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<ul class="summary-list"><li>The US special-operations community boasts some of the toughest special-operations courses.</li><li>From time to time, US commandos head overseas to test their mettle at foreign special-operations schools.</li></ul>As one of the world's best commando forces, the US special-operations community boasts some of the toughest special-operations courses.Special Forces Underwater Operations School, Ranger School, Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance, Target Analysis, and Exploitation Techniques Course, Special Operations Combat Medic course are some of the courses and training regimes known for their difficulty and extremely high standards.Special operators from all over the world vie for the opportunity to attend US commando courses, and every class has a few foreign students.From time to time, US special operators also get to attend foreign schools. When they do, they experience a rather different approach to training. Some of those foreign special-operations courses are notorious for their difficulty and realism.<h2>La Escuela Militar de Lanceros</h2><div type="image" title="Colombian troops rappel at La Escuela de Lanceros" height="682" width="911" msid="89441264" hostid="261"></div>The Colombian Lancero course is one of the toughest foreign special-operations courses US commandos get to attend. Army Green Berets usually attend, but Navy SEALs and Army Rangers will occasionally go too."The most difficult course I am aware of is the <keyword id="12185376" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="colombia" source="Orion">Colombia</keyword>n Lancero Course. It was established in 1956 by two US Army Ranger officers on TDY [temporary duty] orders to Colombia. The Colombian wanted a course similar to our Ranger course," Steve Balestrieri, a <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveB7SFG" target="_top">journalist</a> and retired Army Special Forces warrant officer, told Insider.Called La Escuela Militar de Lanceros in Spanish, the course is named after the Lanceros, or Lancers, who aided Simon Bolivar during Colombia's fight for independence from Spain.The Lancero course has been heavily influenced by the US Army. Capt. Ralph Puckett, a legendary Ranger and Medal of Honor recipient, was one of two American officers who helped establish it.As a result, the Lancero course follows the same structure as the US Army Ranger School. To this day, there is always a US <keyword id="12012830" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="green-beret" source="Orion">Green Beret</keyword> officer who is qualified as a Lancero at the course to serve as a liaison.The 73-day course is divided into three main phases: Adaption/Acclimatization, Irregular/Urban Warfare, and Mountain/Jungle Warfare, followed by a graduation week for candidates who make it through. Students who fail one phase must redo it.<div type="image" title="Colombian troops rappel at La Escuela de Lanceros" height="682" width="1024" msid="89441265" hostid="261"></div>"During the Mountain/Jungle phase the Lancero students get only 2-4 hours of sleep and conduct one mission after another. They carry 70-pound rucksacks up steep mountains and have a 36-kilometer movement that Colombian students call 'Marca de la Muerte' or the March of Death," added Balestrieri, who served in the 7th Special Forces Group, which is responsible for Central and South America.The course takes place in the Andean region of west-central Colombia, and "because of the threat of actual guerrillas in the area, the students carried live ammunition on patrols," Balestrieri said.The few successful commandos who graduate from the course earn the Lancero badge, the design of which was influenced by US Army's Combat Infantry Badge.The benefit of the Lancero experience for Green Berets and other US special-operations troops is two-fold.It gives them "valuable experience" with the tactics, techniques, and procedures used by Colombians and with Colombian culture, Balestrieri said.For troops who will be working in the region, mainly members of the 7th Special Forces Group, "the Lancero Badge is one of the most recognized and respected courses in all of Latin America," Balestrieri added. "It provides instant credibility when working with our foreign allies."<h2>Royal Thai Army Ranger School</h2><div type="image" title="Army Special Forces Green Beret Thailand" height="832" width="1108" msid="89441266" hostid="261"></div>The Thai Ranger School is renowned for its toughness — so tough that US special operators were banned from attending it for years because of the high risk of death.Similar to the Lanceros course, the Royal Thai Army Ranger School lasts 73 days and is broken down into five phases: mountain, forest, swamp, maritime, and urban.Students have to finish each phase to proceed to the next and are scrutinized for their ability to lead and be part of a team. Students are graded on their performance in every position in a patrol (platoon leader, squad leader, medic, paceman, and navigator).<div type="image" title="Army Special Forces Green Beret Thailand" height="960" width="1706" msid="89441267" hostid="261"></div>In December 2020, a Green Beret assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group was the first American service member to attend the course in more than 40 years. He not only graduated but was recognized as the distinguished graduate."It's a lifetime bond here. I will always remember these guys and I will always keep in contact with them. It's like brother-to-brother mentorship," the Green Beret <a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/386463/ten-weeks-thailand-1st-sfg-green-beret-first-us-soldier-complete-royal-thai-armys-ranger-school?fbclid=IwAR1brc-J3Ghjvgc0DBQZDfq6LvGppm5SOS1Rh8VEjhXb0Lo___ujnziR52k" target="_top">said</a> afterward."As a Green Beret, we're supposed to be masters of the basics. This course took me back to the basics. For instance, navigating off one map per platoon," he said, contrasting that with the eight maps and GPS that Green Berets have when operating in Operational Detachment Alpha teams.<h2>What you know and who you know</h2><div type="image" title="Army Special Forces Guatemala" height="1333" width="2000" msid="89441268" hostid="261"></div>Attending foreign conventional and special-operations courses is about a lot more than training for the individual US special operator who is attending.Special-operations operations are all about access and relationships, both of which are required for SOF units to succeed.When Green Berets, Marine Raiders, or Navy SEALs attend a foreign course, they are expected to graduate — if not as the honor graduate then at least at the top of their class. This sends a message to their foreign classmates about the quality of the US military and special-operations community.Stavros Atlamazoglou is a defense journalist specializing in special operations, a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ), and a Johns Hopkins University graduate.

