Succession Plan Of New Thai King Will Begin Soon - PM

By Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa BANGKOK, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The prime minister has reassured Thais and the international community that succession plan to install Thailand's new king will take place soon, adhering to the constitution, palace law and tradition. According to Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the country will also move forward under the same roadmap for a return to democracy, with the general election slated for next year. "I would like to ask the people from international countries and in the country not to be worried or have any doubt about the royal succession plan," he told the media after chairing the weekly cabinet meeting at the Government House Tuesday. He said the plan was expected to begin seven or 15 days after funeral rites with the government, under Article 23, Constitutional Law 2007 forwarding the name of the heir to the National Legislative Assembly for official endorsement. The assembly would then formally invite the heir to the throne to take his place as Thailand's new King, said the prime minister. He also expressed confidence that the new king would endorse the country's new constitution. Prayut said the temporary regent, Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, who was also the chairman of the Privy Council and former prime minister would handle urgent issues for the time being before the proclamation of the new king. The Crown Prince, Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, is expected to be proclaimed the new king, following the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 88, last Thursday after 70 years at the throne. The crown prince, according to the prime minister on Thursday night, wants to have more time to mourn the death of his father, with Thai people before ascending to the throne. In Tuesday's media conference, the prime minister also asked the people to cease blaming those who did not wear black as not loving King Bhumibol. -- BERNAMA