The late statesman Gen Prem Tinsulanonda indicated that he wanted to leave his fortune to the poor, according to Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam.
Mr Wissanu said he was informed by Gen Prem's close aide almost a week ago of Gen Prem's intention to bequeath his assets to public causes.
"And then he passed away. His death is a massive loss for the country and for the region. The outpouring of condolences from other countries indicates we've lived in a time when Gen Prem was held in high regard," he said.
Gen Pitsanu Phuttawong, a close aide to Gen Prem, said yesterday the statesman intended to bequeath all his assets to helping the poor through sustainable projects, so he brought the matter to Mr Wissanu for advice.
According to Gen Pitsanu, Gen Prem's personal estate is worth "a nine-figure sum".
Gen Prem's body, draped in the national flag, was yesterday moved from Phramongkutklao Hospital -- where he passed away on Sunday morning -- to Wat Benchamabophit for royally sponsored bathing rites.
About 400 military doctors, nurses and soldiers attended the send-off to the temple.
His Majesty the King designated Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to bestow bathing water for Gen Prem's funeral rites on his behalf.
He bestowed an octagonal Kudan Noi urn and several five-tiered decorative umbrellas to Gen Prem, whose funeral rites are to be held for seven nights until June 2 under the patronage of His Majesty the King.
His Majesty also asked palace officials to observe 21 days of mourning until June 17 -- except on June 3, which happens to be the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.
Their Majesties are scheduled to attend funeral rites for Gen Prem on June 2.
The government also called for a 21-day mourning period except on June 3, and asked that flags be flown at half-mast across the country until June 2.
Government agencies across the country yesterday observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect and to mourn Gen Prem's passing.
At the Defence Ministry, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon paid tribute to Gen Prem before a Defence Council meeting.
In Songkhla, Gen Prem's home province, officials and local residents -- led by governor Weeranan Pengchan -- signed a book of condolences at the provincial hall.
Meanwhile, key red-shirt movement leaders Veerakarn Musigapong, Nattawut Saikuar and Jatuporn Prompan yesterday expressed paid tribute to Gen Prem, saying his death was a "massive loss for the nation".
Mr Veerakarn also said he would be attending Gen Prem's funeral rites to "seek forgiveness" over a series of incidents that involved Gen Prem during the red-shirt protests.
