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Prime Minister of Thailand

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66-1309: 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 prime minister of Thailand ( Thai : นายกรัฐมนตรี , RTGS :  Nayok Ratthamontri , pronounced [nāː.jók rát.tʰā.mōn.trīː] ; literally 'chief minister of state')

132-562: A coup in 1933. The longest-serving prime minister was Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram at 14 years, 11 months, and 18 days. The shortest was Thawi Bunyaket at just 18 days. Nine were removed by coups d'état , three were disqualified by court order, and eleven resigned from office. The youngest ever to occupy office was M.R. Seni Pramoj at 40 years old. Thailand received its first female prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra , in 2011. Every prime minister since Manopakorn Nititada has been Buddhist. The current 2017 constitution states that

198-505: 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

264-731: 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

330-509: 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

396-487: 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

462-578: 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

528-676: 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 the Royal Security Command . He

594-428: A very significant role in an otherwise absolutist system. During the reign of King Chulalongkorn , Prince Damrong Rajanubhab took over this role. In fact, the office most considered the precursor of that of the prime minister was the ancient office of Samuha Nayok (สมุหนายก), which was run by an Akkhra Maha Senabodi (อัครมหาเสนาบดี) or "chief minister in charge of civilian affairs". The first prime minister of Siam

660-421: 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

726-684: 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 the 80th birthday of his father. Vajiralongkorn established "Crown Prince Hospitals" through funds donated by

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792-728: 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

858-678: 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

924-429: 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

990-414: 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

1056-460: 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

1122-497: 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

1188-621: Is the head of government of Thailand . The prime minister is also the chair of the cabinet of Thailand . The post has existed since the Siamese Revolution of 1932 , when the country became a constitutional monarchy . Prior to the 2014 coup d'état , the prime minister was nominated by a vote in the Thai House of Representatives by a simple majority, and is then appointed and sworn in by the King of Thailand . The house's selection

1254-429: Is the duty of the president of the National Assembly of Thailand to submit the name considered most worthy for the king to formalize. The nominee and eventual prime minister is always the leader of the largest political party in the lower house or the leader of the majority coalition formed after an election. Under the junta, until 2019, the nominee for the office was selected by National Legislative Assembly , with

1320-471: Is usually based on the fact that either the prime minister is the leader of the largest political party in the lower house or the leader of the largest coalition of parties. In accordance with the 2017 Constitution, the Prime Minister can hold the office for no longer than eight years, consecutively or not. The current prime minister is Paetongtarn Shinawatra , who took office on 16th August 2024 after

1386-631: 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 a career officer in the Royal Thai Army . He started his army career as

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1452-699: 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 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

1518-620: The Government House of Thailand ( ทำเนียบรัฐบาล ) in the Dusit area of Bangkok . The official residence of the prime minister is the Phitsanulok Mansion ( บ้านพิษณุโลก ), in the center of Bangkok. The mansion was built during the reign of King Vajiravudh . It became an official residence in 1979. The mansion is rumored to have many ghosts, therefore most prime ministers live in their private residences and only use

1584-560: 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

1650-524: 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

1716-599: 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

1782-644: 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 the Chitralada School in Dusit Palace. After completing Mathayom 1 (grade seven), he

1848-507: The House of Representatives having been abolished. Under the constitution written by the junta, the prime minister is currently appointed by the full National Assembly , including the military-appointed Senate . The prime minister is the de facto chair of the Cabinet of Thailand . The appointment and removal of ministers can only be made with their advice. As the leader of the government,

1914-400: 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

1980-573: 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

2046-770: The Office of the Civil Service Commission, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board , the Office of Public Sector Development Commission, and the Internal Security Operations Command . Legislatively all money bills introduced in the National Assembly must require the prime minister's approval. The prime minister can be removed by a vote of no confidence . This process can be evoked, firstly with

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2112-405: The Prime Minister shall hold the office for no longer than eight years, consecutively or not. The term limit was the subject of legal challenge in 2022 after there were debates of how to count the term. The Constitutional Court ruled 6–3 that the term would be counted from the promulgation of the 2017 constitution, so that Prayut Chan-o-cha was allowed to continue his premiership despite having held

