Vajiralongkorn

Vajiralongkorn
Born	(1952-07-28) July 28, 1952 Dusit Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
Occupation	King of Thailand
Years active	2016–present
Known for	King of Thailand, tenth ruler of the Chakri dynasty

Vajiralongkorn (born 28 July 1952) serves as the King of Thailand and is the tenth ruler of the Chakri dynasty. He assumed the throne in 2016, adopting the regnal title Rama X.

As the sole male heir of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit, Vajiralongkorn was named crown prince in 1972 at age 20. Following his father's passing on 13 October 2016, he delayed his formal accession to observe a mourning period, officially becoming king on 1 December 2016. His coronation took place from 4 to 6 May 2019. The government retroactively recognized his reign as beginning on the day of his father's death. At 64 years old, he was the oldest individual to ascend Thailand’s throne.

Vajiralongkorn holds the distinction of being the wealthiest monarch worldwide, with an estimated fortune ranging between and .

Early life and education

Born at 17:45 on 28 July 1952, Vajiralongkorn entered the world within the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall at Dusit Palace in Bangkok. When he was one year old, Somdet Phra Sangkharat Chao Kromma Luang Vajirananavongse—the 13th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand—bestowed upon him his full name: Vajiralongkorn Boromchakrayadisorn Santatiwong Thewetthamrongsuboribal Abhikkunupakornmahitaladulyadej Bhumibolnaretwarangkun Kittisirisombunsawangwat Boromkhattiyarajakumarn.

His formal education commenced in 1956 at Chitralada School, located within Dusit Palace. After completing Mathayom 1 (equivalent to grade seven), he continued his studies at private institutions in the United Kingdom, beginning with King's Mead preparatory school in Seaford, Sussex, followed by Millfield School in Somerset, where he finished secondary education in July 1970. In August of that year, he undertook a five-week military training program at The King's School, Sydney in Australia.

University

In 1972, Vajiralongkorn enrolled at the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Canberra. His curriculum combined Australian Army officer training with academic studies through the University of New South Wales. He graduated in 1976 as a lieutenant, earning a bachelor's degree in liberal arts.

Later, in 1982, he received a second bachelor's degree in law with second-class honors from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University.

Heir apparent and social interest

On 28 December 1972, Vajiralongkorn was officially declared crown prince at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, marking him as the third crown prince within the Chakri dynasty.

Short-term monastic life

At age 26, on 6 November 1978, he entered monkhood at Wat Phra Kaew, remaining for fifteen days at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara under the monastic name "Vajiralongkornno".

Military training and career

Following his education, Vajiralongkorn pursued a professional career as an officer in the Royal Thai Army. He initially served as a staff officer within Army Intelligence and attended the Command and General Staff College in 1977. In 1978, he was appointed Deputy Commander of King Chulalongkorn's Own Guards, specifically the 4th Infantry Battalion of the 1st Infantry Regiment, advancing to Commander of that battalion by 1980. In 1992, he assumed leadership as Commander of the Royal Security Command.

He holds pilot qualifications for military aircraft including the Northrop F-5, F-16, and civil aircraft such as the Boeing 737-400. While his military duties have become predominantly ceremonial over recent years, he has increased participation in royal functions and public engagements. Notably, he officially inaugurated the 2007 Southeast Asian Games held in Nakhon Ratchasima, coinciding closely with his father’s eightieth birthday celebration.

Medical and health care

Vajiralongkorn initiated the creation of "Crown Prince Hospitals," funded through public contributions, to provide medical services to underserved rural areas. By 1977, this effort had resulted in the establishment of 21 hospitals, which by 2011 had developed into prominent community hospitals delivering healthcare services that meet international standards.

Agricultural development

The king endorses the "Mobile Agricultural Clinic Project," which offers farmers expert guidance on crop cultivation, animal husbandry, fisheries, and land management to enhance productivity by integrating modern technologies. These mobile units supply prompt technical assistance, motivating farmers to adopt innovative agricultural practices.

During the final years of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s reign, Vajiralongkorn took on the role of presiding over the annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony, a significant event symbolizing agricultural prosperity. Since his ascension, he has upheld this tradition, highlighting his dedication to advancing the welfare of farmers as essential contributors to the national economy.

