Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will ascend Thailand's throne on Dec. 1, following the death of his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a senior palace official said Thursday.

The official said preparations for his ascension are ongoing.

The crown prince is currently in Germany and will return home later this month. He is set to ascend the throne following approval by an extraordinary session of parliament.

A coronation ceremony is expected to be held after the late king's cremation, around a year after his death.

King Bhumibol died on Oct. 13 at the age of 88 following a long illness.