Standing like the monarchs before him on the balcony of the gilded Grand Palace before a sea of yellow-clad supporters, Thailand’s newly crowned King Maha Vajiralongkorn addressed tens of thousands of supporters Monday, his first public speech as king. The elaborate ceremonies for Vajiralongkorn, 66, come nearly three years after his ascension to the throne following the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in 2016. The coronation was initially put off as Thailand marked a year-long period of mourning for the king, and then was delayed without explanation until May 4. The balcony in the Grand Palace was also where Bhumibol greeted the public for the first time after his coronation. The supporters gathered before Vajiralongkorn on Monday, however, saw no difference between the father and the son.

Source: Washington Post May 06, 2019 11:15 UTC