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Crown Prince May Mount Throne After 15 Days of Mourning for Late Thai King

Sputnik News

16:34 18.10.2016(updated 16:45 18.10.2016)

A new Thai monarch may ascend to the throne in 10 days, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Tuesday.

BANGKOK (Sputnik) – A new Thai monarch may ascend to the throne after 15 days of mourning for late King Bhumibol Adulyadej who died on October 13 at the age of 88, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Tuesday.

"After at least 15 days of mourning, it will be the appropriate time to enact section 23 of the constitution," the official told a briefing broadcast by national Channel 3.

According to the section 23, the country's parliament should formally invite the heir to mount the throne. Having accepted the invitation, the heir officially becomes the King of Thailand, though the coronation ceremony could take place even several years later.

On October 13, the prime minister said that Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn had asked for some time before the coronation to mourn his father, which heated speculation that the throne might be empty for an indefinite time.

In accordance with Thailand's constitution, head of the Privy Council Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda was asked to stand in as Regent of Thailand, until Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn becomes king.

Prayut also confirmed on Tuesday that the policies of the government aimed at restoring democratic rule, as well as general election scheduled for 2017, would not be affected by the king's death.

© Sputnik



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