Thai prime minister reassures grieving nation that succession will be smooth after meeting with heir to the throne
Crown Prince – who has lived most of his life outside Thailand – wants to delay the formal succession until later, when parliament will invite him to ascend the throne
Thailand’s king-in-waiting has called on the people of the nation “not to be confused or concerned” about the delay in his ascent to the throne amid continuing uncertainty over the vacuum at the very top of the country’s power structure.
As the first heavy rainstorm broke over Bangkok since the death of his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Sunday morning, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn expressed concern for the many Thai people affected by severe flooding as they cope with the sense of overwhelming grief gripping the nation.
The heir apparent’s intervention was relayed via the Prime Minister of Thailand’s military government, Prayuth Chan-ocha, who, along with the nation’s acting regent Prem Tinsulanonda, was granted an audience with him at Bangkok’s Dusit Palace on Saturday night.
Prayuth quoted the Crown Prince as saying they must prevent public confusion over the running of the country and the succession to the throne because the process is clearly stated in the constitution and the Palace Law.
All should use this moment to preserve the beautiful memory of the 70-year reign
On the time frame for his succession, Prayuth quoted the Crown Prince as saying that no action should be taken now as it could lead to feelings that “the great protection” his father had provided during his 70-year reign was undergoing “changes”, according to the Bangkok Post.
The Crown Prince called on all Thai people to join hands and help one another pass through what he described as “the great sorrow” before any action regarding to the succession is made.