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Serious Siam King’s No Horse Run Concubine - Chio, Fit & Smart
- Thread starter Pinkieslut
- Start date
Thai Royals legally can have many wives?
At least this Thai king is a real soldier and have real combat experience. Contrast that with pinky
As many as he fucking wants.
His great Great x5 Grandfather had 72 wives
I think can only have 1 wife but many concubines...also known as consorts...high class term for mistresses
cuntsorts, you mean...
now consort no mor ...
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/reg...ps-039disloyal039-royal-consort-of-all-titles ...
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/reg...ps-039disloyal039-royal-consort-of-all-titles ...
Thai king strips 'disloyal' royal consort of all titles
BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has stripped his 34-year-old consort of all titles, the palace announced Monday, a shock move less than three months after she was bestowed with a position that had not been used for nearly a century.
Former army nurse Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi was dismissed from the rank of "Chao Khun Phra" for "disloyalty to the king," the Royal Gazette said, as well as "acting against the appointment of the Queen (Suthida)... for her own ambitions." - AFP
- ASEAN+
- Monday, 21 Oct 2019
9:47 PM MYT
BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has stripped his 34-year-old consort of all titles, the palace announced Monday, a shock move less than three months after she was bestowed with a position that had not been used for nearly a century.
Former army nurse Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi was dismissed from the rank of "Chao Khun Phra" for "disloyalty to the king," the Royal Gazette said, as well as "acting against the appointment of the Queen (Suthida)... for her own ambitions." - AFP
Thai king strips 'disloyal' royal consort of all titles: Palace
King Maha Vajiralongkorn bestowed the rank of "Chao Khun Phra" or noble consort on the 34-year-old former army nurse Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi on his 67th birthday in July. (Photos: AFP/Handout)
21 Oct 2019 09:11PM(Updated: 21 Oct 2019 10:12PM)
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BANGKOK: Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has stripped his 34-year-old consort of all titles for "disloyalty" and apparent "ambition" to match the Queen's position, a royal command issued late Monday (Oct 21) said, less than three months after she was bestowed with the honour.
Former army nurse Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi was dismissed from the rank of Chao Khun Phra for "disloyalty to the king," the Royal Gazette said, as well as "acting against the appointment of the Queen (Suthida) ... for her own ambitions."
AdvertisementREAD: Thai palace releases rare images of king's royal consort
In doing so, she had violated royal prerogative and given various commands related to the king's and queen's royal duties, the Royal Gazette added.
Former royal bodyguard Sineenat - known by her nickname Koi - was gifted the title on the king's 67th birthday on Jul 28.
A few days later the palace released images of the short-haired Sineenat in combat fatigues shooting weapons, flying a jet and preparing to parachute from a plane, as well as holding the king's hand.
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It was an intimate and rare glimpse into the private life of Thailand's powerful, ultra-wealthy and inscrutable monarch, known as Rama X of the Chakri dynasty.
But on Monday Sineenat's swift and public downfall was relayed on national television.
The Thai monarchy is protected by a harsh defamation law, making open discussion on the institution for the public and media based inside the country all but impossible.
Rama X has dramatically bolstered his authority since his 2016 ascension to the throne, pulling the immense wealth of the crown under his direct control and restructuring key army units to his command.
Koi, a qualified pilot and former army nurse, was the first woman to receive the consort title in nearly a century - fitting a pattern of assertive moves by the king.
STRIPPED OF ALL RANKS
Koi's actions show "she does not give any honour to the king and does not understand royal tradition ... her actions are to benefit herself", the statement said, adding she was attempting to elevate her position to the same as Queen Suthida.
Her behaviour is "deemed disrespectful to His Majesty's grace ... and caused divisions among courtiers and misunderstanding among the people", the statement added.
She was stripped of all military ranks, decorations and royal titles, it said.
Born in the northern province of Nan on Jan 26, 1985, Sineenat graduated from the Royal Thai Army Nursing College at the age of 23.
She has also trained as a pilot in Thailand and abroad, served in the King's royal bodyguard unit, and in May was awarded the rank of a major-general.
During the elaborate three-day coronation ceremony of the king in May, Sineenat was seen marching in full military uniform in a procession that travelled from the palace to several Buddhist temples.
The move stunned the Thai public, who often glean clues of the royal family's secretive ongoings through imagery and symbolism relayed by the palace.