In celebration of his coronation, the Rice Department introduced five new rice strains. Vajiralongkorn continues his patronage of the royal rice varieties competition, perpetuating a tradition initiated by his ancestor King Chulalongkorn.

Focus on education

Vajiralongkorn has implemented educational programs aimed at improving children's access to quality education and fostering lifelong learning opportunities. He maintains a close relationship with the Rajabhat University system, which includes 40 campuses. Since 1978, he has officiated numerous graduation ceremonies and personally conferred degrees upon Rajabhat graduates, awarding over 2.1 million degrees across 35 years. Furthermore, he contributes 42 million baht annually to a scholarship fund benefiting Rajabhat students.

Sport interest

Known in his youth as the "Football Prince," Vajiralongkorn has demonstrated strong involvement in cycling and various other sports. He began horseback riding at age 11 and participated in football, rugby, and rowing during his studies both in Thailand and overseas. He sailed competitively alongside King Bhumibol and Princess Ubolratana at Klai Kangwon Palace. In football, he transitioned from playing forward to center-back while attending Chitralada School, Millfield School in England, and the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Australia, sharing a passion for the sport with his father.

Residence

Vajiralongkorn primarily lives in Bavaria, Germany, where he has spent much of his adult life; his son, Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, attends school locally. He arranged constitutional amendments that eliminated the obligation to appoint a regent during his absences from Thailand. Unlike his father—who seldom left Thailand after the 1960s except for brief trips—Vajiralongkorn frequently resides abroad but receives visits from Thai officials while in Germany. The German government has expressed concerns about official state matters being conducted on its territory; however, Thai authorities assert that the King's presence there is personal and that government affairs are managed by Prime Minister Prayut.

Accession to the throne and coronation

Under the 2007 Constitution, the cabinet directed the president of the National Assembly to formally invite Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn to assume the throne. He became the first monarch born within Thailand since his great-uncle Prajadhipok passed away in 1935. Following King Bhumibol Adulyadej's death on 13 October 2016, Vajiralongkorn was anticipated to succeed but requested time for mourning. On 1 December 2016, Regent Prem Tinsulanonda along with government leaders officially invited him to become the tenth king of the Chakri dynasty. Vajiralongkorn accepted this invitation, expressing a desire to carry out his father's wishes for the benefit of all Thai citizens. The government declared retroactively that his reign commenced immediately upon his father’s passing but delayed the formal coronation until after Bhumibol’s cremation on 26 October 2017. His principal residence is Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall; he relocated there from Nonthaburi Palace in 2011.

Vajiralongkorn’s coronation spanned three days from 4 to 6 May 2019. The ceremony cost approximately one billion baht (about US$29.8 million) and drew an estimated crowd of 150,000 at Sanam Luang, emphasizing its cultural and political importance within Thailand.

Selection of Privy Council members

After the resignation of councillors under King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Vajiralongkorn appointed ten individuals to the Privy Council in accordance with the 2014 interim constitution, which preserved significant elements of the 2007 constitution. The council included seven existing members—Surayud Chulanont, Kasem Wattanachai, Palakorn Suwanrath, Atthaniti Disatha-amnarj, Supachai Poo-ngam, Chanchai Likhitjitta, and Chalit Pukbhasuk—alongside three new appointees: Paiboon Koomchaya, Dapong Ratanasuwan, and Teerachai Nakwanich. Prem Tinsulanonda was reinstated as Privy Council president. Later additions consisted of Wirach Chinvinitkul and Charunthada Karnasuta in December 2016, followed by Kampanart Rooddit within the same month. Privy Councillor Chanchai Likhitjitta passed away in January 2017.

Royal influence on politics

In January 2017, the military-controlled National Legislative Assembly amended the interim constitution to implement modifications requested by the royal office, thereby increasing monarchical influence over political affairs. King Vajiralongkorn gave his approval to the 2017 Constitution—ratified by a 2016 referendum—on 6 April 2017. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha acknowledged that the royal office had sought adjustments to provisions related to royal authority, an uncommon direct intervention by the monarchy. Political activities recommenced following a period of national mourning after King Bhumibol’s passing.

