When mentioning the Thai royal family, many people are likely to think of the intricate court struggles often depicted in Thai dramas, where dramatic plots always captivate the audience.
However, the reality of Thailand's royal family is even more complex and dramatic than what is portrayed on television.
The private life of the current King of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn, is quite colorful, especially when compared to his highly respected father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The image of the two can be said to be worlds apart.
Not only has King Maha had numerous romantic experiences, but he has also appointed his niece-in-law to high positions, intertwining the royal harem with politics in a truly astonishing manner.
As a monarch, having many concubines seems to be a common phenomenon, something seen throughout the history of many dynasties.
Even in modern times, some royal families still retain elements of the ancient court lifestyle.
Thailand’s royal family is no exception, and King Maha’s love life is exceptionally colorful, beyond what most people can imagine.
However, unlike other royal families, King Maha's father, King Bhumibol, was a unique case.
King Bhumibol reigned for seventy years and was deeply loved by the Thai people.
Not only did he possess exceptional governance abilities, but he also demonstrated rare fidelity in his love life.
His marriage to Queen Sirikit was always seen as exemplary, and even when she was embroiled in some negative rumors, King Bhumibol chose to forgive and continue maintaining the marriage.
In contrast, King Maha is entirely different.
He shows no loyalty in love and seems to indiscriminately bring any woman who attracts him into his harem.
His romantic life involves frequent changes of partners, with no sign of lasting relationships.
The number of women in his harem continues to grow, leading to constant competition for his favor. Much like the court dramas on television, the concubines in his court resort to every means to gain the king’s affection.
King Maha's current queen, Suthida, is a woman with a very legendary background.
She rose from being a flight attendant to a bodyguard, and eventually became the Queen of Thailand, showing not only high emotional intelligence but also a remarkable ability to win the king’s favor.
However, her life is not easy, as the king always keeps an interest in new things, with new concubines constantly emerging, forcing her to be ever vigilant of the struggles within the harem.
To secure her position, she not only has to manage affairs within the harem but also participate in political matters, making her daily life quite difficult.
Beyond his love life, King Maha’s various actions have also been subject to controversy.
He is often seen traveling with female bodyguards, though they are not solely for his protection.
In fact, most of these bodyguards hold a place in his royal harem.
This exaggerated display of power has drawn widespread criticism from the Thai public, especially during the global pandemic in 2020. While the country faced an emergency, King Maha did not stay in Thailand to manage affairs but instead took 20 female bodyguards on a holiday to Germany, causing great uproar.
To enjoy his vacation, the king not only booked an entire hotel in the Alps but also decorated it with Thai antiques, showcasing a level of luxury that left people stunned.
Despite the public outrage, King Maha seemed unfazed and continued to act as he pleased.
His current queen, Suthida, although low-profile and wise, still faces many doubts due to her rise from a bodyguard to a queen.
The Thai public’s criticism of King Maha extends beyond his personal life. In family matters, he has also shown a cold side.
For instance, after his former consort Srirasmi’s family was implicated in criminal activities, King Maha sent her to a temple to become a nun and stripped her of her royal title.
Additionally, King Maha and another consort, Yuvadhida, had four sons, but suspecting her of infidelity, he sent all four of his sons to live in Germany and rarely visited them himself.
These decisions have left many feeling heartbroken.
In the political arena, King Maha's actions have also stirred controversy.
The Thai people could not understand his appointment of his niece-in-law as Prime Minister, viewing it as a highly personal decision lacking fairness.
Although King Maha has been heavily criticized for his love life and personal actions, his contributions to national affairs cannot be ignored.
In his youth, King Maha received a solid overseas education, particularly showing a deep interest in the military field.
After returning to Thailand, he gained extensive experience in the Royal Army and earned military ranks based on his abilities, showcasing extraordinary competence.
Since becoming king, King Maha has made numerous efforts in technological innovation, promoting Thailand’s modernization and boosting the economy.
Though he seems indifferent to the well-being of the people in his daily life, in reality, he has paid attention to areas such as education and healthcare. He has also actively participated in social activities aimed at protecting vulnerable groups, earning support from some Thai people.
In politics, King Maha has implemented several reforms and actively promoted cooperation between Thailand and other countries, accelerating Thailand’s economic growth.
However, some Thai citizens are skeptical of these efforts, believing that he is merely consolidating the monarchy’s power rather than genuinely working for the welfare of the people.
Each country has its own style of governance, and King Maha of Thailand has his unique approach.
Although his private life has caused dissatisfaction among the people, it is undeniable that he has also contributed to Thailand's development.
With calls for reform growing louder, the future direction of Thailand's royal family remains a matter of great interest.
As the king of the country, King Maha is not only a symbol of Thailand but also an important figure influencing the lives of its people.
One can only hope that in his future work and personal life, he will pay more attention to his words and actions, setting a better example for the country.
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