BANGKOK: Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn swore in a new Cabinet on Wednesday (Aug 13), calling for "order and peace" but without mentioning recent anti-government student protests that have urged reforms of the powerful monarchy.
The ceremony marked the king's first public appearance since the nearly unprecedented calls in two student-led protests for curbing the new powers King Vajiralongkorn has amassed since taking the throne after the death of his father in 2016.
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The king, as head of state, gave his blessing to the new Cabinet members, wishing "good health and wisdom to have the strength to perform your duties according to your oaths".
READ: 'We must fight' – Thailand's youth take on the establishment
READ: Thai PM 'concerned' as more students issue demands on monarchy
He also expressed a desire "for the happiness of the people, happiness of the public and for order and peace".
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He did not publicly acknowledge the student protests, some of which defied "lese majeste" laws against insulting the monarchy that carry a maximum 15-year prison sentence.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Tuesday that thousands of student protesters "went too far" after some issued a 10-point call for reform of the monarchy, which is considered semi-divine in the country's conservative culture.
channel news asia
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