Prime Minister of Thailand General Prayut Chan-o-cha has announced that the proclamation of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn as the king of Thailand is scheduled on December 1, 2016.
The Thailand crown prince is the successor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej who died on Oct. 13, 2016. Meanwhile, the crowned prince has previously asked to delay the coronation. This is to give more time for him and the people in mourning the death of his father. Preparations are under way for his succession to the crown.
In addition, the government announced a one-year mourning for the nation's beloved king. The crown prince is not as popular as his father. The late King served as head of Thailand for 70 years.
On the other hand, the soon-to-be King Maha Vajiralongkorn has been proclaimed by his father as crown prince in 1972 at the age of 20.
The 54-year-old Thailand crown prince is not as popular as his father who served as head of Thailand for 70 years. To act as regent until the king's formal installation is General Prem Tinsulanonda, the president of the Privy Council, Once the crown prince assumes power, he is expected to install his own set of royal advisers under a newly drafted constitution.
However, there are some concerns about how the new King will perform as Thailand's head of state. The country is currently under military rule and the likelihood of the military dictating upon the king is imminent. Still, the king is protected by laws of the nation that protects the Thailand crown prince and the royal family from threats and insults.
Furthermore, No one can discuss the succession issue in public which is prohibited under penalty of law. The media never discussed the said issue and even TV shows and movies were temopararily stopped in deference to the nation's mourning of King's death. The Prime minister has announced that entertainment shows will be aired again on November 14.
