http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/19/world/asia/thailand-crown-prince-king-throne.html 2016-10-18 16:57:17 Crown Prince of Thailand Is Close to Ascending Throne, Junta Chief Says After the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn had said he needed time to mourn before succeeding his father. === BANGKOK — The crown prince of Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, prime minister and leader of the junta, also said that he expected national elections next year to proceed as planned, although he did not specify when that would be. “For the succession, no one should be worried,” he said after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Referring to the elections, he added, “Our country cannot just stop.” The nation is in mourning for King It was widely expected that That decision prompted Prem Tinsulanonda, 96, the leader of the powerful Privy Council, to assume the role of regent pro tempore in the absence of a king. Despite the changes in the monarchy, the military junta, The comments by General Prayuth appeared to be aimed at reassuring the public that it need not be anxious over the succession or about the planned election. Still, he was unclear about when the prince would become king, saying it could be seven to 15 days after King Bhumibol’s death, or later. The election, he said, would be held in accordance with the junta’s master plan, often referred to as a “road map,” but he was again vague on the timing. In August, voters “The government’s administration, the laws and constitution — including elections — will remain the same according to the road map,” he said. “Don’t ask me when or how it will occur. The road map is the road map.” The king’s funeral, an elaborate event, will not be held for at least a year as the nation mourns. The coronation of the new king will occur some time after the funeral, as tradition dictates. In Thailand, there is precedent for a lengthy delay between the succession of a king and the coronation. The coronation of King Bhumibol, for example, was postponed twice, and he was not crowned until 1950, four years after he became king.