His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand has fired a high ranking royal guard from his post. Gen. Arshawin Sawetseni served as a royal bodyguard until his firing, which was announced on the government gazette website. He had also served as a royal bodyguard under the late King Bhumibol.
The announcement did not specify why he was fired, but the news came just hours after Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, a Royal Noble Consort to His Majesty the King, was stripped of her royal titles.
According to the announcement Sineenat “did not understand Royal Palace’s custom and traditions, showed disobedience to the King and Queen, and exploited her title by giving commands and claiming the king had told her to do so on his behalf.” The former consort allegedly opposed the King installing his wife, Suthida, as Queen, stating that it should have been her instead.
Sineenat had been bestowed the title of Royal Noble Consort while the King anointed her with ceremonial water. His wife Queen Suthida sat next to him as he did so. In addition to her new title, she also received the following decorations: The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao, 1st Class; The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant, Special Class; The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand, Special Class; and Rattanaporn Medal, First Class. All of these have now been rescinded.
