BANGKOK, Feb 9 (TNA) — Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has issued a Royal command blocking his elder sister Princess Ubolratana from contesting as a sole candidacy for prime minister of a political party in an upcoming general election to be held this March 24.
The Royal command, issued late Friday and read on TV stations, cited that the candidacy of Princess Ubolratana to run as prime minister for Thai Raksa Chart party in the election is against the country’s traditions and culture and is totally “not appropriate.”
Several key members of Thai Raksa Chart party are members of the so-called ‘red-shirt’ people, loyal to ousted premiers Thaksin Shinawatra and his younger sister Yingluck. Both of them are now living in self-exiled in overseas.
The Royal command continued saying that although Princess Ubolratana had relinquished her titles, she is still a member of the Royal family and has been performing tasks for several government agencies under the sponsorship of Royal patronage.
Therefore, bringing in a high-ranking Royal familymember into a political system, no matter in what way, is considered contradicted to traditional customs and culture of the nation.
Thailand has switched from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy since 1932 and, according to the constitution, members of the Royal family are not involved in politics, must also act as neutral and cannot hold any political position.
In her Instagram posted early Saturday, Princess Ubolratana thanked every Thai citizen for love and support given to her, saying that she wished Thailand to move forward, admired and recognised by every country.
Every Thai people should enjoy rights and opportunities, positive livelihood and happiness, she added. (TNA)
