The Royal Family of Thailand news, current events and general discussion

[PrincessOfPeace]

A thread to discuss the reigning Royal Family of Thailand's news, current events and general discussion.



Thailands  king has officially reinstated his mistress as his royal consort after releasing her from jail to rejoin his harem.

The restoration of Sineenatra Wongvajirabhakdi to the good graces of King Maha Vajiralongkorn was confirmed by an official announcement published today in the Royal Gazette.

The announcement, dated August 29, said she was being given back her royal and military titles after she was previously accused of seeking to undermine the monarchs official wife, the countrys queen.

More: Thailand's King officially reinstates his mistress as royal consort | Daily Mail Online

[TLLK]

Protests in Thailand coverage. Here you are @wannable.

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Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters gathered again in the Thai capital Bangkok on Thursday in mass defiance of the government which had issued a decree banning demonstrations.

The protesters cheered and chanted peacefully, eventually dispersing several hours after a new 6pm curfew.

They called for the release of at least 20 activists arrested on Thursday in a sweeping crackdown by police.

Many made a three-finger salute - a symbol of the protest movement.

After peacefully leaving the site of the demonstration at Bangkok's Ratchaprasong Intersection, the protesters vowed to return on Friday at 17:00 local time (10:00 GMT).

This week saw the first protests of this movement take place while King Maha Vajiralongkorn was in the country - significantly raising the stakes. The king, who now spends most of his time abroad, has returned from Germany for several weeks.

In the early hours of Thursday morning, the government had attempted to curtail the student-led protest movement by issuing an emergency decree banning gatherings of more than four people and arresting about 20 activists - taking the total number of arrests this week to about 40.

Thailand bans gatherings of more than five people in an effort to end anti-monarchy protests following The King?s return to the country ? Royal

[wannable]

I had never (in this lifetime) seen truly huge crowds protesting any royal family.  He deserves it, living in Germany! and visiting his home country and subjects several times a year.   :thumbsdown:

This can go French Revolution.

[Curryong]

Thailand is a wonderful country. The King is a debauched individual but the protestors aren't calling for the monarchy to be toppled, just reformed. And the Prime Minister is just as unpopular. This has been going on for some years, but unlike the Emperor of Japan in 1945,  this King is unlikely to bend. Personally, unless he's caught in the country it's unlikely to impact on his lifestyle too much. He will just live on in Europe following his weird existence. 

[Amabel2]

Thailand is a wonderful country. The King is a debauched individual but the protestors aren't calling for the monarchy to be toppled, just reformed. And the Prime Minister is just as unpopular. This has been going on for some years, but unlike the Emperor of Japan in 1945,  this King is unlikely to bend. Personally, unless he's caught in the country it's unlikely to impact on his lifestyle too much. He will just live on in Europe following his weird existence.

From what I understand, and I know litlte of Thaland but read up  a bit the other day, it isn't as simple as that.  The Monarchy is very much protected by severe laws and in short, reforming the monarchy, making it a constitutional one,  if the King is not cooperative, isn't going ot happen... So IMO it is possibly going to boil over and end in a revolution and the destruction of the monarchy.. Mabye, not, it depends on how good the Government is at repressing the protests... but In the end, I suspect it will come to that.

[Curryong]

I didn't say it was a simple situation. And I know the King is protected by severe laws and, as I implied, by the same semi-divine status that has surrounded his forebears, similar to the Emperor of Japan. Yes, the protestors quite rightly want a constitutional monarchy. The King is however, a rather rigid and eccentric character, and as I said in my post unlikely to bend.

When I said he would be unaffected I meant in his personal lifestyle which is based in Europe. Unless, by some unlikelihood the people storm the palace with him in it, during the time he happens to be in Thailand, his life will go on. He would just be a wealthy ex monarch, that's all.

However, these protests involve many wanted reforms, not the least to do with the government, and the government is not the King. The Prime minister and other ministers are, for example, extremely unpopular and there is known widespread corruption among the military and political elite.

