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BANGKOK — Thailand’s crown prince ascended to the throne on Thursday, seven weeks after the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died after reigning for seven decades.
In a formal ceremony at the Dusit Palace in Bangkok, the prince, crowned as King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, 64, accepted the invitation to take the throne offered by the National Assembly president.
Afterward, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said in a televised speech that the new monarch would be declared king retroactively to the day his father passed away. He also will be known as King Rama X of the Chakri dynasty.
“The heir to the throne graciously accepted the invitation,” the prime minister said. “A kingdom should not be without a monarch on the throne. The commencement of the new reign is therefore effective as of 13 October 2016.”
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The crown prince had declined to take the throne immediately after his father’s death, saying he needed time to grieve.
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Thailand’s royal succession is an elaborate process that can extend for many months. King Bhumibol’s cremation will take place about a year after his death. King Vajiralongkorn’s coronation will take place at some point after that.
King Bhumibol was revered by many Thais who saw him as an advocate of the common people and a promoter of economic development. The official 30-day mourning period for the public has ended, but even now many people still wear black clothing or a black ribbon to honor him.
The country is sharply divided but the military, which has held power since a 2014 coup, remains firmly in control. King Bhumibol was a unifying figure and many Thais have been anxious about what kind of leadership they can expect from King Vajiralongkorn, who has lived primarily in Germany for years.
“Although we all know that to be parted from the person we love and respect is suffering,” the prime minister said, “although the loss and sadness are an undeniable crisis, we should turn this crisis into an opportunity and turn grief into the strength of the land.”
On Thursday, Thailand Prince  was crowned as king of Thailand. Vajiralongkorn is the tenth king of the , to also be known as King Rama X.
Maha Vajiralongkorn in 2007.
At a formal ceremony at Dusit Palace Vajiralongkorn, 64, accepted an invitation from the National Legislative Assembly. He said "I would like to accept this invitation for the benefit of the Thai people."

King Vajiralongkorn's father  died seven weeks ago at the age of 88 after serving as the king for more than seven decades. Two years ago, the military gained power in a coup. King Bhumibol acted as the unifying figure of the Kingdom.

Following King Bhumibol's death, 96-year-old Prem Tinsulanonda served as regent. Tinsulanonda was the head of the royal advisory council. King Vajiralongkorn was not immediately crowned as the king after his father's death saying he needed time to grieve.

King Vajiralongkorn has lived in Germany for many years. He is immune from public criticism due to  legislation, which provides for up to fifteen years in jail. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha announced the retrospective commencement of the new reign from October 13.

King Bhumibol is to be cremated around a year from his death.