King Rama X of Thailand: Biography, Family, and the Role of the Monarchy in the Modern Country
The King of Thailand holds a special place in the country's life. Despite Thailand being a constitutional monarchy, the royal family remains one of the most respected state institutions. For millions of Thais, the monarchy is closely linked with the nation's history, Buddhism, national culture, and traditions.
The current King of Thailand is Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, better known as Rama X. He became the tenth monarch of the Chakri dynasty — the ruling dynasty that has been in power since 1782 and has played a key role in the formation of modern Thailand.
The Chakri Dynasty and the History of the Thai Monarchy
The modern history of the Thai monarchy began in 1782 when General Chao Phraya Chakri ascended the throne as Rama I and founded the new capital of the state — Bangkok.
Since then, all Kings of Thailand have borne the title Rama and a regnal number. Over more than two centuries, the Chakri dynasty has survived wars, the colonial era, the modernization of the country, and the transition to a constitutional monarchy.
Thailand is one of the few Asian countries that was never colonized by European powers, and many historians attribute this fact to the policies of Thai kings in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Childhood and Education of Rama X
The future King Maha Vajiralongkorn was born on July 28, 1952, in Bangkok. He was the only son of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit.
From an early age, the heir was prepared for future state governance. He received education not only in Thailand but also abroad. The future king studied in Great Britain and Australia, where he graduated from the prestigious Royal Military College in Canberra.
In addition to civilian education, Vajiralongkorn underwent training in the army, air force, and navy. He is a qualified military pilot and has personally flown various types of aircraft and helicopters.
In 1972, Vajiralongkorn was officially proclaimed Crown Prince of Thailand.
Accession to the Throne
On October 13, 2016, King Bhumibol Adulyadej — Rama IX — passed away. His reign lasted over 70 years and was the longest in Thailand's history.
After his father's death, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn accepted the invitation of the National Legislative Assembly to assume the throne. He formally became king on December 1, 2016, but the start of his reign is counted from the date of Rama IX's death.
This was a historic moment for the country, as many generations of Thais had known only one king – Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Coronation of Rama X
The official coronation ceremony took place in May 2019.
The coronation followed ancient traditions, many of which have been preserved since the Ayutthaya Kingdom. During the ceremony, royal regalia were used, including the Great Crown of Victory, sacred water for the anointing ritual, and symbols of royal power.
The festivities lasted several days and were broadcast throughout the country. Millions of Thai residents participated in the celebratory events.
Queen Suthida
Shortly before his coronation, Rama X announced his marriage to Suthida Tidjai.
Before meeting the king, Suthida worked as a flight attendant for Thai Airways, and then served in units of the Royal Guard. After the wedding, she received the title of Queen of Thailand.
Today, Queen Suthida regularly participates in official ceremonies, charity projects, and state events.
Royal Consort Sineenat
In 2019, the King bestowed the title of Royal Noble Consort upon Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi. This event was historic, as such a title had not been granted for almost a hundred years.
Before her appearance at court, Sineenat worked as a nurse, then served in the army and the royal guard.
After a temporary deprivation of titles in 2019, her position was fully restored the following year.
Previous Spouses of King Rama X
The personal life of King Maha Vajiralongkorn has attracted the attention of both Thai and international media for many years. Before his marriage to the current Queen Suthida, Rama X was in several official relationships, each of which left a notable mark on the history of the modern Thai monarchy.
Princess Soamsawali Kitiyakara
The first wife of the future king was Princess Soamsawali Kitiyakara, who was his cousin. The wedding took place in 1977 and became one of the most significant events for the royal family at that time. From this marriage, Vajiralongkorn's first daughter, Princess Bajrakitiyabha, was born, who later became one of the most prominent representatives of the Thai royal family. Despite their divorce in the early 1990s, Soamsawali maintained a high status at court and continued to participate in official royal family events.
Sujarinee Vivacharawongse
After separating from his first wife, Vajiralongkorn began a relationship with Yuvadhida Polpraserth, who later took the name Sujarinee Vivacharawongse. This relationship resulted in five children—four sons and a daughter. After their separation, most of the family moved outside Thailand. The sons lived in the United States for a long time and were practically not involved in the life of the royal court. The exception was their daughter, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, who retained her royal title and is now considered one of the most recognizable representatives of the younger generation of the Thai monarchy.
Srirasmi Suwadee
The third official wife of the Crown Prince was Srirasmi Suwadee. Their marriage was concluded in 2001. It was in this union that Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti was born—the king's only son who is currently officially in the line of succession to the throne and is considered the most probable future monarch of Thailand. In 2014, the marriage ended in divorce, after which Srirasmi lost her royal titles and withdrew from public life. However, Prince Dipangkorn maintained his status as a member of the royal family and continues to participate in official events.
Each of these marriages played an important role in the history of the modern Thai monarchy, as they are the source of most of King Rama X's children and potential heirs.
