Origins & Early Life

Vajiralongkorn (born 28 July 1952), also known by his regnal name Rama X, is King of Thailand, reigning since 2016. He is the tenth monarch of the Chakri dynasty, succeeding his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). The only son of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, Vajiralongkorn was educated in Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Australia, graduating from the Royal Military College, Duntroon. He served as an officer in the Royal Thai Army, training with British, Australian, and United States armed forces, and qualified as a military fast-jet and commercial airline pilot.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He saw active combat against the Communist Party of Thailand during the 1970s. Designated crown prince in 1972, he assumed the throne following his father's death on 13 October 2016, requesting a brief delay before his formal proclamation on 1 December 2016. His coronation took place from 4 to 6 May 2019. Vajiralongkorn's reign has seen a marked centralisation of royal power and personal wealth. Shortly after ascending the throne, he requested changes to the draft 2017 Constitution of Thailand regarding royal prerogatives, took direct ownership of the vast assets managed by the Crown Property Bureau, and brought...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert Bassermann — Contemporary (Died in 1952) (1952): Esteemed German stage and screen actor, celebrated for his dramatic versatility.
• Amy Tan — Contemporary (Born in 1952) (1952): Acclaimed American novelist celebrated for exploring Chinese-American family dynamics.
• Angela Strank — Contemporary (Born in 1952) (1952): British engineer and Chief Scientist at BP, specializing in downstream technology.
• Abraham Pais — Shared historical date (07-28 · Died) (2000): Pioneering physicist and acclaimed science historian of modern physics.
• Adrien Broner — Shared historical date (07-28 · Born) (1989): American former professional boxer known for winning world titles across multiple weight classes.
• Bedřich Hrozný — Historical peer (Died in 1952) (1952): Pioneering Czech orientalist who deciphered the ancient Hittite language.
• Benedetto Croce — Historical peer (Died in 1952) (1952): Italian idealist philosopher, historian, and political liberal.
• Abbas Kiarostami — Historical peer (Died in 2016) (2016): Master Iranian filmmaker known for blending fiction and documentary styles.
• Alan Rickman — Historical peer (Died in 2016) (2016): Iconic English actor celebrated for his distinctive voice and powerful stage presence.
• Abraham Joshua Heschel — Historical peer (Died in 1972) (1972): Leading 20th-century American rabbi, theologian, and philosopher.
• 1952 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1952
• July 28 (07-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 28