Big News on Health of Thai King expected soon!

King Bhumibol, king of Thailand for 70 years, is rumoured to be on his death bed. Could be a matter of days. Significant times here in Thailand with news expected at any moment. Uncertainty will probably follow. Very interesting, and tense, atmosphere here atm. Already an increased military presence.

Why? Give me a bit of background as to the politics, mood of public etc and why. Haven't got time to google it all.
Going out catch you later

Ok. In brief:

The new constituion dictates that in the event of the death of the king, the defact head of state becomes the head of the privy council- a position currently held by a 92 year old General. He then holds power until the heir is officially announced- though that is the crown prince.

The conflict there is the crown prince is not liked by the head of the privy council, and the head has the support of the PM/Military dictator Prayut.

The prince has the backing of many of course, who see the monarchy and particularly the current king as figures of worship.

More proplematic, is the divisions in the country (between red and yellow shirts) have generally been overcome by a shared love of the king. And he has been instrumental in soothing those divisions over the years. He is universally adored.

The crown prince does not have the same love. He is a friend of exiled PM Thaksin who is an enemy of the military govt. He does not have complete support of all the people either, so could not be a force of unity in the event of uprisings as his father was.

All in all, very interesting- but hopefully the govt will manage the situation.

How old is King Bhumibol? At what age did he assume the throne? Ok, I see he has reigned since 9 June 1946, and is almost 89-years old. At that age his death is inevitable, sad to say.

So who "announces" the heir, and can that be done quickly? Or does head of the privy council, Prem Tinsulanonda, have the means to stop that?

It was something I read somewhere that suggested he might not easily give up whatever power he has, though in truth I imagine he will.

It is more the social unrest and reopening of divisions due to the prince's lack of popularity that will cause any future problems.

Eilzel wrote:Ok. In brief:

The new constituion dictates that in the event of the death of the king, the defact head of state becomes the head of the privy council- a position currently held by a 92 year old General. He then holds power until the heir is officially announced- though that is the crown prince.

The conflict there is the crown prince is not liked by the head of the privy council, and the head has the support of the PM/Military dictator Prayut.

The prince has the backing of many of course, who see the monarchy and particularly the current king as figures of worship.

More proplematic, is the divisions in the country (between red and yellow shirts) have generally been overcome by a shared love of the king. And he has been instrumental in soothing those divisions over the years. He is universally adored.

The crown prince does not have the same love. He is a friend of exiled PM Thaksin who is an enemy of the military govt. He does not have complete support of all the people either, so could not be a force of unity in the event of uprisings as his father was.

All in all, very interesting- but hopefully the govt will manage the situation.

Thank you. Simply written so I get it.

Has now died.

Was waiting all day for it. People in tears here already. I'm just hoping it doesn't disturb things as much as some expect.

Looks like they are going ahead with crowning the prince...with dispatch. RIP to the old king.

Maybe it'll be nothing.