Thai Royal Succession Exposes Broader Power Struggle

Widely popular Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, on the throne since 1946, has long been portrayed as a benevolent and stabilizing force -- an informal supreme court of last resort capable of settling political disputes, punishing those who have overreached in pursuit of power and restoring societal balance. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, the king's only male heir, lacks his father's prestige. However, the factions most opposed to the prince have been mollified. The acceptance of the crown prince as heir has been evident in a number of recent high-profile public events intended to forcefully signal that the crown prince is the undisputed choice to replace the king....