I've visited Thailand several times. I'm fond of the country, and yes, there is great unrest there at the moment. However, I just don't believe that the monarchy is at the bottom  of it. There are many other factors.

[wannable]

From what I understand, and I know litlte of Thaland but read up  a bit the other day, it isn't as simple as that.  The Monarchy is very much protected by severe laws and in short, reforming the monarchy, making it a constitutional one,  if the King is not cooperative, isn't going ot happen... So IMO it is possibly going to boil over and end in a revolution and the destruction of the monarchy.. Mabye, not, it depends on how good the Government is at repressing the protests... but In the end, I suspect it will come to that.

This! 45% of the population of 66.6 Million are between 25 to 50, 14% are aged 0 to 14, that represents between the two 60% of people with wants of a modern society. The media in Thailand is trying to suppress the news, but Diplomatic sources (have purposely leaked since the protest, which for the first time was so overwhelming the police couldn't contain) have said these two age groups want the reform of their monarchy and new elections of the political side PM who by the way won because of a coup 2014. 

There is no more passiveness from the majority of the Thai population, the German government already spoke (in parliament) and said the Thai King cannot rule from his Bavarian Alps home with brief visits to his own country. They will not rule out suspending trade and they claim the EU will follow.

Back to population, 95% religious belief is Buddhism, BUT with the 21st century rolling, in the Buddhist scripture polygamy is unfavorable, Buddhism generally does not approve of it or alternatively regards it as a tolerated, but subordinate, marital model. Thailand legally recognized polygamy until 1955, yet the King publicly displays rituals of 60 years ago.  So he has to consider that his subjects are 60% modern society and 95% have these new scriptures to the past.  Each society has their own culture, which I've said should be respected.  People there protesting the monarchy with ''actual'' rules is very severe, from death to 15 years prison, so having massive crowds and ALL using as a symbol Katniss Everdeen 3 finger salute, Hunger Games, which means resistance and dissidents.

The EU is placing alot of pressure to King Maha. 
Double post auto-merged: October 17, 2020, 02:15:20 PM

ETA: I forgot to put the age group of 15 to 25, which is 11% so the King is really in deep trouble.  That's 70 plus percent of the population. 

I don't think he can change from one day to another his upbringing and ways.  This is a case of too late.  Does he have a cousin  :hehe:

[Curryong]

Without at all sticking up for the monarch, whom I have stated again and again is rigid, corrupt and eccentric, you seem to be placing everyone in the population who is young, under thirty say, as anti-monarchy, and pro-democracy and 'modern ways', whatever the latter may mean. I am glad that the German govt is putting pressure on him to return to Thailand and reform his reign.

However, under 30 year of age sectors of the population as a whole are not one big homogeneous lump. This sector includes school and college youngsters who are influenced by their parents. It can and almost certainly does, include those people who though young, dislike change, are extremely politically and socially conservative and yes, even with this monarch, admiring of the Royal family. The King's father, was after all, deeply revered and well-remembered.

Many student leaders have come out again and again stating that they do NOT wish to topple the monarchy but to reform it. Whether this particular monarch will agree is another matter. However, I will say it again, these young people and others are not out on the streets solely to rid themselves of the King but have many other injustices in Thai government circles and the elite, military and otherwise, on their minds. 

[Amabel2]

Of course they are likely to wish for not just a constitutional monarchy but to reform government as well..  However the Govt's not likely to bend IMO and the King is even less likely to do so.. so in the end it may well be that the only way ot secure reform is to push things to the ultimate conclusion and get rid of hte whole lot of them...
its not a situation where an unpopular king might abdicate with some "persuasion" and his heir would be willing to be more constitutional....

[wannable]

The Thai poll is closed just like the media, but because of the students, it was via diplomatic corps leaked to the BBC.  The King is an embarrassment to the majority of Thai citizens.

On Sunday morning, student activists cemented a commemorative "People's Plaque" close to a field known as Sanam Luang, or Royal Field.