In February 2019, Vajiralongkorn’s eldest sister, Ubol Ratana, declared her intention to run for prime minister representing the Thaksin-aligned Thai Raksa Chart Party in the general election. The king immediately labeled her candidacy as "inappropriate... and unconstitutional," resulting in her disqualification by the Election Commission. Subsequently, the Constitutional Court dissolved the Thai Raksa Chart Party for involving a member of the royal family in politics; party leaders were also barred from political participation for ten years.

King Vajiralongkorn retains direct oversight over the royal household and palace security forces, reinforcing his control over essential palace functions.

Controversies

The reign of Vajiralongkorn has been marked by controversies not seen during his predecessor's rule, affecting his public standing due to his reputation as a womanizer. In 2020, Thailand experienced extensive protests against his leadership that drew considerable attention both domestically and internationally.

Throughout much of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Vajiralongkorn reportedly leased the alpine Grand Hotel Sonnenbichl in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. He remained there amid nationwide demonstrations and rising anti-monarchy sentiment in Thailand, provoking controversy within Thailand and Germany alike. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas cautioned Vajiralongkorn against conducting governance from German soil and announced an inquiry into his activities during his stay.

On 26 October 2020, demonstrators gathered at the German Embassy in Bangkok demanding that German authorities investigate whether the King exercised sovereign powers while residing in Germany.

Public perception, media coverage, and legal restrictions

Vajiralongkorn benefits from some of the globe's most stringent lèse majesté regulations. Any form of criticism directed at the monarch, members of the royal household, or even their animals is strictly forbidden, with penalties including substantial fines and imprisonment for up to 35 years. Despite these prohibitions, Vajiralongkorn's private affairs remain a contentious subject within Thailand, though they are rarely addressed openly.

In 2002, The Economist portrayed Vajiralongkorn as enjoying considerably less respect than his father, King Bhumibol, noting that rumors about his personal conduct circulated despite being banned in Thailand. A subsequent 2010 article in the same publication, also censored domestically, described him as "widely disliked and feared" and "so unpredictable as to border on eccentric." The online outlet Asia Sentinel characterized him as "erratic and almost incapable of governance" before its content was blocked in Thailand. Diplomatic cables leaked later disclosed allegations of a gambling addiction partially financed by the exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

A 2009 home video surfaced through WikiLeaks, showing Vajiralongkorn dressed casually while Princess Srirasmi Suwadee tended to his poodle, revealing rare glimpses into the royal family's private life. This footage was included in an Australian Broadcasting Corporation documentary that presented a critical view of the Thai monarchy.

That same year, Australian writer Harry Nicolaides received a three-year prison sentence for self-publishing a fictional work considered to breach lèse majesté laws due to its references to rumors about Vajiralongkorn’s treatment of his minor wives. Nicolaides was subsequently granted a royal pardon.

In August 2011, German officials seized one of Vajiralongkorn’s Boeing 737 aircraft over an unpaid debt exceeding €30 million related to a defunct German construction company involved with the Don Mueang Tollway project. The Thai government initially condemned the aircraft's confiscation but later consented to pay a deposit to secure its release.

A November 2016 article in Manager Magazin indicated that as a resident of Bavaria owning two properties there, Vajiralongkorn could be liable for inheritance taxes surpassing €3.5 billion under German legislation. In May 2017, Thai authorities issued warnings to Facebook following the appearance of a video showing the king wearing a crop top and revealing a half-sleeve tattoo.

Soamsawali Kitiyakara

On 3 January 1977, Vajiralongkorn entered into marriage with Princess Soamsawali Kitiyakara (born 1957), his first cousin on his mother’s side. The couple had one daughter, Princess Bajrakitiyabha, born in December 1978. In the late 1970s, Vajiralongkorn began cohabiting with actress Yuvadhida Polpraserth, with whom he fathered five children. Although Soamsawali initially declined to divorce, Vajiralongkorn successfully filed for divorce in January 1993, accusing her of being at fault for their marital breakdown. Due to lèse majesté provisions, she was unable to dispute these allegations. The divorce was finalized in July 1993.

Sujarinee Vivacharawongse (Yuvadhida Polpraserth)

Vajiralongkorn’s relationship with aspiring actress Yuvadhida Polpraserth led to marriage in February 1994 during a palace ceremony endorsed by the King and Princess Mother but notably not by the Queen. Yuvadhida adopted the name Mom Sujarinee Mahidol na Ayudhaya to reflect her status as a commoner marrying into royalty and was commissioned as a major in the Royal Thai Army. Together they had five children, including their first son, Prince Juthavachara Mahidol (born 29 August 1979).

