Mr Prayuth also confirmed that crown prince, 64-year-old Maha Vajiralongkorn (pictured), would step into his father’s shoes. That clears up one uncertainty, which analysts had worried might cause friction. Though the prince’s claim to the throne is clear he is unpopular among commoners and widely loathed by the elites. For years it was rumoured that after King Bhumibol’s death bigwigs might decide to delay the succession in the hope of elevating a better-loved royal instead.