Yet, that’s exactly what the Thai King did last week. Germany doubts Thailand's king will return to Bavaria Nikkei Asian Review 08:16 11-Dec-20. The billionaire king of Thailand is running out of friends, at home and abroad. According to the German foreign ministry, the Thai ambassador has been told multiple times that Germany opposes "having guests in our country who run their state affairs from here." Subscribe to Corona Compact — DW's newsletter tracking coronavirus in Asia, Vajiralongkorn enjoys special permission to reside at Hotel Sonnenbichl in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Despite the risks, a tweet from exiled historian Somsak Jeamteerasakul circulated in Thai social media at the end of March, showing the king's flight path to Germany and asking in Thai: "What do we need a king for?" Germany warned of “immediate consequences” if Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn broke the law on its soil as thousands of protesters gathered outside its embassy in … He has been riding out the coronavirus at a luxury hotel in the Bavarian Alps. JACK TAYLOR The eccentric billionaire king of Thailand, one of the world’s richest men with an estimated fortune of $40 billion, has been accused of breaking international law by governing his country from a luxury German ski resort, where he’s said to be seeing out the … Legal notice | King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 68, has spent much of his time in the southeastern state of Bavaria since taking the throne. Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has reportedly gone into isolation in Germany Credit: Reuters 3 He is said to have booked out the entire Grand Hotel Sonnenbichl in … Germany’s foreign minister, Heiko Maas, previously said it would be unacceptable for the king to conduct politics from the European country. As Thailand’s. Thousands marched to call for reform to the monarchy at the weekend, but more than 1,000 marched in counter-protest supporting the king on Monday. It comes as Thailand has descended into political crisis after youth- and student-led protests in July called for the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is a former army ruler. In the last month. In recent development concerning Thailand, Angela Merkel’s government has warned Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn to refrain from governing the Asian nation from "German soil". Coronavirus: Thai king remains in Germany during pandemic, prompting criticism online Insulting the monarchy is a crime but the hashtag #whydoweneedaking? He also has diplomatic immunity as a head of state. A particularly biting example uses HBO's Game of Thrones: "We don't go serving some shit king who's only king because his father was. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 68, has spent long periods of time in the country since his coronation last year. The Thai monarch also has a visa that allows him to stay in Germany for several years as a private person. German media are reporting today that they doubt part-time Bavarian tourist and resident, Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn, will ever return. accrued over 1.2 million tweets, according to the Times. His Majesty congratulates King of Thailand Times of Oman 14:17 6-Dec-20. Prime Minister Chan-ocha has refused to quit and says the issue should be discussed in parliament, where he has a majority. The Thai side assures us that the affairs of State in Thailand are conducted by the local Prime Minister and that the King, who is the head of a constitutional monarchy in Thailand, is in Germany on a private visit. Suspicious protesters marched to the German embassy in Bangkok earlier this week to present a petition calling on Berlin to investigate how the monarch is using his powers while outside the nation he rules. You can find more information in our data protection declaration. He even picked up his wife, Queen Suthida, from Switzerland on the way. According to Metro, the country’s King escaped his quarantine to attend a lavish party held in celebration of Chakri Memorial Day on 6th April. Even Germany is worried about the virus [but] it’s none of his business.” The Thai king has not made a public appearance in his home country since February, reported The Times. The Thai King is currently in Bangkok but reportedly spends most of his time in Germany. A meeting of the Bundestag’s Committee of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday agreed the king is permitted to make ‘occasional decisions’ as long as he does not continually conduct business from there. But Thailand's king, Maha Vajiralongkorn, has largely been absent from his kingdom since the coronavirus pandemic began. Anyone violating the law faces up to 15 years in prison. In Thailand, this kind of criticism would be severely punished under a draconian lese-majeste law, outlawing any disparaging statements or opinions about the king and the royal family. Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has reportedly freed his former concubine from jail and flown her to Germany to join his 'harem'.. According to estimates, this amounted to $30 to $60 billion (€27.6 to €55.2 billion). latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more, Covid vaccines ‘still effective’ against fast-spreading mutant strain, Toddler, 2, ‘strangled to death and thrown in oven by grandparents’, Coronavirus news live: Boris Johnson announces tier 4 lockdown for South East ahead of Christmas, Woman gets pulled over after driving a toy car down busy road, Huge orgy involving 50 people enjoying drug-fuelled sex party raided. Following reports that the king had fled to Bavaria, a Thai hashtag translating to "Why do we need a king?" The unloved king needs the military and its government to secure his power. The criticism of the monarchy will probably lead to concrete policies and a weakening of the monarchy only after a generational change. "The king's behavior during the coronavirus crisis has been a disaster for the reputation of the Thai monarchy," said journalist and activist Andrew MacGregor Marshall, adding that the king is a "troubled, sadistic and authoritarian monarch who should have no place in the 21st century.". King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 67, is believed to be back at the four-star retreat in southern Germany (pictured) after returning from brief visits back to Thailand. "It's clear that the king does not have the support of most Thais, but it will be very difficult to challenge his power because of his control over the military. A user on Facebook, for instance, wrote: "Seeing people questioning why we need a king on Twitter makes me happy but I want it to go beyond just insulting him on Twitter. While the rest of Germany's hotels remain closed to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the Thai king rented … The state of affairs is that we have made our position very clear. German Government Warns Thai King Not to Conduct Politics From Germany By Reuters , Wire Service Content Oct. 26, 2020 By Reuters , Wire Service Content Oct. 26, 2020, at 6:36 a.m. In Thailand, the monarchy is revered almost as a divine force and has great influence within Thai society. He took direct control of the assets of the royal family, formerly managed by the Crown Property Bureau (CPB). The country is under a state of emergency and as people cope with the… Thai officials have told Germany that Prime Minister Prayut is responsible for government matters, while the King is in Germany for personal reasons. Turbulent Thailand Germany floats asking Thai king to appoint regent for next visa. But a spokesperson from Germany’s foreign office said Thailand has repeatedly assured Germany that the king is not conducting government business while in the European country. present an unprecedented challenge to the power of the monarchy, King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s. "We have made clear that the policies that affect the country Thailand are not to be carried out from German soil," Germany's foreign minister Heiko Maas said in early October. Life in Thailand has been brought to a standstill by the coronavirus pandemic. According to the German foreign ministry, the Thai ambassador has been told multiple times that Germany opposes "having guests in our country who run their state affairs from here." Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has reportedly freed his former concubine from jail and flown her to Germany to join his 'harem'.. Contact long-term residence in the German state of … Vajiralongkorn reportedly didn't even disembark and took off again directly after landing. The leaders of the anti-military Future Forward party have been banned from participating in politics for 10 years after the Consitutional Court dissolved the party over a $6 million loan from the founder. An uprising against the monarchy would lead to mass bloodshed on the streets of Bangkok," Marshall said. The king of Thailand is enjoying life at a luxury hotel in Germany, while his subjects back home are suffering under coronavirus. Get your need-to-know Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. He accused superiors of trying to interfere with verdicts. The King of Thailand has been warned not to conduct politics from Germany, after protests against the controversial ruler escalate in his own country. Germany warned of “immediate consequences” if Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn broke the law on its soil as thousands of protesters gathered outside its embassy in … Vajiralongkorn has successfully pushed the kingdom towards absolute monarchy since taking office, although officially the country is still a constitutional monarchy, Marshall said. Thai king pardons, issues amnesty to tens of thousands in prison Al Jazeera 00:32 7-Dec-20. Berlin: Germany's Foreign Minister says Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn should not be conducting politics from the European country, where he spends much of his time. Rather than following in the footsteps of his father, who was revered by many Thais, Vajiralongkorn is often embroiled in scandal. The king and his entourage have special permission because they are a "single, homogeneous group of people with no fluctuation.". The country is under a state of emergency and as people cope with the… Germany warned of “immediate consequences” if Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn broke the law on its soil as thousands of protesters gathered outside its embassy in … The King of Thailand has been warned not to conduct politics from Germany, after protests against the controversial ruler escalate in his own country. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn succeeds his father Bhumibol Adulyadej as King of Thailand. A statement from the protest group said they presented a letter to embassy officials asking that Germany investigate whether the king “has conducted Thai politics using his royal prerogative from German … The King of Thailand King Maha Vajiralongkorn has caused outrage after he took a 9,000km flight to attend a dinner party last week. