Reports said that Thailand is making necessary preparations for the new king who will replace the late Bhumibol Adulyadej.
As the remains of King Bhumibol Adulyadej is laid at the Grand Palace, Thailand is making preparations for Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to ascend the throne on Dec. 1.
This was revealed by the two senior military sources with knowledge of the matter.
Adulyadej passed away on Oct. 13 at the age of 88, and his death has plunged the Southeast Asian nation of 67 million people into a year of mourning.
One senior military source told Reuters that the news about the December timeframe follows the departure of Prince Maha for Germany at the weekend where he had personal business to attend to. He added that the prince would return in November.
“We are making preparations. Everything is being prepared for Dec. 1,” said another senior military source who declined to be identified. “But this timeframe also depends on His Royal Highness.”
Earlier, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha had said the prince’s formal ascension could be within seven to 15 days of the king’s death, or later.
Hours after King Bhumibol’s death, Prayuth spoke on behalf of the prince. He said the prince wanted to grieve with the people and leave the formal succession until later, when parliament will invite him to ascend the throne.
However, his formal coronation, cannot proceed until after the king’s cremation is done in a year’s time.
Prem Tinsulanonda, 96, is acting as regent until the new king is named. He was head of the powerful Privy Council and is known as the face of Thailand’s traditional establishment.
Thais do not talk about rumors of the succession because of the strict lese-majeste laws that have left little room for public discussion about the matter. The laws have also severely prevented public discussion about the prince, who does not enjoy the same level of public support as his father.