Rama X of Thailand

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. 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 key military and security units under direct royal command. His political interventions, extensive residence in Germany during his early reign, and lifestyle generated significant domestic and international media attention. These factors contributed to the 2020–2021 Thai protests, which saw unprecedented public scrutiny of the monarchy and widespread calls to reform the institution and loosen Thailand's strict lèse-majesté laws.

Vajiralongkorn has been married five times and has seven children, including Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, the heir presumptive. He is the wealthiest monarch in the world, with an estimated net worth between US$30 billion and US$70 billion.