Thailand: Privy Council President to take as regent

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, his wife and Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. (Source: CNN)

Bangkok (VNA) – President of the King’s Privy Council of Thailand Prem Tinsulanonda will assume regency over the country’s empty throne as Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn delays formally taking the throne.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is the designated successor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died at 88 on October 13.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on October 13 said the Crown Prince is aware of his obligations and will continue completing obligations as the successor.

However, the Crown Prince said he would take the role of monarch when he was ready, after mourning his father.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, was chosen as the successor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej since 1972.

Earlier, in a televised announcement right after King Bhumibol Adulyadej died on October 13, PM Prayuth announced that Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will succeed the King.

The National Assembly organised a special meeting right on the night of October 13 and issued a brief statement on the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and observed nine minutes of silence.

The Thai Government decided to leave one year of mourning for the king and all Thais are not allowed to organise fun activities and festivals in the next 30 days.

On October 13, all television channels and newspapers used white and black colours for their programmes and editions.

At the Thai Royal Palace in Bangkok, thousands of people lined up to pour water on the portrait of the king, a ritual in the royal death ceremony in Thailand.

The world leaders praised King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s contributions and sent condolences to the Thai Royals and Thai people.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej officially ascended to the throne in 1950 and is the longest-serving monarch in the world. He is considered a symbol of Thailand’s national unity.-VNA