King Maha Vajiralongkorn, born on July 28, 1952, at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in Bangkok, is the sole son of the revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit. From the moment of his birth, his destiny was intertwined with the history of Thailand. At the age of 20, in 1972, he was officially proclaimed Crown Prince, marking the beginning of his extraordinary journey as the heir to the Thai throne.
His education was as distinguished as his heritage. He began his studies at Chitralada School in Bangkok before continuing his academic pursuits in the United Kingdom and Australia. He attended King’s Mead and Millfield School in the UK, and later, at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in Canberra, Australia, he honed his leadership and military acumen. There, he earned both military training and a liberal arts degree. In 1982, demonstrating a commitment to both intellect and duty, he furthered his education, earning a second bachelor’s degree in law from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in Thailand.
King Vajiralongkorn’s military career is marked by distinguished service and exceptional achievement. Trained alongside elite forces from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, he earned his qualifications as a pilot for both military helicopters and fighter jets, mastering aircrafts such as the Northrop F-5, F-16, and Boeing 737-400. His leadership in the armed forces was unparalleled, holding vital command positions, including Deputy Commander and Commander of the 4th Infantry Battalion, and ultimately becoming the Commander of the Royal Security Command. In 1977, he completed his training at the esteemed Command and General Staff College, cementing his role as a skilled and battle-ready leader. His career in the military also saw him engage in real combat operations, particularly in anti-communist campaigns, showcasing both his strategic acumen and his unwavering courage.
In a deeply symbolic moment, on November 6, 1978, at the age of 26, the Prince, in accordance with royal tradition, was ordained as a monk at Wat Phra Kaew. He spent 15 days in seclusion at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, where he adopted the monastic name “Vajiralongkornno,” reflecting his spiritual devotion in this rare and meaningful ritual.
Accession to the Throne
Following the profound loss of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on October 13, 2016, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn chose to delay his ascension to the throne, honoring a period of solemn mourning for his revered father. It was only on December 1, 2016, that he formally accepted the weighty responsibility of the Thai monarchy, stepping into his destiny as the nation’s sovereign.
The momentous occasion of his coronation unfolded from May 4 to May 6, 2019, in a majestic ceremony that captivated the hearts of the nation. An estimated 150,000 people gathered to witness the historic event, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Thailand’s royal history. The coronation was not merely a formal event—it was a deeply symbolic reaffirmation of the continuity of the monarchy, ushering in a reign that would carry the legacy of his father while embarking on a future of profound significance for the Kingdom.
Service to the People
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn continues to honor and uphold the legacy of his late father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, by steadfastly supporting and nurturing the Royal projects that were established under his reign. At the same time, His Majesty has ventured to create new initiatives, furthering his vision for a prosperous future for the Thai people.
Having accompanied his father, the late King Bhumibol, and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on countless visits to rural Thailand, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn has witnessed firsthand the struggles endured by many of his people. These experiences have deeply shaped his commitment to alleviating the hardships faced by communities across the Kingdom.
Guided by a visionary outlook for the nation’s future, His Majesty’s Royally-Initiated Projects span a vast array of development areas—ranging from water resources management and public health care to education, environmental conservation, and national stability. Each project reflects his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of the Thai people and ensuring the country’s continued growth and prosperity.
Among these initiatives, His Majesty’s work in Water Resources Management stands as a testament to his resolve to follow in the footsteps of his late father, who famously championed the significance of water as the lifeblood of the nation. For His Majesty, water is not merely a resource but a vital force that sustains life and livelihood, ensuring that every Thai citizen can thrive and flourish.
Since being named Crown Prince, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn has launched a series of monumental Royal Initiative Projects focused on Water Resources Management, each designed to address the most pressing needs of the Thai people. These initiatives encompass a wide array of engineering marvels, including reservoirs, weirs, the innovative Kaem Ling (Monkey’s Cheek) reservoirs, drainpipes, and rotation systems—each project a testament to His Majesty’s visionary leadership.
The scope of these Royal Projects extends far beyond simple infrastructure. They involve the meticulous maintenance and enhancement of reservoirs, weirs, regulators, and levee systems, ensuring the sustainability of vital water sources for generations to come. But His Majesty’s foresight does not stop there. These projects also address the critical need for water resources that support both agriculture and households, creating an integrated approach to development that nurtures the land and its people.
Spanning all regions of Thailand, these 61 Royal Initiative Projects stand as enduring symbols of His Majesty’s commitment to securing the Kingdom’s future. Through these projects, water is not merely a resource—it becomes the lifeblood of thriving communities, empowering both rural and urban populations alike to build a better, more sustainable tomorrow.
One of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s most compassionate and impactful royally-initiated projects is the Kanjanabaramee Project, a pioneering endeavor that embodies his deep empathy for disadvantaged patients enduring pain and suffering from disease. Established as Thailand’s first comprehensive cancer treatment center, the project stands as a heartfelt tribute to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the momentous occasion of his 50th anniversary on the throne. As both the founder and president of the center, His Majesty envisioned this sanctuary to alleviate the struggles of those seeking treatment, offering hope to patients who previously faced the daunting challenge of long, arduous journeys to receive care.
Another profound demonstration of His Majesty’s benevolence is the Rao Tam Kwam Dee Duay Hua Jai project, a volunteer initiative launched on His Majesty’s birthday, July 28, 2017. This initiative is rooted in the spirit of kindness, a gesture that seeks to enhance the well-being of the Thai people while alleviating hardships across the nation. With unwavering dedication to promoting happiness, stability, and prosperity, His Majesty called upon the nation to join together in a collective act of service.
The Rao Tam Kwam Dee Duay Hua Jai campaign encourages the Thai people to unite in volunteerism alongside the King’s Own Bodyguard Regiment, courtiers, royal officials, and government agencies. This national call to action invites all citizens to offer their time and service to those in need, creating a powerful force for good throughout the country. In this way, His Majesty’s guidance extends beyond words—he has graciously advised royal officials and government agencies to provide not only public and charitable services but also to solve the pressing issues faced by the people. Through their efforts, these officials set an example of unwavering devotion to the public good, embodying the ideals of social responsibility and forging a brighter, more compassionate society for all.
Driven by His Majesty the King’s unwavering determination to empower the youth as the future pillars of the nation, his Royally-Initiated Education Project has made monumental strides in shaping the lives of children and young people at every level. With a profound commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation, His Majesty’s vision has illuminated paths of growth, ensuring that the youth of Thailand are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to become the powerful forces that will propel the nation forward.
Tashi Namgyal from Thimphu
