Thailand New King: Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn Could Take Throne Dec. 1

Thailand's Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will take the throne on Dec. 1, Reuters reported citing two senior military sources. Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced Vajiralongkorn will take over as the monarch after the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The news about preparations for the December succession follows the prince's departure for Germany this weekend for personal business, one senior military source told Reuters, adding that the prince would return in November.

"We are making preparations. Everything is being prepared for Dec. 1," another senior military source who spoke on condition of anonymity said. "But this timeframe also depends on His Royal Highness."

The 64-year-old prince surprised the nation when he unexpectedly asked for time to grieve his father’s death, postponing the formal succession.

The Thai prime minister had earlier said the succession "will proceed in accordance with the constitution, palace law and tradition," adding that the "appropriate time" would be after the seventh or 15th day of mourning. However, the coronation will take place only after King Adulyadej's cremation in a year's time, for which no specific date has been set yet.

As Prince Vajiralongkorn continues his grieving period, Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda serves as “regent pro tempore” and handles royal affairs.