Special session called as Thais await royal accession

By Arun Saronchai

BANGKOK

While Thailand awaits an announcement on royal accession, the country's legislative assembly has been asked to convene a special session Nov. 29.

Junta leader-cum-prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters Friday that he has asked the president of the legislative body to convene the assembly, but added when pressed that the time was not right to discuss the topic.

"The agenda of the meeting will be revealed at the appropriate time," he said.

Under succession laws, the president of the legislative assembly, Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, must inform the body before inviting the heir -- Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn -- to ascend the throne.

Since King Bhumibol Adulyadej died Oct. 13 at the age of 88, Regent Prem Tinsulanonda has ruled as a caretaker while the crown prince officially mourns.