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Maha VajiralongkornKing of Thailand
Date of Birth: 28.07.1952
Country:  Thailand |
Content:
- King of Thailand
- Early Life and Education
- Military Career
- Personal Life
- First Marriage
- Second Marriage
- Third Marriage
- Fourth Marriage
- Reign and Controversies
- Domestic Policies
- International Concerns
- COVID-19 Pandemic
- Current Situation
King of Thailand
Since October 13, 2016, King Maha Vajiralongkorn has reigned as the head of the Chakri dynasty, the sole heir to his father, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Deemed the most eccentric monarch to date, Vajiralongkorn's controversial past raises both concerns and expectations among Thai citizens.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 28, 1952, in Bangkok, Crown Prince Maha was the eldest child of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara, a Thai diplomat's daughter who later became President of the Thai Red Cross. He had three younger sisters: Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (also a Crown Princess). However, the Thai Constitution prioritized male lineage for the throne.
Vajiralongkorn's unconventional behavior is attributed to his formative years spent abroad. After graduating high school, he attended the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in Canberra, Australia, receiving a diploma in military aviation. He worked as a pilot in Bangkok, earning a Bachelor's degree in Humanities.
Military Career
In 1975, Maha entered the military as an infantry reconnaissance officer, rapidly climbing the ranks. Within three years, he became commander of the King's Own Bodyguard Battalion. Adhering to tradition, he also trained as a Buddhist monk at a monastery. Vajiralongkorn actively participated in military operations, including the suppression of communist insurgents in northern Thailand (1970s) and the conflict with Vietnamese partisans near Cambodia.
Personal Life
King Maha Vajiralongkorn's personal life has been marked by controversy and scandals. Despite his initial marriage to his cousin, Princess Soamsawali Kitiyakara, in 1977, his relationship with Thai actress Yuvadhida Polpraset garnered significant attention.
First Marriage
Vajiralongkorn's marriage to Soamsawali, with whom he had a daughter, Princess Bajrakitiyabha, deteriorated within a year. Official separation occurred in 1991.
Second Marriage
Despite his ongoing marriage, Vajiralongkorn lived with Yuvadhida Polpraset, producing five more children. In 1994, she received the title of Princess and became an official royal consort. However, the marriage ended abruptly with Yuvadhida's flight to the United Kingdom with their children in 1996. She was accused of adultery and her children lost their royal titles.
Third Marriage
In 2005, Vajiralongkorn married Srirasmi Suwadee, a commoner. Their son, Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, was born the same year. Despite initial claims of a lasting union, the marriage ended in 2014 after accusations of corruption against Srirasmi's family. She relinquished her royal titles.
Fourth Marriage
In 2019, Maha Vajiralongkorn announced his marriage to Suthida Tidjai, his personal bodyguard. She was named Queen Suthida.
Reign and Controversies
Accession to the ThroneUpon King Bhumibol Adulyadej's passing on October 13, 2016, Maha ascended to the throne as Rama X. His official coronation took place on May 4, 2019.
Domestic Policies
Vajiralongkorn's policies included a large-scale amnesty for prisoners, the revival of the Supreme Patriarch position, and constitutional amendments that defined electoral procedures and the King's involvement in state affairs. However, his political influence, coupled with his controversial personal life, eroded some of the public's trust.
International Concerns
King Maha Vajiralongkorn's unconventional behavior abroad, including his low-cut jeans and tattoos, has been widely publicized. His close relationship with the military has also raised concerns about the erosion of democracy.
COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vajiralongkorn self-isolated in a Bavarian hotel with a reported harem of 20 concubines, drawing criticism from Thai citizens.
Current Situation
King Maha Vajiralongkorn continues to be a controversial figure in Thailand. Protests have erupted demanding a reduction in his powers and a separation between the monarchy and the military.
