Thai king makes bodyguard his queen

Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has appointed his consort as the country’s queen ahead of his official coronation tomorrow.

An announcement in the Royal Gazette said Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayudhya was legally married to the 66-year-old king and is now Queen Suthida.

Although she has been in the public eye for about three years, there has been little official information released about her and the news was a surprise to many Thais.

She is reported to be 40 years old and to have previously worked as a flight attendant for Thai Airways International. The two reportedly met on a flight.

Ms Suthida joined the palace guard in 2013 and became commander of the king’s security unit. She holds a general’s rank.

The king has had three previous marriages.