What makes 2 of the world's toughest special-operations courses so tough, according to troops who've endured them

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Britain's Queen Elizabeth has become the second-longest reigning monarch in history.</li><li>As of Monday, the Queen has been on the throne for 70 years and 127 days. </li></ul><keyword id="11893534" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="queen-elizabeth-ii" source="Orion">Queen Elizabeth II</keyword> has become the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61774853">second-longest reigning monarch</a> in history, BBC News reports.As of June 13, Her Majesty has been on the throne for 70 years and 127 days, according to the BBC. The outlet reports that the longest-reigning monarch was Louis XIV of France, who became king at the age of 4 and ruled for 72 years and 110 days was from 1643 to 1715 — though he really started to rule in 1661, when he was in his 20s. The Queen overtakes Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in 2016 and <a href="https://royalcentral.co.uk/uk/queen/a-momentous-day-the-queen-breaks-another-royal-milestone-as-she-becomes-the-second-longest-reigning-monarch-in-history-177956/">previously held the record</a> as second-longest reigning monarch, according to BBC News and Royal Central.The Queen, 96, succeeded to the throne at the age of 25 upon the death of her father, King George VI, on February 6, 1952, and was crowned a year later.<div type="image" title="queen coronation" height="2796" width="2196" msid="92185382" hostid="261"></div>Earlier this month, she celebrated her <keyword id="13112463" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="platinum-jubilee" source="Orion">Platinum Jubilee</keyword>, which marked her 70th anniversary on the British throne with <a href="https://www.insider.com/disappointing-photos-show-london-during-queens-jubilee-weekend-2022-6">celebratory events</a> in London including the <a href="https://www.insider.com/queen-platinum-jubilee-trooping-the-colour-buckingham-palace-photos-2022-6">Trooping the Colour parade.</a><div type="image" title="Queen Elizabeth II watches from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade the Trooping the Colour parade on June 2, 2022 in London, England." height="1864" width="2800" msid="92185384" hostid="261"></div>If Her Majesty is still reigning in May 2024 she will overtake Louis XIV as the world's longest reigning monarch of a sovereign state, the BBC reports.In 2015, Queen Elizabeth became the longest-reigning British monarch, overtaking a record previously set by <a href="https://www.royal.uk/queen-victoria#:~:text=Victoria%20died%20at%20Osborne%20House,son%2C%20Edward%20VII%20succeeded%20her.">Queen Victoria</a>, who reigned for almost 64 years until her death in 1901, according to the <keyword id="11893535" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="royal-family" source="Orion">royal family</keyword> website.<h2>The Queen's historic reign</h2>The world has changed massively during Queen Elizabeth's lifespan. Her Majesty has lived through iconic moments in history, such as World War II. When the then-Princess Elizabeth turned 18 in 1944, she became the only female member of the royal family to <a href="https://www.insider.com/photos-queen-elizabeth-mechanic-world-war-ii-2020-4">serve in the British army</a>, where she trained as a truck driver and mechanic, Insider previously reported.A total of 14 UK prime ministers have <a href="https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/25/many-prime-ministers-served-queens-reign-10462135/">held office</a> during the Queen's reign, according to Metro. The monarch holds a weekly audience with the Prime Minister every week, which were traditionally in person until the COVID-19 pandemic; <a href="https://www.insider.com/photos-queen-audience-with-boris-johnson-by-phone-call-windsor-2020-3">her first audience with Prime Minister Boris Johnson during the UK's lockdown</a> in 2020 was via telephone. That year, the Queen also began to hold royal engagements virtually over Zoom, and it's something <a href="https://www.insider.com/queen-says-covid-19-tired-exhausted-in-virtual-appearance-2022-4">she continues to do</a> two years later.The monarch has witnessed iconic <a href="https://www.insider.com/queen-elizabeth-technology-instagram-2019-3">technological inventions</a> as well, including the creation of the cellphone, the internet, and social media. These inventions have undoubtedly changed the way she performs her royal duties. In 2019, Her Majesty <a href="https://www.insider.com/queen-writes-first-instagram-post-2019-3">wrote her first Instagram post</a>, and today the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theroyalfamily/">royal family's Instagram account</a> has 11 million followers.The Queen hasn't just adapted to modern technology; she's also been praised for modernizing the monarchy herself. In 1970, she started the <a href="https://www.royal.uk/50-facts-about-queens-reign">royal walkabout</a>, when a member of the royal family meets ordinary members of the public, according to the royal website. This is a common practice carried out by <keyword id="11893529" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="royals" source="Orion">royals</keyword> both on international tours and at engagements in the UK to this day.

