Brian Eyler quoted in article about a princess’s run to become the next prime minister of Thailand

A princess makes a surprising run to become Thailand’s next prime minister

In a historic first for Thailand, a senior member of the royal family is running in a general election — a move that some suspect could increase the monarchy’s overall power in the country.

News emerged early on Friday that Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, the elder sister of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and the oldest child of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, will be the prime ministerial candidate for the Thai Raksa Chart Party in the upcoming March 24 election. The party is closely linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is widely believed to have played a role in Ubolratana’s candidacy.

Her decision to run could change the entire outlook for the long-delayed election, which will be the country’s first after nearly five years of military rule. Given how revered the monarchy is in Thai culture — nearly every establishment and household has portraits of the king — it will be hard for other candidates to run against the princess and equally tough for voters to consider other choices, analysts told CNBC.

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