King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn has called for “order and peace” in the country, but remained silent about the recent protests of anti-government students who have opposed reforms of the powerful monarchy because he swore in a new cabinet of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.
The ceremony on Wednesday marked the first public appearance of the king since the almost unusual calls in two student-led protests to limit the new forces King Vajiralongkorn has amassed since he took the throne after his father’s death in 2016.
The king, as head of state, gave his blessing to the new cabinet members, and wanted “good health and wisdom to have the power to perform your duties according to your oath”.
He also expressed a wish “for the happiness of the people, happiness of the people and for order and peace”.
He did not publicly acknowledge the protests of the students, some of whom “law majesty” laws antigen against insulting the monarchy that carry a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
Among the six new cabinet members are veteran bank director Predee Daochai as finance minister and Supattanapong Punmeechaow as energy minister [Thailand Royal Household Bureau/Handout via Reuters]
Wednesday’s swearing-in of new cabinet members follows last month’s dismissal of six ministers under Prayuth, amid the ruling party’s internal disputes as the government faces the growing protest movement.
Among the six new cabinet members are veteran bank director Predee Daochai as finance minister and Supattanapong Punmeechaow as energy minister.
The protesters of the students, who are demanding reform of the monarchy, have also demanded that the government of Prayuth resign.
On Tuesday, Prime Ministeruth said the thousands of student protesters had “gone too far” after some issued a 10-point call for reform of the monarchy, which is considered semi-divine in the country’s conservative culture.
The students’ new demands included a reversal of a 2019 order that transferred two army units to the king’s personal command, and a 2017 law that gave him full control over the extensive possessions of the crown.
It also urged the king not to sign a military takeover in the future.
While the monarchy has refused to take aggressive response, there have been reports that it has asked various media companies to remove any mention of the demands mentioned by the students.
To date, no protest leaders have been charged under the law red by majesty, although two key leaders were arrested on charges including sedition and violating coronavirus regulation at large gatherings before being released on bail.
SOURCE:
Al Jazeera and news agencies
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