Queen Elizabeth II makes history by becoming the world's second-longest reigning monarch

<ul class="summary-list"><li>An outspoken supporter of the Thai royal family published the locations of <keyword id="90317" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Monarchy">monarchy</keyword> critics on <keyword id="6355629" type="DEFINITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="google">Google</keyword> Maps.</li><li>He told Reuters that he and 80 other volunteers compiled hundreds of coordinates while scouring the web.</li><li>Google has since taken down the maps.</li></ul>Google took down several user-generated Google Maps on Monday, which were created by a Thai royalist who wanted to expose the locations of people criticizing <keyword id="3739" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Thailand">Thailand</keyword>'s monarchy and King Bhumibol Adulyadej in particular.Thai royalist activist and retired army captain Songklod Chuenchoopol, also known as "Pookem," posted a screenshot of one such map on his Facebook page. It contained the addresses and job details of hundreds of apparent anti-monarchy critics, many of whom were labeled as students.According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/google-takes-down-maps-targeting-hundreds-thais-accused-opposing-king-2021-06-28/">Reuters</a>, their names were also listed in the maps. Another similar document was posted on Google Maps on the same day, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1ya3SaaWAcROZJN1QIdfEdFEM3zdoV_Cg&amp;ll=13.252599015298646%2C103.80932168675592&amp;z=6&amp;z=6">but could not be accessed by Insider on Tuesday.</a>In his post, Chuenchoopol claimed credit for the map, saying he would submit the documents to the authorities.He called his creation a "112 map," named after <a href="https://library.siam-legal.com/thai-law/criminal-code-royal-family-sections-107-112/">Thailand's royal defamation law</a>, which dictates that anyone who "defames, insults, or threatens" the royal family can be sentenced to three to 15 years of prison. The law is sometimes referred to as the "lese-majeste" rule. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/25/seven-thai-activists-face-charges-of-insulting-king-on-eve-of-mass-protest">The rule was leveled last year against dozens of activists, </a>when <a href="https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/thailand-protests-youth/">thousands protested in Bangkok</a> against the monarchy's control of billions in royal funds and the <a href="https://www.insider.com/thailand-king-maha-vajiralongkorn-everything-we-know-2019-8">current Thai king's luxury lifestyle.</a>Last December, a <a href="https://www.insider.com/thai-teen-charged-making-fun-king-could-face-15-years-2020-12">16-year-old boy</a> was ordered to turn himself in to the police for dressing up like the king - in a crop top - and writing insults to the king on his body. Meanwhile, a 63-year-old civil servant was sentenced to 43 years in jail under the law <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55723470">in January.</a> In one case, a man was jailed for <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35099322#:~:text=A%20man%20in%20Thailand%20faces,notoriously%20sweeping%20lese%2Dmajeste%20law.">15 years</a> for posting photos of the king's dog that allegedly ridiculed the animal. Chuenchoopol told Reuters that his maps were filled in by him and an 80-strong volunteer group, who monitored the web and social media for signs of criticism against the monarchy. According to him, it was "psychological warfare" that would discourage people from disrespecting the royal family.He has a substantial following on social media, with more than 162,000 followers on Facebook and 44,000 on Twitter.The right-wing activist also <a href="https://mgronline.com/local/detail/9630000095247">made local headline</a>s last September when he was admitted to the hospital after being attacked by a group of men.<div type="image" title="Songklod &quot;Pookem&quot; Chuenchoopol's map" height="682" width="909" msid="83950016" hostid="261"></div>A spokesperson for Google told Insider that it acted on the maps as soon as it was made aware of them on Monday."The issue is now fixed. We have <a href="https://support.google.com/mymaps/answer/6328547?hl=en&amp;ref_topic=30249364936">clear policies</a> about what's acceptable for user generated My Maps content. We remove user generated maps that violate our policies," the spokesperson wrote in an email statement.They added that Google would continue to monitor the situation and act on other maps that violate its policies.Human rights lawyer <a href="https://www.voicetv.co.th/read/Mk8-zmdmf?fbclid=IwAR0S2nFuWfSua7g9SgixLI_xZEoO6xSOOg2maxBCEeAHujg8XPcaX9C4qMg">Krisadang Nutjarat told local news site The Voice</a> that Chuenchoopol's maps were a violation of privacy and that the maps offered no proof of defamation.Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher on Thailand in Human Rights Watch's Asia division, tweeted about the removal of the maps, saying they contained hate.Insider has contacted Chuenchoopol for comment.