A cycling and aviation enthusiast who spends much of his time abroad in Germany, Vajiralongkorn was crowned in May in an elaborate three-day ceremony that Sineenat participated in.
He ascended the throne following the death of his beloved father Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Vajiralongkorn is the 10th monarch of the Chakri dynasty, which has reigned since 1782.
Source: Agencies/aa/nc
King Maha Vajiralongkorn bestowed the rank of "Chao Khun Phra" or noble consort on the 34-year-old former army nurse Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi on his 67th birthday in July. (Photos: AFP/Handout)
21 Oct 2019 09:11PM(Updated: 21 Oct 2019 10:12PM)
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BANGKOK: Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has stripped his 34-year-old consort of all titles for "disloyalty" and apparent "ambition" to match the Queen's position, a royal command issued late Monday (Oct 21) said, less than three months after she was bestowed with the honour.
Former army nurse Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi was dismissed from the rank of Chao Khun Phra for "disloyalty to the king," the Royal Gazette said, as well as "acting against the appointment of the Queen (Suthida) ... for her own ambitions."
AdvertisementREAD: Thai palace releases rare images of king's royal consort
In doing so, she had violated royal prerogative and given various commands related to the king's and queen's royal duties, the Royal Gazette added.
Former royal bodyguard Sineenat - known by her nickname Koi - was gifted the title on the king's 67th birthday on Jul 28.
A few days later the palace released images of the short-haired Sineenat in combat fatigues shooting weapons, flying a jet and preparing to parachute from a plane, as well as holding the king's hand.
Advertisement
It was an intimate and rare glimpse into the private life of Thailand's powerful, ultra-wealthy and inscrutable monarch, known as Rama X of the Chakri dynasty.
But on Monday Sineenat's swift and public downfall was relayed on national television.
The Thai monarchy is protected by a harsh defamation law, making open discussion on the institution for the public and media based inside the country all but impossible.
Rama X has dramatically bolstered his authority since his 2016 ascension to the throne, pulling the immense wealth of the crown under his direct control and restructuring key army units to his command.
Koi, a qualified pilot and former army nurse, was the first woman to receive the consort title in nearly a century - fitting a pattern of assertive moves by the king.
STRIPPED OF ALL RANKS
Koi's actions show "she does not give any honour to the king and does not understand royal tradition ... her actions are to benefit herself", the statement said, adding she was attempting to elevate her position to the same as Queen Suthida.
Her behaviour is "deemed disrespectful to His Majesty's grace ... and caused divisions among courtiers and misunderstanding among the people", the statement added.
She was stripped of all military ranks, decorations and royal titles, it said.
Born in the northern province of Nan on Jan 26, 1985, Sineenat graduated from the Royal Thai Army Nursing College at the age of 23.
She has also trained as a pilot in Thailand and abroad, served in the King's royal bodyguard unit, and in May was awarded the rank of a major-general.
During the elaborate three-day coronation ceremony of the king in May, Sineenat was seen marching in full military uniform in a procession that travelled from the palace to several Buddhist temples.
The move stunned the Thai public, who often glean clues of the royal family's secretive ongoings through imagery and symbolism relayed by the palace.
A cycling and aviation enthusiast who spends much of his time abroad in Germany, Vajiralongkorn was crowned in May in an elaborate three-day ceremony that Sineenat participated in.
He ascended the throne following the death of his beloved father Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Vajiralongkorn is the 10th monarch of the Chakri dynasty, which has reigned since 1782.
Source: Agencies/aa/nc
Thailand
Thailand's king strips 'disloyal' royal consort of titles and military ranks
Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, 34, was accused of breaching code of conduct for courtiers
Reuters in Bangkok
Tue 22 Oct 2019 00.46 AEDTLast modified on Tue 22 Oct 2019 01.00 AEDT
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An official photo of Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi released when she was appointed Thailand’s royal noble consort in July. Photograph: Royal Household Bureau Handout/EPA
King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand has stripped his royal consort of her titles and military ranks, according to palace officials, who said that Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, 34, had breached a code of conduct for courtiers and was disloyal to the monarch.
The announcement came only months after the former army nurse was appointed the royal noble consort by the king on his 67th birthday in July. She was the first woman to receive the noble rank in nearly a century.
Born in the northern province of Nan, Wongvajirapakdi graduated from the Royal Thai army nursing college, trained as a pilot in Thailand and abroad, and served in the king’s royal bodyguard unit, reaching the rank of Maj Gen in May.
