The Year Ahead

Hot Seat: Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn

2017 is a make-or-break year for Thailand’s new king.

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By Bruce Einhorn

October 20, 2016 at 4:08 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

This article is part of the October 24, 2016 issue of businessweek.

The death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct. 13 will elevate Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to the throne. Although the prince has requested a delay in his coronation to give Thais time to mourn his father, when crowned he will be a constitutional monarch whose task will be uniting a deeply divided Thailand.

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn is a career soldier. He’s been married three times, and his personal life has been the subject of gossip on outlawed websites and in leaked diplomatic cables. He doesn’t command the same popularity as his father did.