BANGKOK (Sputnik) — On October 13, Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej died at the age of 88. Shortly afterwards, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that Vajiralongkorn would become the country’s new king. The parliament postponed calling a heir to ascend the throne.
The Parliament speaker pronounced a formula invitation of Crown Prince, and then called on the lawmakers to stand up and welcome the new king. The lawmakers stood up from their seats, shouted in unison"Long live the king!," and the parliamentary session was closed.
The parliament's session was broadcast by the Thai PBS television channel.
Vajiralongkorn was born in 1952. At the age of 20, in 1972, he was appointed crown prince by his father.