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Thailand election 2023
AsiaSoutheast Asia

Thailand’s Princess Ubolratana’s bid to become prime minister doomed after party complies with king’s decree

  • King Vajiralongkorn chastised Ubolratana, describing her move as ‘inappropriate’ and against the constitution and royal norms

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An October 2017 photo of Thai Princess Ubolratana waving to people outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: AP
Bhavan Jaipragas
Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya’s audacious bid to be Thailand’s next prime minister appears over after just one day, as her brother King Maha Vajiralongkorn stunned the kingdom with a late-night order vetoing his elder sister’s foray into politics.
On Friday morning, it was confirmation of Ubolratana’s unprecedented candidacy with the Thai Raksa Chart party that was the stunner. But on Saturday, following the royal decree from the king, the party announced it would comply, effectively ending her candidacy in a dramatic reversal.

“Thai Raksa Chart party complies with the royal command with loyalty to the king and all members of the royal family,” the party said in a statement.

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“The Thai Raksa Chart will carry out its duty in accordance with the regulations of the Election Commission, the election law and the Constitution with respect to the tradition related to the monarchy. We are ready to bring forward policies that will lead Thailand to prosperity, with respect for the people’s decision in accordance with the principles of the democracy with the king as head of state.”

The party added that it was grateful to Ubolratana for her kindness.

Although the final decision on the admissibility of Ubolratana’s candidacy lies with the election commission, the king’s decree is likely to weigh heavily on the commission members’ minds when they deliberate on the matter.

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