As young democracy protesters in Thailand have broadened the scope of their demands to encompass once-taboo criticism of the king, the government has cracked down using the country’s infamous lese-majesté laws. This week 15 protest leaders have faced charges relating to comments made about Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s lifestyle and rule from his luxury home in Germany. Protests have included demands to curb the king’s recently expanded powers and have challenged his decision to declare crown wealth his personal property, making him by far the wealthiest person in Thailand. There is also anger at the king’s unprecedented decision to take personal command of all military units based in Bangkok. He defied a ban on hotel stays in the state at the time of one of Bavaria’s coronavirus lockdowns.

Source: The Irish Times November 25, 2020 18:22 UTC