Stories
Slash Boxes
Comments

SoylentNews is people

posted by Fnord666 on Friday December 02 2016, @05:32PM   Printer-friendly
from the long-live-the-king dept.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has become the new King of Thailand:

Thailand has its first new monarch in seven decades after Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn was formally proclaimed the 10th king in the Chakri Dynasty.

Vajiralongkorn, 64, accepted the military-backed legislature's invitation to become King Rama X. The move announced Thursday was expected given that Vajiralongkorn was the only son and designated heir of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died Oct. 13 at age 88.

[...] Vajiralongkorn replaces the only monarch most Thais alive today have known and one who was seen as a symbol of continuity during a reign marked by dozens of changes in prime minister and 10 coups. The career soldier inherits control of a fortune that runs to the tens of billions of dollars and includes stakes in some of the nation's largest companies.

[...] Vajiralongkorn, the father of seven children, has been married three times. His personal life has been the subject of gossip on outlawed websites and in leaked diplomatic cables. He becomes king at a time when the institution's role in society faces increasing scrutiny after the political unrest that marred the twilight of his father's reign.

"Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn neither commands the respect nor displays the charisma of his beloved father," read a confidential U.S. cable from July 2009 addressed to then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and released via WikiLeaks. "Nearly everyone expects the monarchy to shrink and change in function after succession." The royal palace doesn't comment on political matters.


Original Submission

 
This discussion has been archived. No new comments can be posted.
Display Options Threshold/Breakthrough Mark All as Read Mark All as Unread
The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way.
  • (Score: 2) by bob_super on Friday December 02 2016, @06:40PM

    by bob_super (1357) on Friday December 02 2016, @06:40PM (#436096)

    Personally, I'm holding out for a Hero.
    Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed?

    Starting Score:    1  point
    Karma-Bonus Modifier   +1  

    Total Score:   2  
  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday December 02 2016, @07:26PM

    by Anonymous Coward on Friday December 02 2016, @07:26PM (#436126)

    Oh god. Here we go. Angry internet people posting lyrics...

    Do you hear the people sing?

    Singing the song of angry men?

    It is the music of the people
    Who will not be slaves again!
    When the beating of your heart
    Echoes the beating of the drums
    There is a life about to start
    When tomorrow comes!

    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday December 03 2016, @06:38AM

      by Anonymous Coward on Saturday December 03 2016, @06:38AM (#436429)

      Take the children and yourself
      And hide out in the cellar
      By now the fighting will be close at hand
      Don't believe the church and state
      And everything they tell you
      Believe in me, I'm with the high command

      There's a gun and ammunition
      Just inside the doorway
      Use it only in emergency
      Better you should pray to God
      The Father and the Spirit
      Will guide you and protect from up here

      Swear allegiance to the flag
      Whatever flag they offer
      Never hint at what you really feel
      Teach the children quietly
      For some day sons and daughters
      Will rise up and fight while we stood still

      Can you hear me running (can you hear me calling you?)
      (Can you hear me) hear me calling you?
      (Can you hear me running) hear me running babe?
      (Can you hear me running) hear me running?
      Calling you, calling you

  • (Score: 2) by jcross on Friday December 02 2016, @09:15PM

    by jcross (4009) on Friday December 02 2016, @09:15PM (#436219)

    Yes, long live king Jean Valjean!

  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday December 03 2016, @12:41AM

    by Anonymous Coward on Saturday December 03 2016, @12:41AM (#436341)

    Sure!

    Black horse fly, lemonade
    Jar on the red ant hill
    Garden worm, cigarette
    Ash on the window sill

    Hundred years, hundred more
    Someday we may see
    A woman king, sword in hand
    Swing at some evil and bleed

    Iron and Wine - Woman King