party representatives. The CDA finally compromised and allowed seven of the justices to be selected by the judiciary, while the remaining eight justices would be selected by the Senate from a list of Supreme Court nominees. The appointment of the first Constitutional Court following
6716-400: The office of King Vajiralongkorn had asked for several changes to clauses related to royal power in the draft constitution, a rare intervention by a reigning Thai monarch. After the death of King Bhumibol, political activity was paused during a period of mourning that ended in 2017. In February 2019, in an unprecedented move, the King's elder sister, Ubol Ratana , announced her candidacy for
6808-405: The parliament's president invoked his power as chairman of the tribunal to ask the Senate to reconsider Ukrit's nomination. On 19 January 1998, the Senate reaffirmed Ukrit's qualifications, noting that his professorship was special only because he was not a government official. Under Chulalongkorn 's regulations, he had the academic status of a full professor. This position inflamed activists and
6900-741: The prince enrolled at the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Canberra , Australia. His education at Duntroon was divided into two parts, military training by the Australian Army and a bachelor's degree course under the auspices of the University of New South Wales . He graduated in 1976 as a new lieutenant with a liberal arts degree. In 1982, he completed a second bachelor's degree in law, with second-class honors at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University . Vajiralongkorn
6992-435: The promulgation of the constitution in 1997 was four month controversy pitting the Senate of Thailand against the Supreme Court. A key issue was the senate's authority to review the backgrounds of judicial nominees and reject nominees deemed inappropriate or unqualified. After receiving the Supreme Court's list of nominees, the Senate created a committee to review the nominees' credentials and backgrounds. On 24 November 1997,
7084-412: The quality of agricultural production. Mobile Agricultural Clinic teams can move quickly to various spots in need of help. It has worked steadily and is ready to provide technical services and transfer technology. With this project, farmers have been urged to be aware of agricultural development and new technology. In the later years of his father, Bhumibol Adulyadej's reign, Vajiralongkorn represented
7176-410: The right to go in person to the national assembly to state and explain policies or opinions. Each minister is responsible for his actions and the actions of his department and is therefore accountable to the national assembly. Therefore, the assembly can compel the minister to appear before it and explain his actions. The House of Representatives and the Senate can forcefully remove a sitting minister by
7268-443: The throne on the night of 1 December 2016. His coronation took place from 4–6 May 2019. The Thai government retroactively declared his reign to have begun on 13 October 2016, upon his father's death. Aged 64 at that time, Vajiralongkorn became the oldest Thai monarch to ascend to the throne. He is the wealthiest monarch in the world , with a net worth estimated to be between US$ 30 billion and US$ 70 billion . Vajiralongkorn
7360-400: The title of "Chao Khun Phra" or Royal Noble Consort, and the royal name of Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, to Major General Niramon Ounprom ; the occasion marked the first official naming of a secondary consort for nearly a century. Three months later, on 21 October 2019, a palace order stripped Sineenat of her title and ranks, stating that she had been disrespectful to Queen Suthida and disloyal to
7452-643: The title of "minister of state" ( Thai : รัฐมนตรี ; RTGS : Ratthamontri ) . The cabinet is chaired by the Prime Minister of Thailand . The cabinet is often collectively called "the government" or "the Royal Thai Government". Prior to the Revolution of 1932 , the absolutist Chakri kings ruled Siam through a series of "krom" ( Thai : กรม) and "senabodi" ( Thai : เสนาบดี) . On 15 April 1874 King Chulalongkorn founded
7544-513: The wedding, Mom Sujarinee (as she was now known) decamped to Britain with all her children, while Vajiralongkorn caused posters to be placed all around his palace accusing her of committing adultery with Anand Rotsamkhan, a 60-year-old air marshal. Later, the prince abducted the daughter and brought her back to Thailand to live with him. She was later elevated to the rank of princess, whilst Sujarinee and her sons were stripped of their diplomatic passports and royal titles. Sujarinee and her sons moved to
