Last Thursday, the seven decade long reign of Thailand’s monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej came to an end. Despite being long anticipated because of illness that confined him to the hospital for years, a vacuum in Thai politics has been created and one which will not be filled immediately as a 12-month mourning period has been declared. While Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn was appointed the King’s successor in 1972, he has since become a controversial figure because of his personal life as well as his association with former, now-exiled Prime Minister Taksin Shinawatra.
BFM explores possible scenarios in this transition for Thailand, and if markets and the public can expect any surprises in the next year?
This is a report by Sharaad Kuttan.