Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is to be confirmed as the new king of Thailand on 1 December. According to sources, once confirmed, he is expected to endorse a new, military-drafted constitution and to start appointing his own team of senior royal officials. <br/><br/>His father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, died on 13 October, aged 88. The government has declared a year-long official mourning period. <br/><br/><br/>The widely revered king had served 70 years as head of state, and was seen as a stabilising figure, promoting economic development and social harmony in a country hit by cycles of political turmoil and multiple coups.