Children of the King of Thailand
King Maha Vajiralongkorn officially recognizes seven children.
The King's eldest daughter is Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol — one of the most famous and respected members of the Thai royal family. She received legal education in Thailand and the United States, worked as a diplomat, represented Thailand at the United Nations, and actively engaged in human rights issues, legal system development, and assistance to incarcerated women. Thanks to her public activities, the princess commanded great respect both domestically and internationally.
In December 2022, the princess lost consciousness during a training session with her dogs and was hospitalized with a severe heart condition. For over three years, she remained under constant medical supervision, and her health condition was a matter of national attention. In 2026, the Royal Court officially announced her death. For many Thais, this news was a great shock, as Princess Bajrakitiyabha was considered one of the brightest representatives of the younger generation of the Chakri dynasty and a potentially important figure for the future of the Thai monarchy.
You can read more about the princess's life, career, and public activities in our dedicated article "Princess Bajrakitiyabha: Lawyer, Diplomat, and Human Rights Advocate".
Particular attention of Thais and foreign media is currently drawn to Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. She is the King's only daughter from his marriage to Sujarinee Vivacharawongse who has retained official status as a member of the royal family. The princess received education in fashion and art, and also gained fame as a successful athlete. In the past, she represented Thailand in international badminton and equestrian competitions. Today, Sirivannavari is considered one of the most recognizable representatives of the royal family. She actively participates in state ceremonies, cultural projects, and charitable events. Furthermore, the princess is known as a fashion and accessory designer—her brand Sirivannavari regularly participates in Paris Fashion Week, and the princess herself is considered an icon of modern Thai style.
Many experts consider Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, born in 2005 to the King's marriage with Srirasmi Suwadee, to be the most likely heir to the throne. After his parents' divorce, the prince retained high status in the royal family and continued his education under the King's patronage. In recent years, he has periodically appeared at official events and state ceremonies. Although no heir to the throne has been officially declared in Thailand, Dipangkorn is most frequently mentioned as the most probable future monarch due to his position in the royal family and his status as the King's only son residing permanently in Thailand.
In addition to Princess Sirivannavari and Prince Dipangkorn, the King has four other sons from Sujarinee Vivacharawongse — Juthavachara, Vacharaesorn, Chakriwat, and Vacharavara. After a family conflict in the 1990s, they lived outside Thailand for a long time, primarily in the USA, and did not participate in the life of the royal court. However, in recent years, interest in them has significantly increased after some of the brothers began to visit Thailand and appear at public events. Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, in particular, attracts considerable attention, having visited the country several times after almost thirty years of absence, which sparked numerous discussions among Thais and international observers regarding the future of the royal family and potential changes in the succession to the throne.
Despite the high public interest in the King's children, the Thai royal family traditionally maintains a policy of privacy regarding personal matters. Therefore, many details concerning the younger representatives of the Chakri dynasty and the future succession to the throne are not officially commented on and remain subjects of discussion among experts and the media.
The King and Philanthropy
The Royal Family of Thailand actively participates in social and charitable projects.
Under the patronage of the monarchy, programs support rural areas, education, healthcare, and environmental protection. The royal family also regularly provides assistance to those affected by floods, droughts, and other natural disasters.
Why Thais Respect the Monarchy So Much
For many residents of Thailand, the King is not just the head of state, but a symbol of stability and national unity.
Portraits of the monarch can be seen almost everywhere: in airports, schools, hospitals, shopping malls, government institutions, and even small family-owned shops.
Respect for the royal family is particularly noticeable during national holidays and royal ceremonies, when city streets are adorned with yellow flags — the color associated with the monarchy.
Lèse-majesté Law
Thailand is known for having one of the world's strictest lèse-majesté laws. The law imposes severe criminal penalties for insulting the King, Queen, heirs to the throne, and other members of the royal family.
Foreign tourists are advised to show respect for the monarchy and avoid making public negative comments, both in real life and on social media, while in the country.
The King's Birthday
King Maha Vajiralongkorn's birthday is celebrated annually on July 28 and is a national holiday.
On this day, ceremonies, concerts, festive processions, and charitable events take place throughout the country. Government buildings, streets, and public spaces are decorated with portraits of the monarch and national symbols.
Monarchy and Tourism
Almost every tourist encounters symbols of the Thai monarchy within the first few hours of their stay in the country. Portraits of the King adorn airports, streets, government buildings, and temples.
Before movie screenings in Thailand, a video dedicated to the King is traditionally shown, and spectators stand as a sign of respect.
Many travelers also visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok and other historical sites associated with the history of the royal family.
The Significance of the King in Modern Thailand
Despite the country's rapid development, modern technologies, and the active growth of the tourism industry, the monarchy continues to be an important part of Thailand's national identity.
King Rama X remains a symbol of the state, and the royal family plays a significant role in the country's social, cultural, and charitable life. That is why understanding the role of the monarchy helps to better comprehend the traditions, history, and peculiarities of modern Thailand.
