Thailand crowned King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Saturday, marking the first time a new king was coronated in the country in nearly 70 years.
The event marked a rejuvenation in the monarchy after the death of Vajiralongkorn’s father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in 2016, according to The Associated Press. It also comes amid a decade of political upheaval that saw a military coup in 2014 and a contentious election earlier this year.
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Though Vajiralongkorn, 66, was officially crowned Saturday, he has effectively served as king for over two years.
“This ceremony is significant to Thailand because the monarchy … is a very important institution of our country and is the soul of our nation,” Naowarat Buakluan, a civil servant, told the AP. “If you ask why the ceremony is being held this year when his majesty has already ascended the throne, it’s because this is the right moment. Previously we Thais were mourning the loss of our beloved late king.”
Since taking the throne, Vajiralongkorn has strengthened his grip over royal institutions and bolstered his influence in the country’s government. He is protected by one of the world’s strictest lese majeste laws, which makes criticism of him and other top royals punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
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Thailand crowns new king for first time in seven decades https://t.co/PQiym15RBH pic.twitter.com/OmoK0XGNaP
— The Hill (@thehill) May 4, 2019
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