Many in Thailand want a princess to ascend to the throne, but her scandal-plagued brother is next in line...

They call her “Phra Thep" — Princess Angel. The most popular of the late Thai king’s children, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has built a reputation as a hardworking and down-to-earth royal.

And although Thailand’s military rulers keep a tight lid on palace politics, many in the country had quietly hoped that she might one day succeed their beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Those hopes appeared to have been dashed Tuesday when Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, the prime minister and junta leader, said Sirindhorn’s scandal-plagued older brother could ascend to the throne in as little as two weeks.

Prayuth surprised the nation last week when he announced that Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, had asked for time to mourn before he became king. Just how long that might be was not spelled out, prompting speculation among some longtime observers about a behind-the-scenes power struggle. Full story...

Related posts:

1. Thailand looks to likely future king with apprehension...
2. Thailand's Crown Prince promotes his dog to air chief ...
3. Thailand's cyber wars...
4. Thai junta to crack down harder on internet users...
5. Facebook user in Thailand faces 32 years in prison for ...
6. 2 detainees suspected of insulting monarchy die in custody...
7. Jailed for 30 years in Thailand for insulting the monarchy on ...