TCEB STATEMENT Thailand has a new King: Long Live the King

TCEB STATEMENT

Thailand has a new King: Long Live the King

2 December 2016

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn became the King of Thailand, late Thursday, the 10th reigning monarch of the Chakri Dynasty, at a ceremony held at the Amphon Satharn Villa, Dusit Palace in the heart of the Thai capital.

The new king was officially named His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, according to the Office of His Majestic’s Principal Private Secretary.

It marks a new chapter for the nation following a government announcement to all Thais and the international community that Thailand now has a new King. He ascended to the throne, 50 days after the passing of the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The Crown Prince was invited by the head of the National Legislative Assembly to ascend to the throne in an event broadcast on all Thai television channels Thursday evening. The succession ceremony was attended by government leaders and head of the country’s privy council. He becomes Rama X of Thailand's Chakri dynasty, but his coronation will not take place until after his Royal Father's cremation, next year.

The passing of HM the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 13 October, the beloved and revered “Father of the Nation” deeply saddened the entire Nation. He ruled for 70 years and was the world’s longest reigning monarch. The government declared a year of mourning for the Late King.

Nations from around the world sent congratulatory messages to country’s new monarch, wishing Thailand an era of peace and prosperity. Monks chanted blessings at Buddhist temples across the country to mark the new monarch's accession to the throne.

In a televised message to the Nation, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, described the new king "as the head of the Thai state and heart of the Thai people." The historic ceremony was witnessed by the Regent pro tempore, the Prime Minister, and the President of the Supreme Court in accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Palace Law on Succession, and ancient royal traditions.

Following the royal merit-making ceremony to mark 50 days after the passing of the Late HM the King, and with more than 1 million people having paid their respects, royal permission was sought to proceed in accordance with ancient royal traditions and laws.

Now, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who has been the Heir to the Throne for 44 years, since 1972, has ascended to the throne as His Majesty King Rama X of the Royal House of Chakri.

He is accorded full royal prerogatives as stipulated by the Constitution. The government announcement noted that with regard to the “Royal Coronation Ceremony” His Majesty the King has decided that the coronation ceremony should proceed after the Royal Cremation Ceremony for the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

TCEB joins the nation and people from all walks of life to mark this auspicious occasion. Long Live the King.

TCEB assures its partners in the global events industry (MICE) that Thailand’s doors are open to welcome visitors. Meeting planners can confidently book events knowing that the transfer of Kingship has been completed smoothly in accordance with ancient Royal Law and the wishes of the Nation.

Notwithstanding the Nation’s heartfelt mourning for their beloved Late King, Thailand moves forward to a new era that has its foundations secure on the strong moral, social and economic pillars established by the Late King during his 70-year reign.

TCEB is pressing ahead with all of its programmes and campaigns to help build the nation’s prosperity across all segments of the MICE industry. This can be seen in the successful hosting of the 29th Congress of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (XXIX ISSCT Congress 2016) 5 to 8 December 2016, in Chiang Mai.

The positive trend in meetings will continue in 2017 with the hosting of the 8th International Congress of Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control 2017 (APSIC 2017), 12 to 15 February in Bangkok. TCEB confidently looks forward to 2017 forecasting a record year in hosted events, delegate numbers and revenue generated for the nation’s economy.

For further information, please visit www.tceb.or.th or contact info@tceb.or.th