Thursday (October 20) marks a week since Thailand’s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away after 70 years on the throne.
Every day since his body was moved to the Grand Palace on October 14, ahead of a funeral which will take place after a year of mourning, tens of thousands have been gathering at the palace to pay their respects.
Special prayers are due to be held at the palace on Thursday attended by the royal family.
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, the heir, had said he wanted to mourn with the people before succession was discussed and the government has appointed a regent for the interim.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said last week that the coronation would take place after the cremation of his father following the official mourning period.
But on Tuesday (October 18) Prayuth told reporters the succession could take place after 15 days of mourning, indicating that the prince can become king before his official coronation. Prayuth’s comments appeared to be aimed at cooling speculation that the throne might be empty for a protracted period.
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2016