A Thai royalist tried to dox anti-monarchy by exposing their addresses on Google Maps, but Google has since taken the maps down

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Protesters in <keyword id="3739" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Thailand">Thailand</keyword> have flooded the streets with rubber ducks as a sign of resistance ahead of warnings of a possible coup.</li><li>The youth-led <keyword id="6354896" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="protests">protests</keyword> call for a new constitution, a reform of the monarchy, and Prime Minister Chan-O-Cha to resign. </li><li>Rubber ducks have a history of being used in political protests as a sign of bravery and strength, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-24/thai-protests-rubber-duckies-dinosaurs-three-finger-salute/12911494">ABC News</a> reported.</li><li>Protest artwork has also been posted online, with the rubber ducks being portrayed as heroes, according to <a href="https://sea.mashable.com/culture/13288/thai-protestors-have-found-a-new-weapon-and-theyre-giant-rubber-ducks">Mashable</a>.</li></ul>Protesters in Thailand have flooded the streets with rubber ducks as a sign of resistance ahead of warnings of a possible coup.The youth-led protests call for a new constitution, a reform of the monarchy, and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha to resign. The rubber ducks were initially brought out after authorities blocked access to the parliament building, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/20/giant-rubber-ducks-become-symbol-of-thai-pro-democracy-rallies">The Guardian</a> reported. Protesters had joked that the only way to reach parliament would be to send rubber ducks along the river.<div type="image" title="Thailand Protests" height="4480" width="6720" msid="79464896" hostid="261"></div>The protests have been ongoing for months and the ducks have also become shields from police water cannons and tear gas.They have become increasingly violent after six people were shot outside Bangkok's police headquarters, according to <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/11/18/thai-democracy-protesters-return-steets-bangkok-six-people-shot/">The Telegraph</a>.At least 55 of the 100,000 protestors who took to the streets throwing paint and firing water guns were also injured, <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/11/18/thai-democracy-protesters-return-steets-bangkok-six-people-shot/">The Telegraph</a> added.Rubber ducks have a history of being used in political protests and have become a sign of bravery and strength, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-24/thai-protests-rubber-duckies-dinosaurs-three-finger-salute/12911494">ABC News</a> reported.In 2013, giant ducks were photoshopped onto the iconic 'tank man' photograph from the Tiananmen Square massacre in China.Subsequently, the term 'big yellow duck' was censored on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-24/thai-protests-rubber-duckies-dinosaurs-three-finger-salute/12911494">ABC News</a> added.Protest artwork has also been posted online with the rubber ducks being portrayed as heroes, according to <a href="https://sea.mashable.com/culture/13288/thai-protestors-have-found-a-new-weapon-and-theyre-giant-rubber-ducks">Mashable</a>."This time, yellow inflatable rubber ducks have become a new symbol for the pro-democracy movement, not just because they are cute but also because they highlight the sheer absurdity and disproportionality of the situation," <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/20/giant-rubber-ducks-become-symbol-of-thai-pro-democracy-rallies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tracy Beattie</a>, a Thai politics researcher and specialist, told Mashable.A 'rehearsal against the coup' demonstration was held yesterday with protesters warning of a possible coup, <a href="https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/thai-protesters-direct-ire-kings-massive-wealth">VOA News</a> reported.<div type="image" title="Thailand Protests" height="4480" width="6720" msid="79464906" hostid="261"></div>Thailand is no stranger to coups. There have been 13 since a 1932 revolution established a constitutional monarchy, <a href="https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/thai-protesters-direct-ire-kings-massive-wealth">VOA News</a> added.Army Chief Narongphan Jittkaewtae has rejected coup rumors and said chances were "less than zero," <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/28/thai-protesters-flood-street-with-rubber-ducks-in-coup-prevention-drill">The Guardian</a> added. The call for the monarchy to be reformed has been the most controversial since it is considered untouchable and a cornerstone of Thailand's national identity, according to the <a href="https://www.freepressseries.co.uk/news/national-news/18877474.thai-protesters-clash-police-parliament-mulls-charter-changes/">Press Association</a>. Protestors believe that King Maha Vajiralongkorn holds too much power and has recently made it the main campaigning point despite a possible 15 years in prison, the <a href="https://www.freepressseries.co.uk/news/national-news/18877474.thai-protesters-clash-police-parliament-mulls-charter-changes/">Press Association</a> added. The royal institution is led by an army whose actions are endorsed by the ever-powerful royal palace, according to <a href="https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/thai-protesters-direct-ire-kings-massive-wealth">VOA News</a>. Prime Minister Chan-O-Cha who came to power during the country's last coup in 2014 has played down prospects of being overthrown and a change in martial law, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/28/thai-protesters-flood-street-with-rubber-ducks-in-coup-prevention-drill">The Guardian</a> added.

Thai protesters flood streets with rubber ducks as a symbol of resistance as fears of a coup grow

