At the same time, the monarchy maintained a vast network of investments in real estate, blue chip companies, and other assets. The holdings gave the palace enormous leverage in Thai politics and business, especially when combined with what Thailand scholar Duncan McCargo has labeled the “network monarchy” of pro-royal allies throughout the military, bureaucracy, and business community. In McCargo’s telling, these relationships worked with the monarchy to promote its goals and wield enormous influence over Thai society. Today, the Crown Property Bureau, a holding company for the monarchy, is believed to control some of the most valuable real estate in the kingdom.