Daunting task faces Thailand's heir to throne

Thailand's Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn waves to well-wishers who had gathered to see King Bhumibol Adulyadej before he departed to the Grand Palace from Siriraj Hospital to take part in his coronation anniversary ceremonies in Bangkok, Thailand May 5, 2010. REUTERS/Sukree Sukplang/File Photo

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn faces a daunting task as heir to the throne after his father gained semi-divine status in a kingdom that underwent profound changes during his 70-year reign.

    Prince Vajiralongkorn is in line to take the throne after the death of the much loved King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Thursday plunged the Southeast Asian nation into mourning. Most Thais have known no other monarch.