Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, in his capacity as the Regent, were granted an audience with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Dusit Palace at about 7pm on Saturday night.
Addressing the nation via the Television Pool of Thailand network at 11.30pm, Gen Prayut said that the Crown Prince expressed concern for the Thai people as some are still suffering from flooding while the country is overwhelmed with grief over the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
According to Gen Prayut, the Crown Prince wanted the people not to be confused or feel concerned over the succession to the Throne because this matter is clearly stated in the constitution, the Palace Law and traditions.
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The Crown Prince reiterated that he wanted to join the Thai people in mourning the passing of his father before he accepted the invitation to become the new king.
According to Gen Prayut, the Crown Prince wanted all people to take this time to keep to themselves in their fine memories of the past 70 years and said that the coronation could take place some time after the royal cremation.
In this television address, the prime minister thanked all military and police personnel, as well as civilians, for having performed their duties strenuously to provide convenience for the people taking part in the royal events.
"The images of the cortege of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej to the Grand Palace on Oct 14 impressed people throughout the world. The views of a large number of people lining up on both sides of the road for kilometres clearly showed their loyalty to and intentions of upholding the royal institution.
"Since the Royal Household Bureau had issued an announcement for the people to be able to pay homage to His Majesty the King from Oct 28, I hope to see all officials continue to provide them with convenience, safety, health care and food," Gen Prayut said.
He added: "The government and the National Council for Peace and Order, on seeing the people's show of heart-felt tributes, would like to promise that we will perform our duties with honesty and loyalty in responding to the Crown Prince's intentions."
