Thailand has a new king after Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, accepted an invitation from parliament. He follows his father, the much loved King Bhumibol, who died in October. The new King Maha Vajiralongkorn will also be known as Rama X. He said on Thursday: "I would like to accept the invitation for the benefit of the Thai people." Thailand's Prime Minister asked people to unite and pray for his long reign, "as an idol and guardian of the Thai people".

The coronation of the new king will take place after King Bhumibol's cremation. King Maha Vajiralongkorn was born in 1952. He went to schools overseas and did military training in Australia. He has travelled a lot and has a home in Germany. Over the past few years, he has done more of his father's duties when the late king was ill. He organized high-profile charity events in the Thai capital. One of his first acts will be to support Thailand's new constitution.