BREAKING: Thai KING VAJIRALONGKORN WEDS Fourth Wife; Makes Her QUEEN, Ahead of Coronation

It has been officially announced that Thailand's King has named his Queen consort. King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, tied the knot for the fourth time with his bodyguard, Suthida Tidjai yesterday (Wednesday, May 1, 2019), bestowing her a Royal title.

This surprise Royal Wedding & appointment comes just days ahead of his elaborate Coronation (on May 4), formally enthroning him as the 10th monarch of Chakri dynasty.

The announcement came from the official royal gazette as early as Wednesday evening. The King had married earlier that day.

Palace announcement

It first published the palace statement, which confirmed that HM "decided to promote General Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayudhya, his royal consort, to become Queen Suthida". It was never verified that the King & Gen. Suthida were a pair, however that evening's TV pool news show parts from the same afternoon's royal marriage.

The private, but rich in royal traditions wedding ceremony took place at the Ampornsathan Throne Hall of Dusit Palace in Bangkok.

It was attended by royal family members, dignitaries & politicians (including the Prime Minister/military leader) & palace advisers.

Suthida, a high ranked General of Vajiralongkorn's defence forces, kneeled in a semi-lying position (which the non-royal palace staff also took) in front of the seating King & presented him flowers.

The (fourth-time) groom, 66, then poured sacred water on his bride's head & placed some auspicious leaves above her ear (symbolizing royal power).

After that, she sat by her new husband, & they signed the marriage certificate (received by kneeling personel) at approximately 4:32pm.

The certificate was also signed by a King's sister, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn & Head of the Privy Council (former PM, Regent & elder "statesman") Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda as witnesses.

Royal Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn signing the certificate

Queen Suthida, 40, was born to a commoner family & enrolled Bangkok's Assumption University with a degree in communication arts in 2000. She then became a flight attendant in Thai airways.

She later joined the Thai royal army, & was bestown royal honours in 20 royal degrees first in 2012 for her service to the then Crown Prince, being named Lieutenant Colonel Suthida Vajiralongkorn.

She reached the rank of special officer of Vajiralongkorn's bodyguard's regiment in 2013, & was appointed as its deputy commander in 2014. They reportedly became romantically involved after the Crown Prince's divorse at the end of that year.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun

Following his accession to the throne in 2016, Vajiralongkorn elevated Ms Suthida to a full Royal Thai Army General, and made her deputy commander of his personal guard, one year later. She was bestown the royal title of Thampuying, meaning Lady.

King Vajiralongkorn, known for his playboy reputation, had been married three times in the past; all of his previous marriages ended up with divorse. He has 7 children, three of whom are royal family members.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej / Rama IX (1927-2016)

Unlike his father, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was revered as a father figure during his 70-year-reign, Vajiralongkorn didn't enjoy the same popularity & spent many years in Germany.

His lavish lifestyle is widely discussed by the western media before his accession, but is strictly censored by the royalist Thai channels.

King Vajiralongkorn & Suthida (next to his left, in uniform)

The King's coronation will last for three days (May 4-6), including ancient Brahman & Buddhist rituals & Queen Suthaida is expected to be bestown more royal titles & participate in the events.

At King Bhumibol's cremation ceremonies (October 2017)

It comes after almost three years of preparations, such as the previous King's death was officially mourned for long time & state, ceremonial funeral/cremation held one year later, as it is customary.
Suthida then played a key-role at the funeral procession as General.

King Vajiralongkorn is also known as Rama X, his dynasty's 10th monarch. Thailand's monarchy is one of the most revered today. Although it is officially constitution since 1932, its democracy has been ill fated, with dozens of military coups having seized power.

Currently the country is once again ruled by a pro-monarchy military junta (since 2014), which has delayed elections for many years, and falsificated its results; implemening harsh Lèse-majesté law, avoiding royal defamation or criticism of any kind.