(Wason Wanichakorn/AP)Thailand’s crown prince was at his father’s hospital bed as the aging monarch faded, then solemnly assisted orange-robed monks as they prepared his king’s body to lie in state Friday evening. But the Southeast Asian nation is still without a new king Saturday after Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn asked that his ascension to the throne be delayed as he joined the country in mourning his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died Thursday after 70 years on the throne. The crown prince has been married and divorced three times. The coronation of a new king lacking the authority of his father might deepen those cracks, experts said. Read more:Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej remembered in picturesWithout King Bhumibol’s unifying presence, Thailand may be headed for even greater instabilityThais say farewell to their beloved king and ponder his presumed heirToday’s coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Source: Washington Post October 15, 2016 15:47 UTC