It pits her against the military’s preferred candidate, current Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who led a 2014 coup, ousting Thailand’s last elected government. ——BRUNEISoutheast Asia’s smallest nation is an absolute monarchy ruled by the wealthy, autocratic Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who is also prime minister, defence minister and finance minister. ——BHUTANThe South Asian country in the eastern Himalayas, the region’s last remaining Buddhist kingdom, transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 2008. King Letsie III has openly criticized politicians for manipulating the military and shown interest in a more active political role. Dubai, the commercial hub, holds the posts of prime minister and vice-president.

Source: National Post February 08, 2019 08:06 UTC