Thai king’s long stays in Germany a headache for Berlin

Protests against the government and the monarchy have been held in the Thai capital Bangkok today. Protesters are demanding greater accountability from the monarchy after it emerged the king had transferred the crown assets to himself, increasing his wealth enormously. Under pressure, the government has responded by invoking the country’s strict lese majeste laws and charging at least 12 protest leaders with defaming the monarchy. A lot of the anger is directed against the current king Maha Vajiralongkorn who spends most of his time in Germany. His long stays have become a headache for Berlin with the government being questioned by the opposition on whether he actually conducts state business from here. The government has said this would be unacceptable.