In 1933, Mahidol's family moved to Switzerland, and lived in
Lausanne. Prince Ananda Mahidol studied there. In 1934, a major political event occurred in Thailand,
King Rama VII (King Prajadhipok) abdicated, and according to the Law of Succession, the crown
passsed to Prince Ananda Mahidol. He ascended the throne at the age of 10, was the eighth King of the
Chakri Dynasty. A Council of Regents was appointed to rule until he became of age.