Her appointment was marked with the release of a rare set of images by the palace, including candid and action-packed photos of her aiming a weapon on a firing range, piloting a plane and preparing to parachute.
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Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi takes part in the Royal Cremation ceremony of Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2017. Photograph: Damir Šagolj/Reuters
A cycling and aviation enthusiast who spends much of his time abroad in Germany, Vajiralongkorn was crowned in May in an elaborate three-day ceremony in which Wongvajirapakdi participated.
The ceremony took place days after a surprise announcement that Vajiralongkorn had married Queen Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhya, a former flight attendant and deputy commander of the monarch’s security detail.
Suthida is the fourth wife of the king, who has a teenage son from his third marriage and six other children.
Thailand's king strips 'disloyal' royal consort of titles and military ranks
Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, 34, was accused of breaching code of conduct for courtiers
Reuters in Bangkok
Tue 22 Oct 2019 00.46 AEDTLast modified on Tue 22 Oct 2019 01.00 AEDT
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An official photo of Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi released when she was appointed Thailand’s royal noble consort in July. Photograph: Royal Household Bureau Handout/EPA
King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand has stripped his royal consort of her titles and military ranks, according to palace officials, who said that Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, 34, had breached a code of conduct for courtiers and was disloyal to the monarch.
The announcement came only months after the former army nurse was appointed the royal noble consort by the king on his 67th birthday in July. She was the first woman to receive the noble rank in nearly a century.
Born in the northern province of Nan, Wongvajirapakdi graduated from the Royal Thai army nursing college, trained as a pilot in Thailand and abroad, and served in the king’s royal bodyguard unit, reaching the rank of Maj Gen in May.
Her appointment was marked with the release of a rare set of images by the palace, including candid and action-packed photos of her aiming a weapon on a firing range, piloting a plane and preparing to parachute.
FacebookTwitterPinterest
Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi takes part in the Royal Cremation ceremony of Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2017. Photograph: Damir Šagolj/Reuters
A cycling and aviation enthusiast who spends much of his time abroad in Germany, Vajiralongkorn was crowned in May in an elaborate three-day ceremony in which Wongvajirapakdi participated.
The ceremony took place days after a surprise announcement that Vajiralongkorn had married Queen Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhya, a former flight attendant and deputy commander of the monarch’s security detail.
Suthida is the fourth wife of the king, who has a teenage son from his third marriage and six other children.
Thai consort stripped of titles for 'disloyalty' to crown
Image copyrightEPAImage captionSineenat Wongvajirapakdi, pictured here piloting a fighter jet, was appointed the king's royal consort in July
Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn has stripped his royal consort of her rank and titles over "misbehaviour and disloyalty against the monarch".
She was appointed in July, just two months after the king's marriage to Queen Suthida, his fourth wife.
An official announcement said Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi was "ambitious" and had tried to "elevate herself to the same state as the queen".
"The royal consort's behaviours were considered disrespectful," it said.
Sineenat, who was a major-general and is a trained pilot, nurse and bodyguard, was the first person to be awarded the title of Royal Noble Consort in nearly a century.
Queen Suthida - a 41-year-old former flight attendant and deputy head of his bodyguard unit - is King Vajiralongkorn's long-term partner and has been seen with him in public for many years.
It said she had "shown resistance and pressure in every manner to stop the appointment of the Queen" ahead of the coronation in May.
Image copyrightAFPImage captionSineenat Wongvajirapakdi had held the military rank of major general
"The king gave her a royal consort position, in hopes of relieving the pressure and a problem that could affect the monarchy," the announcement said.
But it added that Sineenat had show "resistance against the king and the queen" and abused her power to give orders on the king's behalf.
The king, the statement said, had learnt "she neither was grateful to the title bestowed upon her, nor did she behave appropriately according to her status."
He ordered her stripped of all royal titles, decorations, status in the royal guard, and her military ranks.
Media captionThe king is seen pouring sacred water on the head of Queen Suthida when they were married in May
King Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne after the death of his father in 2016.
He has had four wives - Princess Soamsawali from 1977 to 1993; Yuvadhida Polpraserth from 1994 to 1996; Srirasmi Suwadee between 2001 and 2014; and Queen Suthida.
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Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn has stripped his royal consort of her rank and titles over "misbehaviour and disloyalty against the monarch".
She was appointed in July, just two months after the king's marriage to Queen Suthida, his fourth wife.
