King Bhumibol was seen as a stabilising figure in a country often racked by political turmoil. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has moved quickly to quash any uncertainty around the royal succession, saying Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn would ascend the throne after a period of mourning that he had requested. The Thai stock market, which fell sharply last week as investors worried about stability after King Bhumibol, has been stable this week. The junta has sought to reassure the public that a roadmap to the restoration of democracy, which promises a general election in 2017, remains on course and there is no uncertainty around royal succession. The formal procedure for the prince becoming king involves the cabinet informing the president of the legislature.

Source: Hindustan Times October 19, 2016 08:26 UTC