According to an academic well versed in military affairs, the decline in the king's health is one of the reasons why Thailand's military junta is trying to maintain their role at the helm of the country during the delicate period in which a new monarch will emerge.
The ruling military overthrew the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra in a May 2014 coup.
The academic spoke to Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity in consideration of the lese-majeste law.