In a first, Thai princess to run for PM; King says it’s ‘ inappropriate’

Bangkok, Feb. 8: A Thai princess will run for Prime Minister in March elections in an unprecedented entry by a royal into frontline politics, pitting her against the chief of the ruling junta and redrawing the nation’s political landscape.

Princess Ubolratana, 67, the older sister of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, was announced as a candidate for the Thai Raksa Chart party steered by the divisive Shinawatra political clan.

Ms Ubolratana’s nomination Princess Ubolratana

has electrified the buildup to a March 24 election which had seemed poised to return the junta and its proxies to power in some form.

Ms Ubolratana’s involvement gives a royal sheen to Thaksin Shinawatra’s political machine, which has won every election since 2001. And it also potentially builds a bridge between Thaksin’s “Red” shirted supporters and the “Yellow” shirts who are arch royalists. Deadly violence and disruption linked to the two groups has defined Thailand’s turbulent last decade.

“The board agrees that the name of Princess Ubolratana, an educated and skilled person, is the most suitable choice,” Thai Raksa Chart party

■ Continued from Page 1 leader Preechapol Pongpanich told reporters. But Thailand’s powerful King Vajiralongkorn late Friday described the move as “highly inappropriate” and against “royal traditions”.

The Thai monarchy, a revered institution shielded from criticism by a tough defamation law, has traditionally been seen as above the political fray, although royals have intervened in moments of political crisis. A late- night statement from the palace left no doubt over the King’s displeasure at the move.

“The king and royal family exist in a status above politics,” said the statement, published in the Royal Gazette and given blanket television coverage.

The statement did not criticise Mr Ubolratana, instead praising her public work. But it appeared aimed at those behind her sudden stride into politics.

“To bring a senior royal family member into the political system in any way is against royal traditions and the nation’s culture... Which is very inappropriate.” — Agencies