Gen Prem assumes role of Regent

BANGKOK Privy Council President Gen Prem Tinsulanonda has been named Regent pro tempore, following the Late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s demise.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, the heir apparent to the throne, on Saturday night granted an audience to Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda.

In order to mourn with the nation, the Crown Prince asked that his accession be delayed and that General Prem be the caretaker of the country’s monarchy.

Prem Tinsulanonda

Gen Prem, 96, served as Prime Minister of Thailand from 3 March, 1980 to 4 August, 1988.

The government said the temporary regency is necessary because the throne cannot remain vacant. In addition, the country’s constitution mandates that the head of the Privy Council, an advisory body to the monarch, becomes Regent when the throne is unoccupied.

sourced:ttrweekly.com