Thailand was the first country outside of China with a confirmed COVID-19 patient. It's generally considered to have done well containing the virus, currently reporting just 1245 total cases, though I'm skeptical of testing and reporting at least outside of Bangkok.
The King of Thailand also must be skeptical, because he's quarantined himself in Germany where there are over 56,000 cases. King Maha Vajiralongkorn has rented out the entire Grand Hotel Sonnenbichl to isolate himself "with his harem of 20 women and his servants."
The 67-year-old Thai King, a regular in Germany already, often residing in his $12 million mansion at Lake Starnberg, has been spotted enjoying the facilities of the luxury hotel, riding his bike outside with several of the women in his harem.
Most hotels in the country are closed. This property neslted in the Alps received a special permit to house the Thai king.
Reports are that the king sent 119 staff back to Thailand with suspected COVID-19. He didn't want the virus anywhere near him, but was comfortable having them in Bangkok.
While criticizing the Thai king violates the country's lese majeste laws (punishable by up to 15 years of prison), #WhyDoWeNeedAKing has trended in social media "used more than 1.2 million times in 24 hours." The nation's Minister of Digital Economy and Society warned that if this "causes damage" that lese majeste would be forced.
(HT: Marginal Revolution)
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