"I assume the Emperor's speech will clearly convey his thoughts by touching on a series of reports [on his possible abdication]," an agency source said. Therefore, some people assert that the Emperor's act to express his thoughts about Imperial succession may violate Article 4 of the Constitution, which stipulates that the Emperor "shall not have powers related to government. The agency is making arrangements to create an opportunity for the Emperor to express his thoughts directly to the public because it considers it important for the issue to be widely discussed among the public as abdication requires fundamental reviews of the system regarding the Emperor, who is the symbol of the unity of the people. Abdication would also require newly enacting a special law. "Since July 13, there have been a series of news reports over the Emperor's possible intention to abdicate, and some of the coverage reportedly is against the Emperor's intention.

Source: The Nation Bangkok July 29, 2016 11:26 UTC