The plaque, dated 20 September, 2020, proclaims in Thai: "The people have expressed the intention that this country belongs to the people, and not the king."

Organisers said the plaque was a replacement for another marking the end of absolute monarchy in the 1930s, which went missing in 2017.

The mystery of the missing brass plaque
The students risking it all to challenge the monarchy
Cheers erupted as activists installed the new plaque, with protesters chanting: "Down with feudalism, long live the people."


*****

As a side note, my cousin gives me live whatsapp updates.  My late father's family business, rice, the premium kind in PH 20 years ago, my cousin, Agriculture Engineer, worked for him, then dad sold with our the children blessing 49% of it.  85 of the total 100 goes to Thailand, only because it's the premium type of rice (the ones that are like 5 to 10 times more expensive, in a jar rather than bag).  So my cousin lives 50/50 in the Philippines/Thailand.  Like in 2014, he will have to divert the rice elsewhere 2021.

[PrincessOfPeace]

Princess Sirivannavari attended training with Darnilo at Crozet, France in order for the horse to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings.

https://scontent.fath3-4.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/231548020_877123496255033_884458244112985297_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=uB3qFwgTJiYAX9OD9y0&_nc_ht=scontent.fath3-4.fna&oh=f710ae77ce05e7849ca806799852e207&oe=61484A84

[PrincessOfPeace]

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn took photographs with a new designed shirt produced by Chaipattana Foundation for Fighting COVID-19 Fund. The shirts are on sale at Patpat 9 Shop under the foundation to support the medical teams and those who are in frontline handling the pandemic.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E9w-uizVgAIWGYM?format=jpg&name=large

[TLLK]

She has impressed me as someone who takes her royal duties seriously and is a model member of the family. :thumbsup: IMO she's the opposite of her brother the King.  <_<

[Curryong]

Yes, a role model. As for her brother, the less said the better. If ever there was a case for abdication, he?d fit it.

[PrincessOfPeace]

Princess Somsawali and Princess Bajrakitiyabha provided the aid stuff "Help Me Bag" to Thai Red Cross for those who are in self-isolation from COVID19 in the Metropolitan Area.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E97RvnjVQAEzejb?format=jpg&name=large

[PrincessOfPeace]

Princess Bajrakitiyabha joined packing first aid kit with Friends in Need of "PA" Volunteers Foundation of Thai Red Cross Society and the Volunteer Spirit.

The Princess also distributed the first aid stuff the Governor of Phetchabun and visited the Kamlangjai Inspire Project to support the prisoners' welfare at Khaenoi Prison Camp in Phetchabun Province,Thailand.

https://scontent.fath3-4.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/245061596_4129287113842977_1082243382287442777_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=24YUfS2ly98AX99MGTb&_nc_ht=scontent.fath3-4.fna&oh=7b8d2fee0dd9441f0215a488c7223435&oe=61698053

[TLLK]

Queen Sirikit at 90 ? status in Thailand ? Royal Central

The royals in Thailand are revered, and the Queen Mother, Sirikit, is no exception.

Queen Sirkit was the consort of King Rama IX from 1950 until his death in 2016; she is now the Queen Mother as her son, Rama X, sits on the throne.

She is a woman respected and beloved in her country. Her birthday is a national holiday, and the people are asked to wear blue in her honour throughout the month of August to celebrate. Her birthday is also Mother?s Day in Thailand.

As with all members of the Royal Family, any insult or defamation of the Queen Mother is punishable through the strict l?se-majest? laws in the country. It is illegal in Thailand to threaten, defame or insult a member of the Royal Family; people can be punished with 15 years in prison, but a person can be sentenced for decades. When someone meets Her Majesty, they must sit on the ground, as they are to remain below the royals at all times.

The Queen Mother is well known for her charity work, and to honour all of her commitments, many places and buildings throughout Thailand bear her name. These include the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer, the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, the Queen?s Cup, the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, and many more. She is also the honorary president of the Thai Red Cross.