7636-478: Was "widely loathed and feared" and "unpredictable to the point of eccentricity", while the online journal Asia Sentinel said that he was "regarded as erratic and virtually incapable of ruling"; the journal was blocked shortly thereafter. In a leaked diplomatic cable , senior Singaporean foreign ministry official Bilahari Kausikan said that Vajiralongkorn had a gambling habit partly funded by exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. On 12 November 2009,
7728-567: Was about 11 years old and soon became a capable rider. While studying in Thailand and abroad, he played several sports with friends, including football, rugby, and rowing. Vajiralongkorn also competed in sailing with King Bhumibol and sister Princess Ubolratana when they stayed at Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin. In football, Vajiralongkorn first played as a forward and later became a center-back at Chitralada School, Millfield School in England, and
7820-404: Was banned on 7 March 2019 by the Constitutional Court of Thailand for bringing a member of the royal family into politics and its political leaders were banned from politics for a decade. Vajiralongkorn has direct control over the royal household and palace security agencies . Vajiralongkorn's reign has been plagued by controversies unheard of during the reign of his predecessor. His image
7912-842: Was born on 28 July 1952 at 17:45 in the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall of the Dusit Palace in Bangkok . When the crown prince was one year old, Somdet Phra Sangkharat Chao Kromma Luang Vajirananavongse, the 13th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand of the Rattanakosin Era , gave the child his first name at birth, Vajiralongkorn Boromchakrayadisorn Santatiwong Thewetthamrongsuboribal Abhikkunupakornmahitaladulyadej Bhumibolnaretwarangkun Kittisirisombunsawangwat Boromkhattiyarajakumarn. Vajiralongkorn began his education in 1956 when he entered kindergarten at
8004-413: Was expected to succeed to the throne of Thailand but asked for time to mourn before taking the throne. On the night of 1 December 2016, the fiftieth day after the death of Bhumibol, Regent Prem Tinsulanonda led the heads of the country's three branches of government to an audience with Vajiralongkorn to invite him to ascend to the throne as the tenth king of the Chakri dynasty . Vajiralongkorn accepted
8096-671: Was finally able to sue for divorce in the Family Court in January 1993. In the court proceedings, Vajiralongkorn accused Soamsawali of being completely at fault for the failed relationship. She was not able to refute the charges due to the prohibition against lèse majesté . The divorce was finalized in July 1993. When Vajiralongkorn was introduced to Yuvadhida Polpraserth, she was an aspiring actress. She became his steady companion and gave birth to his first son, Prince Juthavachara Mahidol, on 29 August 1979. He later had three more sons and
8188-665: Was later pardoned by the king. Nicolaides later stated that "it's entirely fiction from cover to cover". In August 2011, the German judicial authorities in Munich impounded a Boeing 737 aircraft, one of two belonging to Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn. Administrators seized the aircraft because of a 20-year-old Thai government debt owed to a now-defunct German construction corporation for the Don Mueang Tollway , that had risen to some €30 million. German authorities, representing
8280-647: Was officially divorced from Vajiralongkorn. On 1 May 2019, three days before his coronation, Vajiralongkorn married Suthida Tidjai, former acting commander of Royal Thai Aide-de-Camp Department. Suthida was therefore made the queen consort of King Vajiralongkorn whose coronation took place in Bangkok on 4–6 May 2019. The marriage registration took place at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in Bangkok, with his sister Princess Sirindhorn and President of Privy Council Prem Tinsulanonda as witnesses. On 28 July 2019, Vajiralongkorn bestowed
8372-554: Was proclaimed crown prince on 28 December 1972 at 12:23 in the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall , making him the third crown prince of the Chakri dynasty. On 6 November 1978, at age 26, the prince was ordained as a monk at Wat Phra Kaew . As is traditional for royals, he stayed at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara for 15 days, under the monastic name "Vajiralongkornno". After completing his studies, Vajiralongkorn served as
8464-431: Was re-appointed Privy Council president by royal command. On 13 December 2016, the King appointed two new members, Wirach Chinvinitkul and Charunthada Karnasuta. On 25 December 2016, the King appointed one more new member, Kampanart Rooddit. On 19 January 2017, Privy Councillor Chanchai Likhitjitta died at the age of 71. Thailand's military-appointed parliament voted overwhelmingly in January 2017 to make amendments to
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