An official announcement said Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi was "ambitious" and had tried to "elevate herself to the same state as the queen".
"The royal consort's behaviours were considered disrespectful," it said.
Sineenat, who was a major-general and is a trained pilot, nurse and bodyguard, was the first person to be awarded the title of Royal Noble Consort in nearly a century.
Queen Suthida - a 41-year-old former flight attendant and deputy head of his bodyguard unit - is King Vajiralongkorn's long-term partner and has been seen with him in public for many years.
- Profile: Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn
- Rare photos of Thai king’s consort released
- Thailand country profile
It said she had "shown resistance and pressure in every manner to stop the appointment of the Queen" ahead of the coronation in May.
"The king gave her a royal consort position, in hopes of relieving the pressure and a problem that could affect the monarchy," the announcement said.
But it added that Sineenat had show "resistance against the king and the queen" and abused her power to give orders on the king's behalf.
The king, the statement said, had learnt "she neither was grateful to the title bestowed upon her, nor did she behave appropriately according to her status."
He ordered her stripped of all royal titles, decorations, status in the royal guard, and her military ranks.
Media captionThe king is seen pouring sacred water on the head of Queen Suthida when they were married in May
King Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne after the death of his father in 2016.
He has had four wives - Princess Soamsawali from 1977 to 1993; Yuvadhida Polpraserth from 1994 to 1996; Srirasmi Suwadee between 2001 and 2014; and Queen Suthida.
Thailand’s king strips royal consort of her title, for ‘disloyalty’ and inappropriate behaviour
Bloomberg
Published: 9:58pm, 21 Oct, 2019
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn standing with royal noble consort Sineenat Bilaskalayani, also known as Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi. Photo: AFP
The official royal consort of
Thailand
’s King
Maha Vajiralongkorn
has been stripped of her title, according to a Royal Gazette statement.
The title, ranking and all medals have been removed from Sineenat Bilaskalayani for inappropriate behaviour and a failure to be loyal to the monarch, according to the statement released on Monday night in Bangkok.
She was “acting against the appointment of the Queen (Suthida)... for her own ambitions”, the statement said.
Sineenat, 34, was the first person to hold the title of Royal Noble Consort in almost a century. Vajiralongkorn designated her as such in July, three months after he announced his fourth wife Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana as the queen.
Former Thai Royal Noble Consort Sineenat Bilaskalayani also known as Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, pictured in August 2019. Photo: EPA-EFE
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In August, the palace released unprecedented pictures and a biography of Sineenat, which provided a rare insight into royal life. Images of her posing with the monarch were among the dozens released.
Vajiralongkorn became king in 2016 but the formal coronation was delayed until May this year.
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Thailand’s top royals are officially treated as semidivine. They are also protected by lese-majesty laws that allow for as long as 15 years in prison for those convicted of threatening or insulting them, limiting public discussion of the monarchy.
- Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has removed the title, ranking and medals bestowed on his consort, former army nurse Sineenat Bilaskalayani
- She was the first person to hold this title in almost a century, and pictures of her and the king were released in August
Bloomberg
Published: 9:58pm, 21 Oct, 2019
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn standing with royal noble consort Sineenat Bilaskalayani, also known as Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi. Photo: AFP
The official royal consort of
Thailand
’s King
Maha Vajiralongkorn
has been stripped of her title, according to a Royal Gazette statement.
The title, ranking and all medals have been removed from Sineenat Bilaskalayani for inappropriate behaviour and a failure to be loyal to the monarch, according to the statement released on Monday night in Bangkok.
She was “acting against the appointment of the Queen (Suthida)... for her own ambitions”, the statement said.
Sineenat, 34, was the first person to hold the title of Royal Noble Consort in almost a century. Vajiralongkorn designated her as such in July, three months after he announced his fourth wife Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana as the queen.
Former Thai Royal Noble Consort Sineenat Bilaskalayani also known as Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, pictured in August 2019. Photo: EPA-EFE
Share:
In August, the palace released unprecedented pictures and a biography of Sineenat, which provided a rare insight into royal life. Images of her posing with the monarch were among the dozens released.
Vajiralongkorn became king in 2016 but the formal coronation was delayed until May this year.
SUBSCRIBE TO THIS WEEK IN ASIA
Get updates direct to your inbox
SUBMIT
By registering, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy
Thailand’s top royals are officially treated as semidivine. They are also protected by lese-majesty laws that allow for as long as 15 years in prison for those convicted of threatening or insulting them, limiting public discussion of the monarchy.
