Junta leader abruptly returns to Bangkok while some royal events are postponed

As Thais gather at Siriraj Hospital where the King is being treated to pray for his recovery, the Thai junta leader has abruptly cancelled public functions to return to Bangkok while some royal events have also been postponed.

On 12 October 2016, Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the junta leader and Prime Minister, abruptly cancelled all his functions in the eastern province of Chonburi and returned to Bangkok.

The junta leader had just finished presiding over a ceremony to open a new building at the Battalion 21st Infantry Regiment in Chonburi Province. He did not classify the reason for his abrupt return.

According to Khaosod English, the Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn and Princess Chulabhorn also cancelled their original appointments at a graduation and at royal ceremonies respectively, according to organisers of the events.

The Crown Prince was scheduled to preside over a graduation ceremony at Rajabhat University in Chiang Mai from 27-30 October while Princess Chulabhorn was set to give speeches to two classes of royal orders at Chitlada Palace, Bangkok, from 13-14 October.

Khaosod English also reported that online flight records show that the Crown Prince on 12 October flew to Bangkok from the German city of Munich.

According to the latest statement from the palace released on 9 October, the King’s health condition was ‘unstable’ after going through hemodialysis treatment and an operation to remove brain fluid.

After the statement was released, Thailand’s stock exchange fell by 44.69 points on the afternoon of 10 October.

Many people have travelled to Siriraj Hospital after the statement was issued while Thais nationwide are participating in religious ceremonies to pray for the King’s recovery.

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