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Unlike the British royal family, not much is known about Thailand's monarchs, thanks to strict laws restricting reporting on the Thai royals.</li><li>Lèse-majesté law subjects anyone who "defames, insults or threatens the king the queen, the heir-apparent or the regent" to a jail term of three to 15 years.</li><li>From marrying his bodyguard to flying his own plane and throwing a four-day funeral for his pet poodle, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.my/thailand-king-maha-vajiralongkorn-everything-we-know-2019-8/">here's everything we know about Thailand's eccentric ruler</a>, King Rama X.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.</a></li></ul>Following is a transcription of the video:Narrator: Unlike the British royal family, not much is known about Thailand's monarchs, thanks to strict laws restricting reporting on the Thai royals. However, King Rama X isn't a complete mystery. From marrying his bodyguard to flying his own plane and throwing a four-day funeral for his pet poodle, here's everything we know about Thailand's eccentric ruler.King Rama X was born on July 28, 1952. His full name means "adorned with jewels or thunderbolts." He was educated first at a palace school in Bangkok, then prep and boarding schools in the United Kingdom, before completing his overseas education at the Royal Military College at Duntroon in Canberra, Australia. After graduating, the prince joined the Thai army. He underwent advanced military training not only in Thailand, but also the UK, US, and Australia, becoming an officer and qualified pilot for both civilian and military aircrafts. According to the BBC, the king still flies his own Boeing 737 when he travels overseas.Despite his military training, there were questions of whether the prince was fit to rule. Rumors of gambling, womanizing, and associating with illegal businesses reportedly plagued the prince's reputation. In 1977, he married his first cousin, but then got involved with a young actress with whom he had five children before the two married in 1994. But just two years later, he publicly denounced her and disowned his four sons. In 2001, he married his third wife, a lady-in-waiting, but took away her royal title in 2014 and arrested nine of her relatives, including her parents, on charges that they'd abused their connection to him.After his father passed away in October 2016, the prince ascended Thailand's throne and became King Rama X,<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/thailands-king-rama-x-from-pilot-prince-to-powerful-monarch-2019-5"> the 10th monarch of his royal house</a>. In order to allow time for Thailand to mourn his father, he waited three years for his coronation. And three days before the highly anticipated and lavish affair in May 2019, the king married his fourth wife. The palace had never acknowledged the king's longtime romantic relationship with the woman who helped command his bodyguards before. But now, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.sg/thailand-king-marries-bodyguard-surprise-wedding-2019-5/">she was his queen</a>.The queen joined the king for his coronation festivities. The procession, which involved 1,300 people and elephants, took six and a half hours and reportedly cost the government $31 million. The South China Morning Post reported that the king wore a 15-pound crown and was carried on a palanquin by 16 people, who changed every 500 meters.Just two months later, he made his rumored longtime girlfriend, a major general, his royal noble consort. The televised ceremony took place on the king's 67th birthday, with the queen at his side. When the Thai royal palace later published a photo of the king's consort wearing a crop top and piloting a plane, its official website crashed.According to The Times, King Rama X is Thailand's first modern monarch to openly have more than one partner. However, in October 2019, the king stripped his royal noble consort of her title, citing disloyalty. According to the royal palace's official statement, she was "ambitious," her behavior was "disrespectful," and she tried to "elevate herself to the same state as the queen." The statement also said that the king's consort had attempted to prevent the queen's coronation. The king stripped his former consort of all royal titles and decorations, as well as status in the royal guard and military ranks.Although Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, the king wields much power. He commands an estimated 5,000 troops in the royal guard and has much influence over the wealthy Crown Property Bureau, which provides the palace with an annual income of about $300 million. Not to mention, as king, he can pretty much do whatever he wants. Including naming his pet poodle Foo Foo an air chief marshal. When Foo Foo died, the king gave him a four-day-long Buddhist funeral.Despite his responsibilities in Thailand, he reportedly spends a large amount of his time at his home in the German state of Bavaria. An avid cyclist, the king has led a number of biking events in Bangkok, but if you see him out, think twice before snapping a picture. When a photo of the king was posted on Facebook showing him wearing a crop top, he threatened to sue Facebook, saying the images were insulting.Thailand's lèse-majesté law subjects anyone who "defames, insults or threatens the king the queen, the heir-apparent or the regent" to a jail term of three to 15 years. The same law allowed the king to imprison his third wife's parents for two and a half years on charges of "royal defamation" and also imprison a Thai man for 35 years in 2017 for insulting the monarchy on Facebook. At least two people arrested on royal defamation charges have been found dead under mysterious circumstances.The United Nations' rights body has issued a warning that Thailand's use of lèse-majesté might "constitute crimes against humanity." The legislation has been in effect since Thailand's first criminal code was created in 1908. And the military-backed government says the law is needed to protect the monarchy.

