Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, Presidentof the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) – the parliament, released astatement to announce the ascendance to the nation.
The statement came after CrownPrince Vajiralongkorn granted an audience to Royal Regent Prem Tinsulanonda,Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, NLA President Wichitcholchai, and ChiefJustice of the Supreme Court Veerapol Tungsuwan.
The same day, the Public RelationsDepartment of the Royal Thai Government announced the title of the new monarch as"His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun".
King Rama X’s formal coronation willtake place after his father’s royal cremation at the end of 2017.
Vajiralongkorn is the only son ofthe four children of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. He wasdesignated Crown Prince by his father in 1972.-VNA