The timing of the announcement, just before his coronation, suggests a fresh commitment to his duties. Vajiralongkorn early on was pinned with the reputation of a playboy, a trait his own mother acknowledged. His early actions as king included replacing his late father’s loyalists with his own in key palace posts. There is little question that Vajiralongkorn has tightened control over royal institutions and what amounts to political privileges. The Thai people, said Sulak, will probably be peaceful and “full of joy” during the coronation ceremony period.

Source: The Star May 04, 2019 01:30 UTC