Thai officials formally announce name of new king

Thai officials have formally announced the name of the new king, King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, formerly Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The name was released in a statement by Thailand's Public Relations Department today following a Buddhist rite marking 50 days since the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej's death. Thailand's King Bhumibol died on Oct



13.The monarchy was run by 96-year-old regent Prem Tinsulanonda after the former crown prince asked to delay the succession in order to grieve.

King Bhumibol, who died at the age of 88, was instrumental in reviving the prestige of the monarchy. He was widely seen as a stabilising force through an era of rapid change and decades of often violent political upheaval.