HRH the Crown Prince asks Prem to be caretaker of Thailand’s Monarchy

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

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

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