Thai king wrapping up coronation with public audience

Thousands of Thais gathered around Bangkok's Grand Palace on Monday in hopes of getting a glimpse of King Maha Vajiralongkorn as he wraps up three days of coronation ceremonies with appearances before the public and the diplomatic corps.

Vajiralongkorn succeeded to the throne after the 2016 death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned for seven decades, but it wasn't until Saturday's formal coronation that he was established as full-fledged monarch with complete regal powers based on the Southeast Asian nation's traditions.

People began lining up early Monday so they could be scanned by a metal detector and get close to the throne hall balcony where the king was later to appear. Large video screens were placed nearby so those unable to make their way to the front could watch the proceedings.

It was not certain whether the king would speak. The diplomats were to have an audience with the king afterward.

Though Thailand has had a constitutional monarchy since 1932, when a revolution ended absolute rule by kings, the country's monarchs are regarded as almost divine and have been seen as a unifying presence in a country that has seen regular bouts of political instability as it rotates between elected governments and military rule.

The king and other top royals are protected by one of the world's strictest lese majeste laws, which makes criticism of them punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

As the crowd waited Monday in the blazing tropical heat, some broke into cheers whenever a passing cloud blocked the sun.

"Today, our family of 13 people came here out of loyalty to the king," said Utain Sanggun, a Bangkok resident who was lined up Monday for a souvenir pin and royal logo cap. "We are so happy. Yesterday, we waited until midnight to send off His Majesty. It was such an impressive image that I shed tears."