Thailand’s king criticised his sisters announcement about standing for elections next month.
The Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya said she would stand as the Prime Ministerial candidate for the Thai Raksa Chart Party. In 2014, the Thai Raksa Chart Party was ousted by the military coup.
Her opposition and the current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha also announced his candidacy for the elections, he is currently backed by the military.
The inclusion of the Royal family in public life or active politics is unprecedented since the era of absolute monarchy that ended 86 years ago.
Her brother and the King Maha Vajiralongkorn said, “To involve a high-level member of the royal family in politics, directly or indirectly, is against royal traditions, norms and the national culture.”
It’s still unclear if the King has any powers that could halt the Princess from running for office.
The Princess in a statement says, “I thank all the Thais for the love and moral support given to me in the past day. I want to say again with sincerity that I want to see Thailand move forward. I want to see all Thais have rights and the chance to live well and be happy.”
Since the past 5 years Thailand was ruled by military headed coup making Prayut the Prime Minister.The entry of the princess would be a huge blow to the pro-military parties that push Prayut to stay in power.
Also in Thai tradition royalty cannot be challenged, and is highly unacceptable. This could make that Prayut maybe forced to withdraw.
The elections for the 500 seater Lower House is on the 24th of March, but the 250 member Upper House will be chosen by the military.