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Fall of a royal consort and the Thai king's assertive reign
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Fall of a royal consort and the Thai king's assertive reign
image: data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==
Sineenat Bilaskalayani, also known as Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, is seen in an aircraft
In this undated file handout from Thailand's Royal Office received on Aug 26, 2019, Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, is seen in an aircraft. (Photo: AFP/Thailand's Royal Office)
22 Oct 2019 03:19PM
(Updated: 23 Oct 2019 10:41PM)
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BANGKOK: The very public downfall of the Thai king's 34-year-old consort - stripped of all royal titles and military ranks by a late-night command - left the country open-mouthed Tuesday (Oct 22) at the latest abrupt act from its mercurial monarch.
Former royal bodyguard and army nurse Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi was dismissed from the rank of Chao Khun Phra, or noble consort, and accused of "disloyalty to the king".
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Her whereabouts are unknown but the announcement has set social media alight with speculation and intrigue sparked by the rare glimpse behind cloistered palace walls.
image: data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==
In August, 2019 the Thai royal palace issued a series of photographs of Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi
In August 2019, the Thai royal palace issued a series of photographs of Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi announcing her appointment as royal consort. (Photo: AFP/Handout)
But it wasn't the first time King Maha Vajiralongkorn has made his powerful presence felt since ascending the throne in 2016.
Here are five ways royal power has been displayed under Thailand's new king so far, from beefing up his security to taking direct control of a fortune.
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"DISLOYALTY" IN PALACE
The palace said Sineenat had not obeyed the king, had created conflict in the palace by going above her authority, and had acted "against the appointment of the Queen (Suthida) ... for her own ambitions".
Her actions had also undermined the monarchy, it said.
Known as Koi, Sineenat is a qualified pilot and was the first woman to receive the consort title in nearly a century.
After she obtained it, the palace released images of a short-haired Sineenat in combat fatigues shooting weapons, flying a jet and preparing to parachute from a plane, as well as holding the king's hand.
image: data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn walks with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi.
In this undated file handout from Thailand's Royal Office received on Aug 26, 2019, Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn walks with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi. (Photo: AFP/Thailand's Royal Office)
It was a vivid contrast to the swift dismissal, which has gripped Thai Twitter users.
#SaveKoi was one of the trending hashtags, while one user said they felt "sorry" for Sineenat.
Thailand has a harsh royal defamation law that means media must self-censor when reporting on the palace.
Sineenat's rapid fall from favour is not the only time the Thai public has been given a glimpse into the king's dramatic personal life.
Several relatives of his third wife Srirasmi were arrested as part of a police corruption probe and charged with lese majeste.
Vajiralongkorn divorced her and she lost her royal titles, and pictures later circulated of her with a shaven head.
On Wednesday, he fired six senior palace officials for their "evil actions" after they were found "exploiting their official positions for their own or other people's gain".
ARMY UNITS
The palace has also stepped up royal security under Vajiralongkorn, adding 1,600 police officers.
Two new army units were later put under the monarch's direct control in October by royal decree, only a few months after the May coronation.
image: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/ima...-wongvajirapakdi-marches-during-a-parade-.jpg
Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi marches during a parade.
In this file undated handout from Thailand's Royal Office received on Aug 26, 2019, Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi marches during a parade. (Photo: AFP/Thailand's Royal Office)
It is unclear how many soldiers are in each regiment, but experts say a single division holds up to 5,000 troops.
The troop transfer saw pushback from the youth-propelled Future Forward Party in parliament who questioned the "urgency" of such a move - an unprecedented political objection to a royal command.
But the decree still passed with an overwhelming majority.
BANKING BILLIONS
King Vajiralongkorn inherited one of the world's richest monarchies from his beloved father Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in October 2016.
Among his successor's earliest moves was to assert full, personal control over the Crown Property Bureau (CPB), which has billions in assets in banks, companies and prime real estate.
image: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/ima...korn-poses-with-sineenat-wongvajirapakdi-.jpg
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn poses with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi.
In this undated file handout from Thailand's Royal Office received on Aug 26, 2019, Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn poses with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi. (Photo: AFP/Thailand's Royal Office)
The CPB committee was previously headed by the finance minister in an arrangement that gave a sheen of public oversight of a trust some experts estimate to be worth US$30 billion to US$60 billion.
