The death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej last October 13 has plunged Thailand into sadness. While the country will mourn for a year, a glimmer of hope has surfaced in the horizon.
Fear and apprehensions have floated around following the untimely demise of the Southeast Asian nation's longest ruling monarch. Many Thais are concerned that the situation will bring instability after the King's era.
While ruling Thailand for more than seventy years, Bhumibol has managed to unite his people despite numerous unrest hampered the nation for decades.
Senior military sources recently reveal that Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will be assuming the throne in early December. Currently, the royal successor is away in Germany where he is tending to some business.
The move of Vajiralongkorn to succeed his father has triggered a lot of concerns. In terms of respect, the Prince is nowhere near the level being enjoyed by the late King. The next in line for the throne has a reputation of being a globe-trotting playboy. He has been married and divorced thrice. His time is mostly spent out of the Kingdom.
To address such issues, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha shares that the Crown Prince talked to him and Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda about reassuring the people of Thailand. King Bhumibol's son has asked the nation not to be anxious about the succession and his upcoming administration.
Chan-ocha adds that the formal ascension will happen from seven to fifteen days following the death of the 88-year old King. The process calls for the Parliament to invite Vajiralongkorn to assume the crown. Formal coronation will have to wait after the cremation which will happen next year.
The 96-year old Tinsulanonda will be acting as regent until a new King is formally identified. The head of the powerful Privy Council also represents Thailand's traditional institution.
According to Kan Yeunyong, Executive Director of the Siam Intelligence Unit, states that no political violence is perceived next year although political factions will surface if the royal transition gets rough.
