Thai king’s sister barred from politics

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Election Commission on Monday disqualified the sister of the country’s king from becoming a candidate for prime minister in next month’s general election, saying all royals have to be above politics and the monarchy must remain politically neutral.

The commission’s decision came after her brother issued an order describing Princess Ubolratana Mahidol’s political bid as inappropriate and unconstitutional.

The Thai Raksa Chart Party last Friday registered Ubolratana as its candidate, defying precedent against royal involvement in politics.

Her choice of party was notable because the party is associated with the political machine of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup.

A royal order late Friday night from King Maha Vajiralongkorn said tradition and law barred the princess from politics.

Ubolratana’s involvement was seen as a challenge to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who led a 2014 military coup and is favored to win the March 24 election, which 45 parties are contesting.

AP/FAREED KHAN Ships take part in the Pakistani navy’s Multinational Exercise AMAN-19, near Karachi, Pakistan, on Monday. A five-day multinational exercise hosted by Pakistan has begun near the southern port city of Karachi aimed at enhancing cooperation in keeping the seas safe from pirates, terrorists and smugglers.