The CPB's full assets are privately held and remain a closely guarded secret.
HAIRCUTS AND SALUTES
Discipline, protocol and loyalty are virtues state officials say the king insists upon, especially among royal guards.
Vajiralongkorn reminded members of his beefed-up detail in April that their duty was to "preserve the nation, country, and monarchy".
image: data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn stands with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi.
In this undated handout from Thailand's Royal Office received on Aug 26, 2019, Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn stands with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi. (Photo: AFP/Thailand's Royal Office)
The army introduced a new salute under Vajiralongkorn in which soldiers must puff out their chests and jerk their heads to the side.
And the country's police force has adopted a uniform crew-cut said to be at the king's request.
CHARTER CHANGES
Any major legal changes in Thailand require the king's signature.
But King Vajiralongkorn ordered rewrites to part of the country's new constitution, including a vaguely worded clause that says any unforeseen issues should be handled based on "tradition".
They also scrap the need for the king, who spends much of his time in Germany, to appoint a regent when abroad.
image: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/ima...korn-poses-with-sineenat-wongvajirapakdi-.jpg
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn poses with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi.
In this handout from Thailand's Royal Office, Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn poses with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi. (Photo: AFP/Thailand's Royal Office)
While Thailand's constitutional monarchy is nominally above politics, Vajiralongkorn has taken actions that many see as smudging the line.
Before the Mar 24 election he torpedoed a bid by his older sister to become prime minister at the head of an anti-government party, calling it "highly inappropriate".
Source: AFP/zl
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Fall of a royal consort and the Thai king's assertive reign
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Fall of a royal consort and the Thai king's assertive reign
image: data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==
Sineenat Bilaskalayani, also known as Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, is seen in an aircraft
In this undated file handout from Thailand's Royal Office received on Aug 26, 2019, Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, is seen in an aircraft. (Photo: AFP/Thailand's Royal Office)
22 Oct 2019 03:19PM
(Updated: 23 Oct 2019 10:41PM)
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BANGKOK: The very public downfall of the Thai king's 34-year-old consort - stripped of all royal titles and military ranks by a late-night command - left the country open-mouthed Tuesday (Oct 22) at the latest abrupt act from its mercurial monarch.
Former royal bodyguard and army nurse Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi was dismissed from the rank of Chao Khun Phra, or noble consort, and accused of "disloyalty to the king".
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Her whereabouts are unknown but the announcement has set social media alight with speculation and intrigue sparked by the rare glimpse behind cloistered palace walls.
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In August, 2019 the Thai royal palace issued a series of photographs of Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi
In August 2019, the Thai royal palace issued a series of photographs of Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi announcing her appointment as royal consort. (Photo: AFP/Handout)
But it wasn't the first time King Maha Vajiralongkorn has made his powerful presence felt since ascending the throne in 2016.
Here are five ways royal power has been displayed under Thailand's new king so far, from beefing up his security to taking direct control of a fortune.
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"DISLOYALTY" IN PALACE
The palace said Sineenat had not obeyed the king, had created conflict in the palace by going above her authority, and had acted "against the appointment of the Queen (Suthida) ... for her own ambitions".
Her actions had also undermined the monarchy, it said.
Known as Koi, Sineenat is a qualified pilot and was the first woman to receive the consort title in nearly a century.
After she obtained it, the palace released images of a short-haired Sineenat in combat fatigues shooting weapons, flying a jet and preparing to parachute from a plane, as well as holding the king's hand.
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Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn walks with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi.
In this undated file handout from Thailand's Royal Office received on Aug 26, 2019, Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn walks with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi. (Photo: AFP/Thailand's Royal Office)
It was a vivid contrast to the swift dismissal, which has gripped Thai Twitter users.
#SaveKoi was one of the trending hashtags, while one user said they felt "sorry" for Sineenat.
Thailand has a harsh royal defamation law that means media must self-censor when reporting on the palace.
Sineenat's rapid fall from favour is not the only time the Thai public has been given a glimpse into the king's dramatic personal life.
Several relatives of his third wife Srirasmi were arrested as part of a police corruption probe and charged with lese majeste.
Vajiralongkorn divorced her and she lost her royal titles, and pictures later circulated of her with a shaven head.
On Wednesday, he fired six senior palace officials for their "evil actions" after they were found "exploiting their official positions for their own or other people's gain".
