Thailand's new king asserts his strength

Bangkok

FROM requiring constitutional changes to pushing for unity in the divided country and reshaping the royal household, Thailand's new king is putting an assertive stamp on his rule.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn has made it clear to the generals running the country that he will not just sit in the background as a constitutional figurehead since taking the throne in December from a father treated by Thais as semi-divine.

That matters in Thailand, where relationships between monarchy, army and politicians have long determined the stability of South-east Asia's second-biggest economy and America's oldest regional ally.

Predictions by some pundits of a troubled royal transition have proven wrong - at least for now. "His majesty has proven himself to be very adept at managing the junta and the military," said aca…