King Rama X: Thailand's Monarch in the 21st Century – Power, Bavaria, and a Difficult Legacy

The Thai monarchy is one of the most significant symbols in the country's political and cultural life. Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X, has been the reigning King of Thailand since 2016. His reign differs in many ways from that of his revered father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), who shaped the face of the Thai nation for over 70 years.

But Rama X isn't just a king—he's also a regular guest in Bavaria. His lifestyle, his leadership style, and his public perception raise many questions. A look behind the golden scenes.

• Born: July 28, 1952 in Bangkok
• Title: His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun
• Accession to the throne: 1 December 2016 (officially crowned in May 2019)
• Education: Military academies in Australia and England, pilot training
• Family: Four marriages, seven children (some with little public presence)

Comparison: Rama X vs. Rama IX

Theme	King Bhumibol (Rama IX)	King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)
reign	1946–2016	since 2016
Reputation among the people	Very high – almost religious veneration	Rather critical – distant status
Appear	Modest, down-to-earth	Luxury-focused, rarely public
Influence on politics	Moderating, reserved	Active, interventions in institutions
residence	Almost exclusively in Thailand	Mostly in Bavaria, Germany

Conclusion: Rama IX was a moral institution and considered a guarantor of national unity. Rama X follows in very large footsteps – and does so in his own, somewhat controversial way.

Thailand in Bavaria: The King and his German Residence

King Vajiralongkorn has had a close connection to Germany, especially Bavaria, since the 2000s:

• Main residence: A villa on Lake Starnberg, later longer stays at the Hotel Sonnenbichl in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
• Residence status: He often lives in Germany with diplomatic status – despite his role as head of state
• Criticism: During the COVID-19 pandemic, his extended absence from Thailand and his retreat to Bavaria caused protests and public debates – also in German politics

“A king who rules his country from a hotel in Bavaria is no longer in keeping with the times” – (Criticism from exiled activists)

Political role & influence

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy – so the king should be politically neutral. Nevertheless, Since his accession to the throne, Rama X has exerted more influence on political structures than his father:

• Control over the royal family's assets: Transfer to him personally, estimated value: over 30 billion USD
• Influence on the military: Close ties, direct control over certain units (Kingsguard)
• Interference in government positions and constitutional issues: critically observed by democracy promoters

Popularity: A monarch in the twilight

While his father was considered untouchable, Rama X is increasingly viewed with skepticism. Reasons for his unpopularity:

• Luxurious lifestyle that contrasts with the poverty of many Thais
• Absence from the country, especially in times of crisis
• Unpredictable behavior in public (e.g., appearances in crop tops or with temporary partners)
• Interventions in justice and politics
• Strict enforcement of the “Lèse-Majesté” law (insulting the majesty) – critics are severely punished

But:

• Due to the harsh lèse majesté laws, public criticism is severely restricted in Thailand
• The monarchy continues to have loyal supporters, especially in conservative and rural areas

Youth protests and growing resistance

Since 2020, protests have increased, especially among young people:

• Demand for reform of the monarchy
• Criticism of Rama X directly – breaking a taboo
• Posters, parodies and online campaigns despite censorship
• Support from Thai exiles in Europe

Conclusion: A king between tradition and modernity – and between Thailand and Bavaria

King Rama X is a symbol of change in Thailand: between the old monarchy and the new desire for democracy, between Asian royal tradition and Western lifestyle, between head of state and private citizen in Bavaria.

While his father was seen as a unifying force, Rama X is now a divisive force. Whether the monarchy can transform under his leadership—or increasingly loses its importance—will be decided in the coming years.