Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn rushed home from Germany on Wednesday as the palace reported of his father’s deteriorating health. After news of the King’s death broke on Thursday, Thai junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha announced that the Crown Prince would ascend the throne, reports the Associated Press. “The government will inform the National Legislative Assembly that His Majesty the King appointed his heir on Dec. 28, 1972” said Prayuth in a televised address.