IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Thailand

Rama X appoints queen ahead of coronation

Thai Royal Consort Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayutthaya was named Queen Suthida on Wednesday. In a royal announcement published in the Royal Gazette, Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known by the title King Rama X, declared the royal consort Queen Suthida. The naming of the 40-year-old new queen, who carries the army rank of general, took place days before the coronation ceremonies for the monarch, scheduled for the weekend. Vajiralongkorn has had three previous marriages and divorced his previous wife, with whom he has a son, in 2014. He became king after the death in October 2016 of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.