Crowds of Thai people line roads under Bangkok's blazing sun for the royal procession of newly crowned King Maha Vajiralongkorn, hoping to get a glimpse of the constitutional monarch who is revered in Thai culture as a living deity.

Queen Elizabeth of Britain and US President Barack Obama have sent congratulations to King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the occasion of his 70th anniversary of accession to the throne.

A military court in Thailand has sentenced a woman to nine-and-a-half years in prison for defaming the country's monarchy on Facebook.

Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha says he has asked Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej for permission to bring an end to martial law.