BANGKOK – The king of Thailand married the deputy head of his personal security detail and gave her the title of queen.
The surprise announcement came before his elaborate coronation ceremonies that will begin on Saturday, when his position is consecrated.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 66, became the constitutional monarch after the death of his father in 2016.
He married and divorced three times and has seven children.
Vajiralongkorn appointed Suthida Tidjai in 2014, a former flight attendant for Thai Airways, as the deputy commander of his bodyguard unit.
He made her a full general in the army in December 2016.
The previous king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, ruled for 70 years, making him the longest-reigning monarch in the world. (BBC)
