Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn: Who is Thailand's heir apparent?

The Crown Prince has courted controversy and does not enjoy his late father's popularity

Thai Prince
(Image credit: Chumsak Kanoknan/Getty)

Following the death of Thailand's much-loved King Bhumibol Adulyadej yesterday, the country's prime minister has officially confirmed his government will recommend the monarch's only son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, ascends the throne.

It is a role that has been a long time in coming. Vajiralongkorn, 64, was named crown prince by his father in 1972, at the age of 20.

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