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Thai king is officially crowned, boosting his regal power
BANGKOK — Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn was officially crowned amid the splendor of the country’s Grand Palace, taking the central role in an elaborate centuries-old royal ceremony that was last held almost seven decades ago.
The coronation represents a renewal of the monarchy’s power after the October 2016 death at age 88 of Vajiralongkorn’s revered father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It also comes amid more than a decade of political strife, including a 2014 military coup and a contentious election less than two months ago.
After completing the rites on Saturday, Vajiralongkorn issued his post-coronation royal command, which is supposed to set the tone for his reign. It closely echoed the words of his father’s first command.