Everything we know about King Rama X of Thailand

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image"> AP/Kiko RosarioResidents stop to take a photograph of themselves at a military checkpoint in central Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, May 20, 2014.</div></div></div>BANGKOK (AP) - Thailand's powerful army declared martial law Tuesday and deployed troops into the heart of Bangkok in a dramatic move it said was aimed at stabilizing the Southeast Asian country after six months of turbulent political unrest. The military insisted a coup d'etat was not underway.
The surprise, pre-dawn operation, which places the army in charge of public security nationwide, came amid deepening uncertainty over the nation's fate and one day after the caretaker prime minister refused to step down in the face of long-running anti-government protests.
Although soldiers entered multiple television stations to broadcast the army message, life in the vast skyscraper-strewn metropolis of 10 million people remained largely unaffected, with schools, businesses and tourist sites open and traffic flowing as usual.
In front of one of the country's most luxurious shopping malls, bystanders gawked at soldiers in jeeps mounted with machine guns who briefly diverted traffic. The mood wasn't tense; passers-by stopped to take cell phone pictures of the soldiers.
Thailand, an economic hub for Southeast Asia, has been gripped by off-and-on political turmoil since 2006, when former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was toppled by a military coup after being accused of corruption, abuse of power and disrespect for King Bhumibol Adulyadej. His overthrow triggered a power struggle that in broad terms pits Thaksin's supporters among a rural majority against a conservative establishment in Bangkok.
The army, seen by many as sympathetic to anti-government protesters, has staged 11 coups since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932. But it made no moves Tuesday to dissolve the country's constitution or its current, caretaker government.
Acting Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan - who was not consulted beforehand on the army move - called an emergency Cabinet meeting at an undisclosed location. In a brief statement, Niwattumrong said only that the government hopes the military action will "bring peace back to the people of every group and every side."
Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang, however, said in a post on his Facebook page that martial law was not an answer and warned it could "eventually spiral into a situation in which the military has no choice but to stage a coup."
Thailand's problems are "fundamentally political problems that must be solved through political processes under democracy ... not military or security measures," Chaturon said.
The military statement was issued Tuesday by army chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-Ocha, who cited a 1914 law that gives the authority to intervene during crises. He said the military took action to avert street clashes between political rivals.
"The Royal Thai Army intends to bring back peace and order to the beloved country of every Thai as soon as possible," he said. We "intend to see the situation resolved quickly."
Prayuth met Tuesday afternoon with senior officials from government agencies, provincial governors and representatives from the country's independent agencies - but not the Cabinet.
The latest round of unrest started last November, when demonstrators took to the streets to try to oust then-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin's sister. She dissolved the lower house of parliament in December in a bid to ease the crisis, and later led a weakened, caretaker government.
Earlier this month, the Constitutional Court ousted Yingluck and nine Cabinet ministers for abuse of power. But the move, which left the ruling party in charge of government, did little to resolve the conflict.
