The old elites have never cared about democracy. But when the king dies they want to be sure that they control the parliament," said Andrew MacGregor Marshall, a journalist and author of an upcoming book on Thailand titled A Kingdom in Crisis.
According to the rules of succession, on the death of the king the throne should pass to Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. But within the palace establishment - the network of privy counsellors, advisors and minor royals - are those who would prefer it instead went to Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Princess Chulabhorn, who posted the images on Instagram, is said to be an ally of the Crown Princess.