Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn swears in Cabinet, silent on demands for royal reform

BANGKOK - Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn swore in a new cabinet on Wednesday (Aug 12), calling for "order and peace" but without mentioning recent anti-government student protests that have urged reforms of the powerful monarchy. The ceremony marked the king's first public appearance since the nearly unprecedented calls in two student-led protests for curbing the new powers King Vajiralongkorn has amassed since taking the throne after the death of his father in 2016. The king, as head of state, gave his blessing to the new cabinet members, wishing "good health and wisdom to have the strength to perform your duties according to your oaths". He also expressed a desire "for the happiness of the people, happiness of the public and for order and peace". He did not publicly acknowledge the student protests, some of which defied "lese majeste" laws against insulting the monarchy that carry a maximum 15-year prison sentence.

from Asia
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