Who will be regent until Thailand has a new king?

Thailand's military government says the head of the Privy Council will take over all royal affairs until a new king ascends the throne.

King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej. Photo: AFP.

Wissanu Krea-ngam, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand's military government, said on television yesterday that there was no uncertainty about the succession to the throne after the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, but it would take some time to have a regent, according to Reuters.

"There must be a regency during this time so as not to create a vacuum. This is not a problem because we have a clear answer, the head of the Royal Privy Council will be the temporary regent,"Wissanu said, but did not mention him.Prem Tinsulanonda, President of the Privy Council.Wissanu said the regency "will not last long".

Mr. Prem Tinsulanonda, 96 years old, is a former army commander and former prime minister of Thailand.

Thai authorities said Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn wanted to share the pain with the people and postpone the succession until the Thai parliament invited him to ascend the throne.

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn does not enjoy the same popular admiration as his father. He has been married and divorced three times and spends much of his time abroad, mainly in Germany.

King Bhumibol passed away on October 13 at a hospital in Bangkok at the age of 88. He was the world's longest-reigning monarch.

According to VNE