Thailand’s Election Commission on 11 February announced the list of candidates for the premiership in the general election on 24 March, and they do not include Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi.

Thai Princess Ubolratana (PHoto: AFP/VNA)

On 8 February, the 67-year-old princess – the elder sister of King Maha Vajiralongkorn – accepted the Thai Raksa Chart party’s nomination to run for the post. This was considered a shocking move as it broke a longstanding tradition of members of the royal family staying outside politics.

In response, King Maha Vajiralongkorn said that a political party nominating Princess Ubolratana for the premiership was inappropriate and unconstitutional.

The Election Commission cited the king’s statement that members of the royal family should stay out of politics.

Thailand’s election law forbids parties from using the monarchy in campaigns. Therefore, the Election Commission is considering a complaint seeking to ban the Thai Raksa Chart party, which is made up of supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The list of candidates includes incumbent PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, who was nominated for the position by the Palang Pracharat Party.

The commission said the general election on 24 March aims to restore civilian rule. It will be the first general election in the country since a military coup in 2014.

The election also attracts the Pheu Thai Party of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra and the Democrat Party of former PM Abhisit Vejjajiva.

(Source: VNA)