Thailand is preparing to name Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn as the country’s new King on December 1st. This date will mark 50 days since the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has asked to be given time to mourn with the people of Thailand before taking his father’s place. The nationwide state of mourning will last a year, and Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s coronation will take place after this year.
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is currently in Germany, where had been living before his father’s death.
“We are making preparations. Everything is being prepared for December 1,” a senior military source who declined to be identified told Reuters. “But this timeframe also depends on His Royal Highness.”
During the interim period, the country has a regent, Prem Tinsulanonda, a 96-year-old former prime minister who was head of the privy council.
“His Highness’s only wish is to not let the people experience confusion or worry about the service of the land or even the ascension to the throne because this issue has the constitution, the royal laws and royal traditions to dictate it,” the Thai prime minister said in a message broadcast on television.
