Thai king flies to Germany as monarchy reform calls persist

Analysts say Maha Vajiralongkorn's trip abroad could be sign he considers situation is under control

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has reportedly flown to Germany in what is believed to be his first trip abroad since pro-democracy protests escalated last year, breaking long held taboos to call for reforms to the monarchy.

The German tabloid Bild reported that Vajiralongkorn arrived on Monday in Bavaria, where it said he and his entourage of 250 people and 30 royal poodles had booked an entire floor of the Hilton Munich airport hotel for 11 days.