On Friday, the Thai Raksa Chart party confirmed princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi had joined the race, a move one expert said had created a “political earthquake”. The party was created by Thaksin’s Peu Chart party after the military junta threatened to dissolve it. Show Hide Strict lèse-majesté laws make it a crime to criticise, defame or insult members of Thailand's royal family. Thitinan said the move had catapulted the previously small Thai Raksa Chart into the spotlight. Thai Raksa Chart Party leader Preechapol Pongpanich said the princess was: “knowledgeable and is highly suitable”.

Source: The Guardian February 08, 2019 02:54 UTC