Thailand must observe at least 15 days of mourning for King Bhumibol Adulyadej before his successor can ascend the throne, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Tuesday. "On the matter of succession, in accordance with the constitution, citizens in Thailand and abroad should not be worried or concerned," Gen Prayut told reporters after a cabinet meeting. "After at least 15 days of mourning, it will be the appropriate time to enact Section 23 of the constitution," he added, referring to clauses relating to the succession. The prime minister said last week that the coronation of Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn would take place after the cremation of his father, which will follow a year of mourning. "Nothing has changed," he told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

Source: Bangkok Post October 18, 2016 07:41 UTC