2178-592: 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

2244-537: 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

2310-532: 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

2376-670: The constitution, lead the cabinet in announcing the government's policy statement in front of a joint session of the National Assembly, within fifteen days of being sworn in. The prime minister is also directly responsible for many departments. These include the National Intelligence Agency, the Bureau of the Budget, the Office of the National Security Council, the Office of the Council of State,

2442-417: 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

2508-463: 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

2574-423: The house for official business. Several deputy prime ministers of Thailand ( รองนายกรัฐมนตรี ) can be appointed. This position can be combined with other ministerial portfolios. Vajiralongkorn The King The Queen Royal Noble Consort Sineenat Bilaskalayani The Queen Mother Vajiralongkorn (born 28 July 1952) is King of Thailand since 2016. He is the tenth monarch of Thailand from

2640-483: The idea of a separate head of government in Thailand is not new. Prior to 1932, Thailand was ruled by absolute monarchs , who acted as both the head of state and the government. However, during the middle and latter reigns of the Chakri Dynasty , several individuals were perceived to hold a post equivalent to a head of government . During the reign of King Mongkut , Somdet Chao Phraya Si Suriyawongse had

2706-536: 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

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2772-399: 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

2838-602: 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] Siamese revolution of 1932 Too Many Requests If you report this error to

2904-427: The members of the House of Representatives. Then after a simple majority vote in the house, a resolution will be passed and submitted to the king, who will then make a formal appointment by giving his royal assent to the resolution. This must take place within thirty days after the beginning of the first session of the House of Representatives after an election. If no candidate can be found within this time period, then it

2970-526: 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

3036-400: 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

3102-607: 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 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,

3168-468: The position since the 2014 coup. According to the 2007 constitution , The prime minister of the Kingdom of Thailand must be a member of the House of Representatives. Therefore, the qualifications for the office of prime minister are the same as the qualifications for membership in the house. Prior to the 2014 coup d'état , to be appointed, the nominee for the office must have the support of one-fifth of

3234-409: The prime minister is therefore ultimately responsible for the failings and performance of their ministers and the government as a whole. The prime minister cannot hold office for a consecutive period of more than eight years. As the most visible member of the government, the prime minister represents the country abroad and is the main spokesperson for the government at home. The prime minister must, under

3300-810: 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 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

3366-412: 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

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3432-601: The removal of Srettha Thavisin . The office of the "President of the People's Committee " ( ประธานคณะกรรมการราษฎร ), later changed to "Prime Minister of Siam" ( นายกรัฐมนตรีสยาม ), was first created in the Temporary Constitution of 1932 . The office was modeled after the prime minister of the United Kingdom , as Siam became a parliamentary democracy in 1932 after a bloodless revolution . However,

3498-400: 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

3564-469: The vote of only one-fifth of the members of the House of Representatives for a debate on the matter. Then after the debate a vote is taken and with a simple majority the prime minister can be removed. This process cannot be repeated within one parliamentary session. The prime minister is aided in his work by the Office of the Prime Minister ( สำนักนายกรัฐมนตรี ) a cabinet-level department headed usually by two ministers of state . These offices are housed in

3630-513: 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

3696-457: Was Phraya Manopakorn Nititada , a judge. The title of the office was changed from "Prime Minister of Siam " to "Prime Minister of Thailand " in 1945 and then permanently with the renaming of Siam to Thailand in 1949. For most of its existence, the office has been occupied by Army leaders; sixteen out of thirty. Military dominance began with the country's second prime minister, Phraya Phahon Phonphayuhasena , who ousted his civilian predecessor in

3762-478: 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,

3828-567: 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

3894-475: 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

3960-558: 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 was proclaimed crown prince on 28 December 1972 at 12:23 in

4026-413: 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

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4092-722: 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

4158-665: 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

4224-647: 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

4290-431: 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

4356-708: 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, the prince enrolled at the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Canberra , Australia. His education at Duntroon

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