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who spends much of his time in Germany, in a … ‘It is very obvious that many find what the Thai king is doing very problematic, but the government says it is not yet the problem of continuous government business,’ the source added. Image credits: AP But Thailand's king, Maha Vajiralongkorn, has largely been absent from his kingdom since the coronavirus pandemic began. And for a long time, several popular memes have circulated. The king is not living alone in isolation; his entourage of 100 includes a harem of at least 20 women. Bundestag divided as anti-monarchy protests rattle Berlin's hands-off approach The king is known for his eccentric behavior. The German government, meanwhile, has showcased receptiveness to the demands of protesters who are asking for an investigation. According to local authorities, the hotel is not open for normal accommodation. For this purpose, the king has brought an elite unit of soldiers and policemen under his direct control. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 67, is believed to be back at the four-star retreat in southern Germany (pictured) after returning from brief visits back to Thailand. His Majesty congratulates King of Thailand Times of Oman 14:17 6-Dec-20. Read - Maas: German Govt Examining Thai King's Activities. During a crisis, people expect leaders to demonstrate solidarity and encouragement. ", Some users even went so far as to implicitly demand the abolition of the monarchy: "Honestly, I already want to have a president.". Since the outbreak of novel coronavirus, Thai king Maha Vajiralongkorn is staying in a German hotel with his entourage of servants and harem of 20 women By Shubhangi Shah May 7, 2020 Thailand has witnessed about 2,992 Covid-19 cases with 55 deaths. 10 years on from the Arab Spring, we must remember the women who fought for change, Council tax to rise by up to 5% next year 'while services are cut post-Covid', The new Covid rules Boris Johnson wants everyone to follow over Christmas, Tory MP went to 'Christmas party' with 27 guests hours before tier three lockdown. Read - Maas: German Govt Examining Thai King's Activities. It is unclear if his fourth wife is in isolation with him. Thailand's king Maha Vajiralongkorn may be expelled from Germany if he issues decrees from his Bavarian villa, the Bundestag has said, Deutsche Welle reports. Picture: THAILAND'S ROYAL OFFICE / AFP. The Thai royal family has remained silent about controversy. Thais aged over 30 still stick strongly to the monarchy even if they secretly disapprove of the present king, the expert told DW. The King is currently quarantining outside of Thailand- not even in Asia. It was quickly shared thousands of times and was a trending topic for weeks. While addressing the German parliament on October 10, foreign minister Heiko Maas was questioned about the Thai monarch. However, criticism of the king and the royal family mainly comes from the younger generation, said a Thai expert, who wishes to remain anonymous for security reasons. I want people to read or listen to lectures about this topic and crystallize systematically why it had to exist, why it was regarded as very important and why, at the moment, it doesn't seem necessary. And a source told Reuters the German government is ‘not yet of the opinion’ that the Thai king has broken the law. The European tourism industry is also becoming increasingly nervous. (EPA) As the monarchy is a pillar of Thailand's … The German government, meanwhile, has showcased receptiveness to the demands of protesters who are asking for an investigation. Thai king pardons, issues amnesty to tens of thousands in prison Al Jazeera 00:32 7-Dec-20. Berlin: Germany's Foreign Minister says Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn should not be conducting politics from the European country, where he spends much of his time. accrued over 1.2 million tweets, according to the Times. (21.02.2020), A judge has died in an apparent suicide in protest over Thailand's judicial system, which has long been criticized for alleged corruption and bias. Thailand’s playboy king has taken over a luxury German hotel to isolate from the coronavirus — along with a harem of 20 women, according to reports. It was reported the monarch, also known as King Rama X, spent lockdown isolating in a hotel in the southern state of Bavaria with 20 girlfriends. The military relies on the king, because it is easier to come to terms with a monarch ruling for life than with a constantly changing set of politicians and parties in a democratic system. The billionaire king of Thailand is running out of friends, at home and abroad. (07.03.2020), The coronavirus has global tourism firmly in its grip. He also broke coronavirus regulations by jetting 12,000 miles for a party in Bangkok before flying back to Germany, all within 24 hours. Thai protesters have alleged that members of the king's security detail in Germany may have been involved in the elimination of critics of the monarchy living in exile in Laos and Cambodia. Thai king 'releases his concubine from jail and flies her to Germany to join his harem' a year after she was stripped of royal titles. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who spends much of his time in Germany, in a … Pro-democracy demonstrators march to the German Embassy in central Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Oct. 26, 2020. In the last month. The King of Thailand is reportedly staying at a hotel in Germany amid the coronavirus outbreak. Thai expert Marshall does not believe that the growing displeasure with the king will lead to concrete steps against the monarchy because of the military's support for the king. The normally bustling streets of Bangkok are deserted. The royal family is protected by strict laws in Thailand. Not to mention the lack of environmental consciousness posed by the journey. Since the outbreak of novel coronavirus, Thai king Maha Vajiralongkorn is staying in a German hotel with his entourage of servants and harem of 20 women By Shubhangi Shah May 7, 2020 Thailand has witnessed about 2,992 Covid-19 cases with 55 deaths. For more stories like this, check our news page. King Rama X, who is thought to be the wealthiest ruler in the world with a net worth of $30 billion, appears to have