With the passing of his father Bhumibol Adulyadej, known as king Rama IX of Thailand on October 13th, 2016, who was considered the only glue of the nation in a country which is very politically divided. His son who is successor and heir who ascended on the throne last December 1st under the name of Rama X, Maha Vajiralongkorn seems to want to follow in his father's footsteps. In a televised New Year's speech, broadcast on Saturday December 31st at 8 pm, the new Thai sovereign has indeed called his people to unity.

The newspaper "The Asian Tribune" reports, on the basis of a Reuters newspaper report, that King Maha Vajiralongkorn said, "No matter what problems we may face in our country, we believe that If we work together, we can overcome and remedy all situations. " The monarch also expressed his gratitude to the Thais for their loyalty to his father, who ruled for over 70 years before passing away.

 The media points out that, as Thailand is still in mourning for Bhumibol Adulyadej, the usual New Year's fireworks in Bangkok have been canceled this year. He also recalled that "in the coming weeks, King Vajiralongkorn should ratify a constitution drafted by the military junta (in power since 2014, ed) to start the process of restoration of democracy."

The health news of King Rama IX of Thailand, 88 years old, are not good. The palace said Tuesday that doctors "closely monitoring" His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej health who was hospitalized for cardiac and respiratory disorders, is currently suffering from a high fever.

On January 11th, the King of Thailand, whose 88th anniversary was celebrated December 5, 2015, had briefly left the Siriraj hospital in central Bangkok, the time for a "walk" in the Chitralada Palace. His previous output went up in June 2015. But in this mid-February, the health status of the oldest reigning monarch in the world more than ever concerned his people.

The Palace has indeed indicated that on February 17 that Bhumibol Adulyadej, hospitalized for heart and respiratory disorders, is under tight control of physicians. And the day before, because of a high fever and breathing irregularities. The statement said that "a team of royal physicians (it) regularly administered a solution of intravenous antibiotics, and (him) continually ensures oxygen supply." royalty services also report that a diastolic heart condition was diagnosed last week.

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn alongside his first born daughter Princess Bajrakitiyabha attended Saturday 26th the opening of Ratchapakdi Park in Hua Hin, in the province of Prachuab Khiri Khan 240 kilometers south of Bangkok which paid tribute to former emblematic Thai kings.

The young woman of 36, walked behind her father Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, first in the order of succession to the crown. He officiated at a brief ceremony. A sound and light show and a multimedia exhibition also marked the inauguration of the public park. Built by the royal army on its land situated near the summer residence of King Rama IX, it was developed to honor of Thai ancient monarchs of the Sukhothai period to the present Chakri dynasty.
Photo Credits: © Mark Baker/AP/SIPA