Following the ascension of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, the British Broadcasting Network (BBC) has released an article which the Thai government found to be offensive. A profile is believed to have been shared by the foreign journalist organization to the public.
The development has been on the heels of succeeding long-time royal leader King Bhumibol Adulyadej who died later this year. Although it has been anticipated that his only son will assume the throne, there are many who doubted the prince's capability.
Around ten policemen have been ordered to proceed to the BBC's office in Bangkok shortly after the narrative was in the news. However, the publication's branch has been closed. As of late, the Thai government has blocked the article nationwide considering that some of its contents have been found to be distressing to the new King.
It has been reported earlier that an individual, who has been critical of the current administration, was arrested for posting the narrative on his Facebook page. It should be noted that Thailand has strong laws against anyone heaping insults or criticisms against members of the royal family.
Although the BBC profile in Bangkok has already been taken down, an English-written article about the new King is still online. Among the details included in the profile is the crown prince's difficulty in completing his military college schooling in Australia's capital of Canberra.
Another item being pointed out is his 'Don Juan' image which apparently stemmed out from a 1981 quote of his mother Queen Sirikit who stated that Vajiralongkorn prefers to spend time around women instead of doing his functions as a prince. In addition, a narrative has also ridiculed the new King's rather low popularity rating compared to his sister Princess Sirindhorn.
Meanwhile, the BBC, whose Thai Facebook account remains online, has reiterated that the company's article complied with the editorial protocols of the news agency. However, the British network has faced scrutiny from some netizens who pointed out that adherence to Thai law is still significant.
