The sister of Thailand’s King to contest election for Prime Minister in a move which breaks with tradition

The sister of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has joined the race to be the country’s next prime minister.

Princess Ubolratana Mahidol, 67, will stand for a party allied to divisive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, according to registration papers.

The unprecedented move breaks with the tradition of the Thai royal family publicly staying out of politics.

Thailand’s election is scheduled to take place on 24 March.

The election is being closely watched as the first chance for Thailand to return to democracy after five years under military rule.

Born in 1951, Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi is the oldest child of Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

After marrying an American in 1972, she gave up her royal title and moved to the US. After her divorce she returned to Thailand and once again started participating in royal life.

The princess engages actively in social media and has also starred in several Thai movies.

She had three children, one of whom died in the 2004 tsunami while the other two still live in the US.

The princess has registered for the Thai Raksa Chart party, which is loyal to the controversial Shinawatra family that has dominated Thai politics for years.