Thai king Maha Vajiralonkorn, 68,  and his 35-year-old consort Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi have lately been seen spending time at Thai prisons, with the king seen wiping floors, in an
attempt to increase acceptance after sharp criticism during recent street protests, AFP reports.

With the protesters, led largely by
students, calling for reforms to the monarchy, the royalty has made more frequent public appearances in recent months.

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The two were seen visiting different
prisons in the country, with Sineenat being assigned by the king to oversee the
healthcare conditions of the inmates.

Sineenat has had a tough time finding acceptance in the last two years.  In July, 2019 she was named consort
to the king after a period of almost a century since such an appointment last
being made. Interestingly, she was stripped of her rank in three months after allegations that she displayed ‘disloyalty’ and ‘ambition’ to be equal to king’s wife, Queen Suthida.

Sineenat came back into limelight in
September 2020, with the king reinstating her title and declaring that she was
not ‘tarnished’ anymore.

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In Thailand, any criticism directed at the royal family is curbed using a tight defamation law. The protestors have been
demanding the abolition of the same, as well as demanding that the king stay
out of Thai politics.

A total of 41 activists have been
charged with the law so far.