Tens of thousands of demonstrators ignored the order. They are calling for the resignation of military-backed Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and curbs on the monarchy.
Some experts suggest King Maha Vajiralongkorn's firing of his consort may be an additional power move by a monarch who has worked to amass personal authority since he succeeded his father in 2016.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was the world's longest-reigning living monarch when he died last year at the age of 88, will be cremated in an elaborate ceremony in Bangkok today.
The revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej died in October 2016, with his remains lying in state at the royal palace in Bangkok. The ceremony will conclude a year of mourning for the Thai people.
Hawaii is famous for its surfers, hula dancers, and aloha spirit. But did you know it was a monarchy, before its queen was forced to surrender the islands at gunpoint? Or that island folklore says volcanoes erupt because of the goddess Pele, and that shark gods help ships lost at sea? .
