Thailand Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn proclaimed king

Thailand has a new King as Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, formerly take the throne on Thursday after he accepted an invitation from parliament to succeed his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in October at the age of 88 after 70 years reign.

Prince Vajiralongkorn, will be known as "His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun," according to a statement released by parliament's public relations department.

He will also be known as Rama X, the tenth king in the Chakri dynasty that was founded in 1782.

In a televised statement on Thursday, the new king said;

"I would like to accept the invitation for the benefit of the Thai people."

The country has been without a monarch since King Bhumibol died in October with the head of the king's advisory council, Prem Tinsulanonda, 96, serving as regent.