ARMY UNITS
The palace has also stepped up royal security under Vajiralongkorn, adding 1,600 police officers.
Two new army units were later put under the monarch's direct control in October by royal decree, only a few months after the May coronation.
image: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/ima...-wongvajirapakdi-marches-during-a-parade-.jpg
Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi marches during a parade.
In this file undated handout from Thailand's Royal Office received on Aug 26, 2019, Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi marches during a parade. (Photo: AFP/Thailand's Royal Office)
It is unclear how many soldiers are in each regiment, but experts say a single division holds up to 5,000 troops.
The troop transfer saw pushback from the youth-propelled Future Forward Party in parliament who questioned the "urgency" of such a move - an unprecedented political objection to a royal command.
But the decree still passed with an overwhelming majority.
BANKING BILLIONS
King Vajiralongkorn inherited one of the world's richest monarchies from his beloved father Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in October 2016.
Among his successor's earliest moves was to assert full, personal control over the Crown Property Bureau (CPB), which has billions in assets in banks, companies and prime real estate.
image: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/ima...korn-poses-with-sineenat-wongvajirapakdi-.jpg
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn poses with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi.
In this undated file handout from Thailand's Royal Office received on Aug 26, 2019, Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn poses with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi. (Photo: AFP/Thailand's Royal Office)
The CPB committee was previously headed by the finance minister in an arrangement that gave a sheen of public oversight of a trust some experts estimate to be worth US$30 billion to US$60 billion.
The CPB's full assets are privately held and remain a closely guarded secret.
HAIRCUTS AND SALUTES
Discipline, protocol and loyalty are virtues state officials say the king insists upon, especially among royal guards.
Vajiralongkorn reminded members of his beefed-up detail in April that their duty was to "preserve the nation, country, and monarchy".
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Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn stands with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi.
In this undated handout from Thailand's Royal Office received on Aug 26, 2019, Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn stands with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi. (Photo: AFP/Thailand's Royal Office)
The army introduced a new salute under Vajiralongkorn in which soldiers must puff out their chests and jerk their heads to the side.
And the country's police force has adopted a uniform crew-cut said to be at the king's request.
CHARTER CHANGES
Any major legal changes in Thailand require the king's signature.
But King Vajiralongkorn ordered rewrites to part of the country's new constitution, including a vaguely worded clause that says any unforeseen issues should be handled based on "tradition".
They also scrap the need for the king, who spends much of his time in Germany, to appoint a regent when abroad.
image: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/ima...korn-poses-with-sineenat-wongvajirapakdi-.jpg
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn poses with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi.
In this handout from Thailand's Royal Office, Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn poses with Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi. (Photo: AFP/Thailand's Royal Office)
While Thailand's constitutional monarchy is nominally above politics, Vajiralongkorn has taken actions that many see as smudging the line.
Before the Mar 24 election he torpedoed a bid by his older sister to become prime minister at the head of an anti-government party, calling it "highly inappropriate".
Source: AFP/zl
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https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Thai-king-fires-6-palace-officials-over-abuse-of-power
Thai king fires 6 palace officials over 'abuse of power'
Military officials among those sacked two days after consort's removal
MARIMI KISHIMOTO, Nikkei staff writer October 23, 2019 22:26 JST Updated on October 24, 2019 02:42 JST
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida wave to the crowds during a public appearance. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura)
BANGKOK -- Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn dismissed six palace officials Wednesday, accusing them of abusing their positions for personal gain.
The aides, who include senior police and military officials serving the royal family, engaged in "serious misconduct" and "extremely evil" deeds, according to announcements on their firing.
The move has been called a show of force ahead of an upcoming royal procession in honor of the king's coronation.
The firings also come two days after the monarch stripped his consort, Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, of her position and her royal and military titles, alleging that she put pressure on the queen. Sineenat has not been seen in public since, spurring some Thais to voice concern about her welfare.
Since acceding to the throne in 2016, King Vajiralongkorn has sought to strengthen the powers of the monarchy. The king has brought the royal guard -- which includes military and police forces -- under his direct supervision, and secured a provision in the constitution to let him travel abroad without having to appoint a regent in his stead.
The government has also revised legislation to give the king full control over the monarchy's assets, said to exceed 1.4 trillion baht ($46.2 billion).
King Vajiralongkorn boasts an estimated net worth of $30 billion, making him the world's wealthiest monarch, according to Business Insider.