Competing protests in Bangkok have raised concerns of more violence, which were heightened by anti-government protesters who set a Monday deadline for achieving their goals of ousting the remnants of the government.
An overnight attack last week on the main anti-government protest site left 3 dead and more than 20 injured. It raised the toll since November to 28 dead and drew a strong televised rebuke from the army chief.
"This week looked ominous," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, director of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University. "There was a strong likelihood of violence and turmoil."
"Martial law is intended to impose peace and order, but the key will be the army treatment of the two sides," Thitinan said. "If the army is seen as favoring one side over the other, then we could see the situation spiral and deteriorate. If the army is seen as even-handed ... we could actually see the situation improving."
Throughout the morning, the army issued multiple edicts. In one, they asked TV and radio stations to be on standby to interrupt programming for army broadcasts when asked. At least 10 politically affiliated private TV stations from both sides ceased broadcasting - after armed soldiers entered and requested they do so.
Prayuth said rival protesters could remain at their rally sites as long as remain peaceful and stop marching. The leader of anti-government demonstrators, Suthep Thaugsuban, handed a bouquet of flowers to army officers taking care of the Government House complex as his supporters vacated a building they had occupied for a week.
The leader of the pro-government Red Shirt movement, Jatuporn Prompan, said his group could accept martial law, but "won't tolerate a coup or other non-constitutional means" to grab power.
"We will see what the army wants," he said, warning that the undemocratic removal of the country's caretaker government "will never solve the country's crisis and will plunge Thailand deeper into trouble."
Red Shirts had been massing for days on the outskirts of Bangkok, and Jatuporn said his supporters were being "surrounded." More than 100 soldiers deployed near the rally venue with coils of barbed wire to block roads; they appeared to be taking over control of the area from police and rumors spread they would conduct a raid in search for weapons.
Brad Adams, Asia Director for Human Rights Watch, said denounced the army move, calling it "a de facto coup."
"The military has pulled a 100 year old law off the shelf that makes the civilian administration subordinate to the military, effectively rendering the executive, legislative and judicial branches powerless," Adams said.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said the U.S. was "very concerned about the deepening political crisis in Thailand."
We "urge all parties to respect democratic principles, including respect for freedom of speech," she said. "We expect the Army to honor its commitment to make this a temporary action to prevent violence, and to not undermine democratic institutions."
On Monday, Thailand's acting prime minister insisted his government will not resign, resisting pressure from a group of senators who are seeking ways to settle the country's political crisis, and from anti-government protesters who are demanding an appointed prime minister.
A group of about 70 senators, most of them seen as siding with anti-government protesters, proposed a framework Friday that calls for a new interim government with full power to conduct political reforms. The Senate, the country's only functioning legislative body, had been seen as the last resort of the anti-government protesters.
___
Associated Press writers Jocelyn Gecker and video journalists Kiko Rosario and Raul Gallego Abellan in Bangkok and Deb Riechmann in Washington contributed to this report.
<div class="nc_footer">
Copyright (2014) Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
</div>