In 1996, amid accusations from Vajiralongkorn of infidelity involving an air marshal, Sujarinee moved with their children to Britain. Subsequently, Vajiralongkorn returned their daughter to Thailand and granted her princess status; however, Sujarinee and her sons were stripped of royal titles and diplomatic passports. Sujarinee and her sons later relocated to the United States; by 2007 she was known as Sujarinee Vivacharawongse. Through his sons residing abroad, Vajiralongkorn has three grandchildren.

Srirasmi Suwadee

On 10 February 2001, Vajiralongkorn entered into his third marriage with Srirasmi Suwadee (royal title: Akharaphongpreecha), a commoner who had been in his service since 1992. Their union was officially announced to the public only in early 2005. She gave birth to Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti on 29 April 2005, after which she was promoted to princess, and her son was immediately recognized with the status of prince. Shortly thereafter, Vajiralongkorn indicated his desire to lead a more settled life.

In November 2014, Vajiralongkorn petitioned the interior ministry to revoke the royal surname Akharaphongpreecha from Srirasmi's family following corruption accusations involving seven of her relatives. The next month, Srirasmi renounced her royal titles and name and finalized her divorce from Vajiralongkorn.

Suthida Tidjai

Three days prior to his coronation, on 1 May 2019, Vajiralongkorn married Suthida Tidjai, who had formerly served as acting commander of the Royal Thai Aide-de-Camp Department. She was subsequently crowned queen consort during the coronation ceremonies held in Bangkok from 4 to 6 May 2019. The marriage registration ceremony occurred at Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall with Princess Sirindhorn and Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda acting as witnesses.

Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi

On 28 July 2019, Vajiralongkorn bestowed upon Major General Niramon Ounprom the title "Chao Khun Phra" (Royal Noble Consort) along with the royal name Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, marking the first official appointment of a secondary consort in nearly one hundred years. However, on 21 October 2019, she was stripped of all her titles and ranks by palace decree due to alleged disrespect toward Queen Suthida and perceived disloyalty to the king. Her honors were fully reinstated on 2 September 2020, accompanied by an official statement declaring that she "is not tarnished," effectively restoring her military ranks and royal decorations as if they had never been revoked.

Children

Offspring of King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajira Klao Chao Yu Hua

Name	Relationship	Birth Date	Remarks
With Soamsawali Kitiyakara (married 1977, divorced 1991)
Bajrakitiyabha, Princess Rajasarini Siribajra	Daughter	(1978-12-07) 7 December 1978
With Yuvadhida Polpraserth (married 1994, divorced 1996)
Juthavachara Vivacharawongse	Son	(1979-08-29) 29 August 1979	born as Juthavachara Mahidol; married to Riya Gough; has children
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse	Son	(1981-05-27) 27 May 1981	born as Vacharaesorn Mahidol; married to Elisa Garafano; has children
Chakriwat Vivacharawongse	Son	(1983-02-26) 26 February 1983	born as Chakriwat Mahidol
Vatchrawee Vivacharawongse	Son	(1985-06-14) 14 June 1985	born as Vatchrawee Mahidol
Princess Sirivannavari	Daughter	(1987-01-08) 8 January 1987	born as Busyanambejra Mahidol
With Srirasmi Suwadee (married 2001, divorced 2014)
Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti	Son	(2005-04-29) 29 April 2005

Military ranks

• General, Admiral, and Air Chief Marshal

Volunteer Defense Corps rank

• General of the Volunteer Defense Corps

International awards

• : Knight of the Order of the Elephant (7 February 2001)
• : Honorary Grand Commander of the Most Esteemed Order of the Defender of the Realm (2 September 2013)
• : First Class of the Order of the National Flag (10 March 1992)
• : Grand Cross of the Order of the Sun of Peru (9 April 1993)
• : Grand Cross of the Military Order of Aviz (31 December 1981)
• : Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III (13 November 1987)
• : Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (28 October 1996)

Display of orders, medals, and decorations

The ribbons commonly worn by Vajiralongkorn on his undress uniform consist of: