Thai youth uprising and monarchy – BBC News

For the first time, a mass movement in Thailand is clearly calling for the reform of the monarchy, breaking the taboo that surrounds the almost sacred state of the royal institution. As a result of protests in Hong Kong last year, young Thais have used social media and used popular culture to overthrow Thai police efforts to shut down their movement. A local government has so far reluctantly used harsh measures. The monarchy has lost much of its reverence during the long reign of King Bhumibol, who died five years ago. His lesser-known son, King Vajiralongkorn, has overwhelmed many Thais as he accumulates more power and lives abroad. But now he has returned to Thailand, meeting with royalists and encouraging student protests to be challenged with demonstrations of loyalty. There is a scenario for a dangerous confrontation between these two factions. The BBC’s Jonathan Head spoke to people on each side. Please subscribe HERE

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