Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand said he will not immediately ascend to the throne after the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Thursday and a caretaker head of state has been installed.
Prem Tinsulanonda, a former Thai prime minister and head of the king’s advisory council, will serve as a caretaker to the throne while the nation mourns Bhumibol’s death and awaits the crown prince’s ascension to a majestic monarchy.
Thais have long viewed Vajiralongkorn with scepticism after three marriages ended in messy public feuds and the widespread rumours about his sequestered playboy lifestyle in Europe. That stands in contrast with his father, who was beloved by the Thai people and highly respected for his devotion to the country.