Golden afternoon: Thailand crowns king in elaborate traditional ceremony

Thailand held its first coronation for the first time in nearly seven decades as King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X, was crowned following an extended mourning period for King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in October 2016 at the age of 88. The elaborate three-day ceremo - ny reportedly cost around £30 million as King Vajiralongkorn, 66, travelled around Bangkok on a royal palanquin after being presented with the Great Crown of Victory and a sacred nine -tiered umbrella. Today will see the king greet the public from the balcony of the Grand Palace in the late afternoon.