Sirikit has worked to help the less fortunate throughout her life, and she has gained respect from Thai Muslims for her work towards tolerance and acceptance of the religion in the prominent Buddhist country. Her Majesty also helps refugees from Mynamar and Cambodia who have come to Thailand.

[TLLK]

Thailand?s King Rama X visits hospitals after shooting massacre ? Royal Central

ing Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand made a rare public appearance on Friday, 7 October, at the nursery school targeted in a mass shooting.

His Majesty and Prime Minister Pray Chan-o-cha arrived at the school, which is located in the village of Uthai Sawan, Nong Bua Lamphu province in the northeast of the country. They were seen talking to family members of the victims and people injured during the attack, some of whom had already been discharged from the hospital.

The Prime Minister then went on to visit the hospital where the other injured victims are still being treated and the three temples where the victims? bodies are currently being laid out for relatives and loved ones to gather and pray.

On Thursday, 6 October, a former police officer entered the nursery school his son used to attend, and when the school personnel tried to lock the gates, he started shooting indiscriminately. He then entered the room where the youngest were taking a nap and stabbed most of them to death.

The perpetrator then returned to his own home, where he murdered his wife and son, who had not been at school for a month prior to the incident, before taking his own life.

The attack left 37 people dead, including the attacker, of which 24 were children. The perpetrator was a former police officer who had been let go in June due to being discovered making use of drugs and other illegal substances. However, in a preliminary result, the medical examiners didn?t find any drugs in his system.

King Rama X has been living pretty much a secluded life in Germany for many years. In 2020, protests against the closure of the Future Forward Party, whose programme was centred around limiting the military influence on national politics and the restrictions of movement aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, the protests spread to demand radical reform of the monarchy, cutting many of the King?s privileges and demanding the end of the ties between the armed forces and the monarchy, which was seen as damaging to the constitution.

This makes his appearance even more significant, considering that the King did not make such visits for similar tragedies in the past, like the killing of two armed forces members by a colleague last month or the killing of 29 people by a soldier in 2020.

[TudorQueen]

There is nothing more evil in this world then a person who targets innocent children. A nursery school   :fuming:  :no:

Prayers to the families of all the victims but especially of the 24 murdered children. I can't even fathom their pain  :cry:

Considering the king seems to rarely leave Germany it is nice to see him visiting the victims.

[TLLK]

King of Thailand rushes to his daughter?s side following ?medical emergency? ? Royal Central

King Maha Vajiralongkorn has reportedly rushed to be by his daughter?s side following a ?medical emergency?.

The situation is unclear with the Royal Household declining to comment, however, it is understood that 44-year-old Princess Bajrakitiyabha has suffered a serious health scare.

Journalist Andrew MacGregor Marshall, a specialist on Thailand?s Royal Family, says the Princess fell ill whilst walking her dogs, with the King flying to hospital shortly after.

[TLLK]

https://twitter.com/RoyalCentral/status/1604355803397296128?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

King and Queen of Thailand diagnosed with COVID days after King?s eldest child hospitalised with heart problem ? Royal Central

The King and Queen of Thailand have been diagnosed with COVID-19 just days after the King?s eldest child was hospitalised with a heart problem.

King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida have mild symptoms, according to the Royal Household Bureau. Doctors have prescribed medications and told them to rest and not attend any functions.

The pair had both visited the King?s eldest child, Princess Bajrakitiyabha, at Bangkok?s King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital as recently as Friday, 16 December, where she is undergoing treatment.

The Princess has been in the hospital due to a heart problem, according to the Royal Household Bureau.

[TLLK]

Thai Royal Palace issues update on Princess Bajrakitiyabha?s health ? Royal Central

[TLLK]

Princess Sirivannavari combines old and new for one of her lifelong passions ? Royal Central

[TLLK]

Princess Sirivannavari speaks candidly about her future in fashion ? Royal Central

[TLLK]

The future unknown monarch who celebrates his 18th birthday today ? Royal Central