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The death of Thai King has created ripples of uncertainty in the country as seen by the sentiments being aired in social media. Some people say that they fear for the future of Thailand. Speculations that the general elections would be postponed because of the incident have been disproved when media reported on Monday that this will go on as planned. In August, the people of Thailand voted in favor of a military-backed constitution which could be the model that will be followed for the incoming years. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam says that the constitution would be sent for approval to the palace by early November.
Meanwhile, thousands of Thais paid their respects to the late king Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thais considered him a hero, having been a role model in helping the rural poor and an initiator to rural development projects. The crown prince is expected to take his place but problems are expected to arise as people do not regard him highly like they did his late father. Government officials say that the economy and the government will continue to function as they normally did, trying to pacify the people regarding the uncertainly on the succession.
As the prince awaits his formal coronation, the royal advisory council will stand regent in his place temporarily. The Thai Baht and the stock market fell when investors worried about this recent incident but already stabilized by Monday. The deputy managing director of Kasikorn Research Center, Pimonwan Mahujchariyawong, says that market instability will eventually ease once the government is able to clearly communicate on how the transition is going to take place.
The government issued media censorship since the king’s death. Foreign journalists were accused by Thailand’s foreign ministry as being scheming and provocative. Local media have been cautious since they needed to adhere to reporting guidelines – their lese-majeste laws strictly prohibits issuing insults to the royal family.
