AKIPRESS.COM - The king of Thailand has married the deputy head of his personal security detail, and given her the title of queen, BBC reports citing royal statement.

The surprise announcement about his long-time consort comes before his elaborate coronation ceremonies begin on Saturday.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 66, became the constitutional monarch after the death of his much-loved father in 2016.

He has been married and divorced three times before and has seven children.

A royal statement said: King Vajiralongkorn "has decided to promote General Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayudhya, his royal consort, to become Queen Suthida and she will hold royal title and status as part of the royal family".

Queen Suthida is King Vajiralongkorn's long-term partner and has been seen with him in public for many years, though their relationship has never before been officially acknowledged.