International News

BANGKOK, (MILLAT+APP/AFP) – Thailand’s parliament
on Tuesday invited Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to become the next king, resolving lingering anxiety over his accession following his father’s death last month.
The country has been plunged into mourning since widely revered King
Bhumibol Adulyadej died on 13 October, ending a remarkable seven-decade reign and removing a key pillar of unity in a bitterly divided nation.
Tuesday’s move ends a period of uncertainty sparked by the junta
making the surprise announcement after Bhumibol’s death that the prince had asked to delay his official proclamation so he could mourn.
“I will invite the Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to succeed to the
throne and become king of the Thai people,” Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, head of the rubber stamp National Legislative Assembly said.
Lawmakers then stood up and replied: “Long live the king”.
The parliamentary endorsement came after Thailand’s cabinet
officially submitted Vajiralongkorn’s name earlier in the day.
Prawit Wongsuwan, deputy prime minister and the junta’s number two,
said the prince’s ascension was “proceeding step-by-step” according to the country’s arcane succession rules.