HRH Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku‘aho, represented Tonga at the coronation of King Maha Vajralongkom Bodindradebayararangkun of Thailand in Bangkok, from 4-6 May 2019.

The princess, as Tonga's Ambassador to Thailand, based in Canberra, was accompanied by Curtis Tu’ihalangingie and Mrs Afu Ha’apai ‘Aho from the Tonga High Commission, Canberra, Australia.

The new king of Thailand ascended the throne as King Rama X of the Royal House of Chakri. He succeeded his father King Bhumiboi Adulyadej, who died aged 88 years on 13 October 2016, after 70 years on the throne.

King Rama X was born on 28 July 1952 and was invested as Crown Prince by his father in 1972.

The three days, coronation ceremony began on 4 May. The King promoted his royal consort, General Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayudhya, to become Queen Suthida.

The king has married and divorced three times, and has seven children. Queen Suthida is his fourth wife.

On May 6, the new king granted a public audience on a balcony of Suddhaisavarya Prasad Hall in the Grand Palace, and an audience to members of the international diplomatic corps, including Tonga's ambassador.

A Royal Barge Procession is planned for the end of this year, as the culmination of the Coronation festivities, when some 2300 oarsmen will row over 50 barges.

While in Thailand, Princess Angelika also met the chairman of Thailand’s international Chamber of Commerce and government officials, including the director general of the Department of Thai Tradtional and Alternative Medicine.