A thing that strikes you as you move about Bangkok is there are portraits of the reining Thai King Vajiralongkorn everywhere. Highways, schools, malls, municipal buildings, etc. As an American with a culture lacking in such obvious worship of high personality (granted, I do not live in the Bible Belt), it is definitely novel to see. Even as a kid in China, I don’t recall seeing as many portraits of Chairman Mao. Either the Thai people really love their monarch, or it is untamed royal propaganda.
Por qué no los dos? I’m sure plenty of Thai people genuinely revere the royal family. Apparently, Vajiralongkorn’s father - King Bhumibol - was beloved and super popular. He ruled Thailand (unlike the British royal family, the Thai monarchy is not simply ceremonial) for over 70 years. That said, it is against Thai law to say anything negative about the monarchy. Therefore, even if citizens don’t want to see the portrait of the king plastered everywhere, they can’t really do anything about it publicly.
I’ve been told that one can’t even step on Thai paper currency. Because the image of King Vajiralongkorn is on every denomination. (Similar to the Chinese RMB, where it’s all Chairman Maos.) Therefore, if you were to step on a 100 baht note to stop it from flying away, you’re essentially stepping on the face of the king. I guess you’re losing that 100 baht.
Upon further reading, it turns out King Vajiralongkorn doesn’t even reside in Thailand! The Thai King purportedly spends most of his time ruling from Germany. Now that I can fully understand. When you have the option between Bavaria and Bangkok (and the Thai monarchy is immensely wealthy indeed), the choice is with Deutsch. Actual four seasons of weather is way preferable than always hot and always humid. When you are kitted-up like a Thai King should, being outside Bangkok gets sweaty quick.
With air conditioning.