King moves to block sister’s PM candidacy
BANGKOK: Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn moved to block his elder sister’s surprise bid to run for prime minister next month, calling her candidacy for a populist opposition party “inappropriate” and unconstitutional.
Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi, 67, stunned the nation when she announced on Friday that she would be the sole prime ministerial candidate for the party, which is loyal to ousted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, in the March election.
Her candidacy instantly threatened to upend the first national ballot since a military coup in 2014 that ousted a government loyal to Thaksin, the figure at the centre of years of political turbulence and rival street protests that have riven Thai society.
But her foray into politics looked to be short-lived after the public opposition from King Vajiralongkorn, which is likely to lead to the Election Commission disqualifying her or the princess dropping out of the race.
Thailand has been a constitutional monarchy since 1932, but the royal family has wielded great influence and commands the devotion of millions.
“Involvement of a high-ranking member of the royal family in politics, in whatever way, is an act that conflicts with the country’s traditions, customs, and culture, and therefore considered highly inappropriate,” the king said in a statement.
The statement was issued by the palace and later read on air by a television announcer.
King Vajiralongkorn also cited a provision in the constitution that states the monarch stays above politics and maintains political neutrality.
“All royal family members adhere to the same principles… and cannot take any political office, because it contradicts the intention of the constitution.”
Friday was the last day for parties to declare candidates.