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Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn with his official lover Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi
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New fodder for the international gossip press: Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 68, publicly celebrated the 36th birthday of his lover Sineenat "Koi" Wongvajirapakdi on Tuesday.
It had previously been speculated whether the monarch would even appoint his partner queen.
The rumor of a possible royal rank of Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi has not been confirmed for the time being.
Nevertheless, the lovers demonstrated their official partnership in Bangkok: The two even wore outfits in a partner look when they took part in several Buddhist ceremonies.
Traditionally they released animals, including fish, turtles and birds.
The ritual is supposed to bring luck.
In July 2019, Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi was practically the second wife next to Queen Suthida, 42, for a few months and even carried the title "Chao Khun Phra", in German about royal-noble wife.
In October 2019, the regent suddenly demoted her.
The reason: You have violated the will of the king and was disloyal to the monarchy.
The background was supposedly that she wanted to become queen herself.
Last September, the monarch surprisingly pardoned her and restored her to all royal and military titles.
Maha Vajiralongkorn is married for the fourth time.
He officially has seven children from previous relationships.
He married Queen Suthida only a few days before his coronation in May 2019.
For months there have been repeated protests against the government and also against the king in Bangkok.
Young Thais have little understanding for a regent who hardly spends time in his home country during the corona crisis, but instead lives most of the time in Bavaria.
You are now calling for changes to the law, including what concerns the king.
This was previously considered a taboo in the Southeast Asian country.
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zob / dpa