By Kittiya On-in |
By Yiamyut Sutthichaya |
<p>Academic Supalak Ganjanakhundee explains that in the recent 2022 military shake-up, the ‘red rim’ soldiers who are symbolically close to the king have taken over many key positions, reflecting a core problem at the root of the Thai democratic transition that has been plagued by military coups.</p>
By Political editorial team |
<p>The Thai monarchy’s influence and role in politics have for decades been debated in academic circles and on the street. Under the current reign, the focus of analysis has shifted from the old network to a new one that is gradually becoming clearer - the military.</p>
By Prachatai |
<p>Although wearing black is not a crime in Thailand, a meeting chaired by the Police Chief on 26 July called on police around the country to monitor a movement to wear black on 28 July to mark the birthday celebrations of King Vajiralongkorn.</p>
By Prachatai political editorial team |
<p>Since 2017, King Rama X has issued at least 112 royal edicts appointing and demoting royal officials and the royal consort, bestowing royal decorations, appointing monks to the Sangha Supreme Council and expressing political views, which raises questions over accountability under the King Can Do No Wrong principle.</p>
By Prachatai |
<p>On 24 February, the Facebook page of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/paritchiwarakofficial/posts/283661663121426">Parit ‘Penguin’ Chiwarak</a> released another letter he has written from prison, where he is being held after being denied bail while he awaits trial for lèse majesté. This letter is addressed ‘From the prison to the palace’ and speaks to the king directly.</p>
By Prachatai |
<p>Chaiamorn ‘Ammy’ Kaewwiboonpan, lead singer of the pop band The Bottom Blues, is among 3 people against whom the police have requested an arrest warrant for lèse majesté, arson and computer crimes over the burning of a King Rama X big portrait in front of Klong Prem Central prison on the night of 27 February.</p>
By Prachatai political editorial team |
<p>The change of laws which transfer the crown assets into the name of King Vajiralongkorn has made him one of the wealthiest monarch in the world. Prachatai take a look into related laws to find out whether they are taxable or not.</p>
By Thidatep Piboon |
<p>Student-led pro-democracy protests have been going on for months. One of their tactics is to use royalist symbols, quotations and traditions as satirical weapons to challenge and criticize the government, tradition and society overall.</p>
By Prachatai |
<p>A small crowd already began gathering at the SCB headquarters by 13.50 of 25 November, while SCB had announced earlier in the morning that its headquarters would be closed for the day.</p>
<p>In a very rare ambush interview, King Rama X responds to a question from a foreign reporter about pro-democracy protesters by saying “We love them all the same”, and “Thailand is the land of compromise.” Meanwhile the protesters are not backing down on monarchy reform.</p>
By Prachatai |
<p>“Very brave. Very brave. Very good. Thank you,” said King Rama X to a protester who raised a portrait of the late King Rama IX at a pro-democracy protest. This conversation has triggered questions in society about the attitude of the monarchy towards politics. It propelled #23ตุลาตาสว่าง to the twitter top trend.</p>