Thailand's Army Denies Coup After Declaring Martial Law

<keyword id="42747" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Tata-Motors">Tata Motors</keyword>, which is India’s leading automaker by sales, is implementing PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Act East’ policy and will set up new markets in South East Asian region.

	Tata Motors will be supplying military vehicles, including troop carriers and combat vehicles, to Thailand and Myanmar.<o:p></o:p>

	Vice President, defence and government business, Tata Motors, Vernon Norohna said the company has already passed trials for supplying the 715 GS, 2.5 tonne military vehicles to the Royal Thai Army. These vehicles, Norohna said, are used essentially as troop carriers with a capacity to carry 11 troops.

	"Besides Thailand, we are also looking at Myanmar as a market to supply military vehicles," added Norohna.<o:p></o:p>

	While the “Look East Policy” was introduced in the early 1990s when the then Congress party’s PV Narasimha Rao was the Prime Minister of India. The same policy was endorsed by former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh. This policy has been re-christened as the “Act East Policy” by Modi and has been lauded as the country’s most successful foreign policy initiative taken in the past two decades.<o:p></o:p>

	“Indian companies penetrating into the markets of Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam etc is a great commercial move especially in the backdrop of China’s extraordinary ascendance to the world stage and its dominance in the markets of Myanmar and Thailand,” said a foreign affairs expert on the condition of anonymity.

	As per the expert, Thailand is presently flooded with Japanese military and commercial vehicles, but Myanmar has dominance from China in the segment.<o:p></o:p>

	Although for Tata Motors, this is more of a commercial move, but experts view this penetration as a hedge against China’s massive commercial presence in Myanmar.

	“Moreover, there is a huge opportunity in the combat vehicles space as these vehicles are facing replacement in many countries across the globe,” the expert added.<o:p></o:p>

	Speaking of Indian plans, Norohna said Tata Motors is laying emphasis on the wheeled platform Kestrel—the armoured amphibious platform in which the company plans to put anti-tank missiles and guns for use by the forces of the Indian Army.

	(Anupama Airy is the Founder and Editor of EnergyInfraPost.com and DefenceAviationPost.com. She can be reached at <a href="mailto:anupama.airy@gmail.com" target="_blank">anupama.airy@gmail.com</a>​, Twitter handle: @anupamaairy)

	<o:p> </o:p>

Tata Motors is penetrating South East Asian markets and will supply military vehicles to Thailand and Myanmar

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Lance Cpl. Kenny Nunez/US Marine CorpsUS, Republic of Korea, and Royal Thai Marines conduct an amphibious assault rehearsal during Cobra Gold 19 at Hat Yao Beach, Kingdom of Thailand.</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>On February 12, the US and Thailand launched Cobra Gold, one of the largest multi-national exercises in the world.</li><li>The annual exercise brings together 29 nations as participants or observers; nine participating countries include the US and Thailand as well as Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, China, India, Indonesia, and South Korea, according to a <a href="https://www.army.mil/article/217329/cobra_gold_19_opening_ceremony" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Army release</a>.</li><li>The exercise, which will end on Friday, includes a field training exercise, humanitarian and disaster relief components.</li><li>One of the most anticipated aspects of the exercise is jungle survival training, when Royal Thai Marines teach their US counterparts how to identify edible foods, including plants and animals.</li><li>During the training, US troops have the opportunity to eat scorpions and geckos, and drink snake blood - all skills necessary to survive if one becomes isolated from their unit.</li></ul>

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