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.
(Score: 2) by bob_super on Friday December 02 2016, @06:40PM
Personally, I'm holding out for a Hero.
Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday December 02 2016, @07:26PM
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
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
Yes, long live king Jean Valjean!
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday December 03 2016, @12:41AM
Sure!
Iron and Wine - Woman King