Thailand's Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn was proclaimed King Rama X in a pre-recorded address broadcast on television late Thursday.

    King Vajiralongkorn, 64, granted an audience to Regent Prem Tinsulanonda, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha and Head of Parliament Pornpetch Wichitcholchai at the Grand Palace in Bangkok and accepted the parliament's formal invitation to become the new king.

    Heir apparent to the throne since 1972, Vajiralongkorn became the 10th king in the 234-year-old Chakri dynasty, which began with King Rama I.

    Vajiralongkorn did not immediately ascend the throne following his late father Bhumibol Adulyadej's death on October 13 as is the tradition, instead requesting more time to mourn, dpa reported.

    His coronation will take place in a year's time, after his father has been cremated.

Source: QNA