Sources tell that the crown prince of Thailand returns to Bangkok from abroad for official duties.
Just weeks before he is due to ascend the throne in December, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand returned to Bangkok on Friday.
This was revealed by four senior military sources with knowledge of the matter after reports few weeks ago that that the crown prince traveled to Germany.
“His Highness has arrived back in Thailand from Germany and will attend an event this evening at the 1st Infantry Regiment, King’s Own Guards. This is confirmed,” said a senior military source who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter.
Following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on October 13, there were new questions about the succession, especially when the prince flew to Germany last October.
He was supposed to attend to personal business in the said country.
Earlier reports showed that Thailand is making preparations for the crown prince to ascend the throne on Dec. 1, though a formal coronation will be at least one year from now.
Since the death of Adulyadej, Thailand has been without a monarch, instead it has been ruled by regent Prem Tinsulanonda, the 96-year-old former head of the royal advisory council.
Last month, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said that the prince had asked to delay his ascension to the throne while he mourns his father’s death.
Bangkok-based lecturer and analyst Gothom Arya said that due to the prince’s return to Thailand from Germany, it will likely ease any concerns about the succession.
“His return will likely stop any lingering rumors that the ascension process, when it happens, will not proceed smoothly,” Arya told Reuters.
Vajiralongkorn has spent much of his adult life living abroad. He owns a home in Germany where his son, Prince Dipangkorn, is studying at a private school.
On Tuesdat, the Thailand’s military government submitted a new constitution for royal endorsement. However, Prayuth Chan-ocha said that only the new monarch can approve the charter.
After it is submitted, the monarch or regent has 90 days to approve the constitution, according to the law.