Thai king fires 6 palace officials over 'abuse of power'
Military officials among those sacked two days after consort's removal
MARIMI KISHIMOTO, Nikkei staff writer October 23, 2019 22:26 JST Updated on October 24, 2019 02:42 JST
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida wave to the crowds during a public appearance. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura)
BANGKOK -- Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn dismissed six palace officials Wednesday, accusing them of abusing their positions for personal gain.
The aides, who include senior police and military officials serving the royal family, engaged in "serious misconduct" and "extremely evil" deeds, according to announcements on their firing.
The move has been called a show of force ahead of an upcoming royal procession in honor of the king's coronation.
The firings also come two days after the monarch stripped his consort, Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, of her position and her royal and military titles, alleging that she put pressure on the queen. Sineenat has not been seen in public since, spurring some Thais to voice concern about her welfare.
Since acceding to the throne in 2016, King Vajiralongkorn has sought to strengthen the powers of the monarchy. The king has brought the royal guard -- which includes military and police forces -- under his direct supervision, and secured a provision in the constitution to let him travel abroad without having to appoint a regent in his stead.
The government has also revised legislation to give the king full control over the monarchy's assets, said to exceed 1.4 trillion baht ($46.2 billion).
King Vajiralongkorn boasts an estimated net worth of $30 billion, making him the world's wealthiest monarch, according to Business Insider.
It's good to be kinghttps://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Thai-king-fires-6-palace-officials-over-abuse-of-power
Thai king fires 6 palace officials over 'abuse of power'
Military officials among those sacked two days after consort's removal
MARIMI KISHIMOTO, Nikkei staff writer October 23, 2019 22:26 JST Updated on October 24, 2019 02:42 JST
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida wave to the crowds during a public appearance. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura)
BANGKOK -- Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn dismissed six palace officials Wednesday, accusing them of abusing their positions for personal gain.
The aides, who include senior police and military officials serving the royal family, engaged in "serious misconduct" and "extremely evil" deeds, according to announcements on their firing.
The move has been called a show of force ahead of an upcoming royal procession in honor of the king's coronation.
The firings also come two days after the monarch stripped his consort, Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, of her position and her royal and military titles, alleging that she put pressure on the queen. Sineenat has not been seen in public since, spurring some Thais to voice concern about her welfare.
Since acceding to the throne in 2016, King Vajiralongkorn has sought to strengthen the powers of the monarchy. The king has brought the royal guard -- which includes military and police forces -- under his direct supervision, and secured a provision in the constitution to let him travel abroad without having to appoint a regent in his stead.
The government has also revised legislation to give the king full control over the monarchy's assets, said to exceed 1.4 trillion baht ($46.2 billion).
King Vajiralongkorn boasts an estimated net worth of $30 billion, making him the world's wealthiest monarch, according to Business Insider.
with former cuntsort included it was 6.9 that got fired. even the king has to abide by the soixante neuf principle of not sexceeding the magic fraction.https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Thai-king-fires-6-palace-officials-over-abuse-of-power
Thai king fires 6 palace officials over 'abuse of power'
Military officials among those sacked two days after consort's removal
MARIMI KISHIMOTO, Nikkei staff writer October 23, 2019 22:26 JST Updated on October 24, 2019 02:42 JST
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida wave to the crowds during a public appearance. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura)
BANGKOK -- Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn dismissed six palace officials Wednesday, accusing them of abusing their positions for personal gain.
The aides, who include senior police and military officials serving the royal family, engaged in "serious misconduct" and "extremely evil" deeds, according to announcements on their firing.
The move has been called a show of force ahead of an upcoming royal procession in honor of the king's coronation.
The firings also come two days after the monarch stripped his consort, Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, of her position and her royal and military titles, alleging that she put pressure on the queen. Sineenat has not been seen in public since, spurring some Thais to voice concern about her welfare.
Since acceding to the throne in 2016, King Vajiralongkorn has sought to strengthen the powers of the monarchy. The king has brought the royal guard -- which includes military and police forces -- under his direct supervision, and secured a provision in the constitution to let him travel abroad without having to appoint a regent in his stead.
The government has also revised legislation to give the king full control over the monarchy's assets, said to exceed 1.4 trillion baht ($46.2 billion).
King Vajiralongkorn boasts an estimated net worth of $30 billion, making him the world's wealthiest monarch, according to Business Insider.
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