largely remained in the Grand Hotel Sonnenbichl in Bavaria since. BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany’s foreign minister has said that Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn should not be conducting politics from the European country, where he spends much of his time. ", Some users turned their criticism, which was mainly aimed at the current king, toward the institution of monarchy as a whole. Send Facebook Twitter reddit EMail Facebook Messenger Web Whatsapp Web Telegram linkedin. ‘The German government assumes and expects that no decisions are taken out of Germany that violate German law, international law or human rights regulations,’ they added. Meanwhile, the king is reportedly staying in a four-star hotel in the Bavarian Alps while most of Germany's hotels remain closed to tourists during the coronavirus outbreak. Thai protesters earlier asked the German government to … However, his latest trip to Bangkok represents a violation of those quarantine rules. The accompanying picture was unambiguous: The military-backed government that took power in the aftermath of the 2014 coup protects the king, and the military and the monarchy are interdependent. Read - Thai Pro-democracy Demo Heads For German Embassy. He officially succeeded his father to the throne in October 2016 and was coronated during a magnificent ceremony in May 2019. Nevertheless, social media remains one of the only sources to understand how Thais, and especially the younger generation, feel about the monarchy. It appears that King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s social calendar stops for no pandemic. pro-democracy demonstrations. BERLIN (BLOOMBERG) - The German government has found no evidence that Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has done anything illegal while living there, the German … Read - Thai Pro-democracy Demo Heads For German Embassy. His opponents claim the reason why the Prime Minister stayed in office last year is due to new electoral rules and a constitution drawn up by a military government. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 67, had sparked outrage in Thailand after it emerged he had taken over a German hotel to safely quarantine while his nation was devastated by the coronavirus. ‘We are monitoring this long-term,’ he said on Monday, ‘It will have immediate consequences if there are things that we assess to be illegal.’. Germany doubts Thailand's king will return to Bavaria Nikkei Asian Review 08:16 11-Dec-20. King Vajiralongkorn is currently weathering the coronavirus pandemic in Germany. The Thai side has set out its position. There have been multiple cases in the past of Thais being thrown in jail for several years over posts on Facebook. The king has spent virtually all his time as a resident of the large southeast German state since he acceded in 2016 following the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Germany's foreign minister has said that Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn should not be conducting politics from the European country, where he spends much of his time. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida arrive at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok on Sept 24. Germany warned of “immediate consequences” if Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn broke the law on its soil as thousands of protesters gathered outside its embassy in … Protesters have also demanded a new constitution and reforms to the monarchy, after accusing the king of meddling in the country’s politics. Germany does not believe that Thailand’s king has so far breached its ban on conducting politics during his extended periods in the country, a parliamentary source told the … Following reports that the king had fled to Bavaria, a Thai hashtag translating to "Why do we need a king?" Thailand has repeatedly assured Germany that the Thai king is not conducting government business while in Germany, a spokeswoman of the foreign office in Berlin said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the king is reportedly staying in a four-star hotel in the Bavarian Alps while most of Germany's hotels remain closed to tourists during the coronavirus outbreak. Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida during their wedding ceremony in Bangkok in May last year. (03.03.2020), © 2020 Deutsche Welle | But on March 22, Puttipong Punnakanta, minister for digital and social affairs, warned in a tweet that it's dangerous to post content online that endangers national security. But criticizing the monarchy is outlawed, despite the king's "embarrassing" behavior. The Thai King is currently in Bangkok but reportedly spends most of his time in Germany. King Vajiralongk… Read more: Opinion: Thailand has become #Juntaland. Thailand's critical tourism industry, which made up 20% of the country's GDP in 2018, has ground to a halt. Marshall, the author of the critical book "A Kingdom in Crisis," is allowed to say what he wants about King Vajiralongkorn. King Maha Vajiralongkorn in Germany. Suvarnabhumi Airport, normally a hub of international tourism, is seeing a fraction of its usual traffic. Read more: Rights group slams Thailand's repressive laws to intensify crackdown on COVID-19 critics. Experts, however, believe that although a majority of younger Thais are critical of the king, they don't account for a majority of the population. Thai officials have told Germany that Prime Minister Prayut is responsible for government matters, while the King is in Germany for personal reasons. The situation is particularly dramatic in Asia. At the end of March, German media reported the king was jet-setting around Germany in a private Boeing 737, visiting Hanover, Leipzig and Dresden. 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