Maas: German govt examining Thai king's activities

German foreign minister Heiko Maas said Monday his government has been examining the King of Thailand's actions in Germany, adding that there would be "immediate consequences" if it was felt anything unlawful had taken place.

"Of course we are following the developments in Thailand, that there are demonstrations and people taking to the streets for their rights, and of course I also have an eye on the Thai king's actions in Germany," Maas said.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn has for years spent significant periods of time in Germany, but it only became an issue after the death of his father in 2016.

"We have been examining this not only in recent weeks, but we are continuing to examine it in the long term, and if there are things we feel to be unlawful, then that will have immediate consequences," Maas told reporters.

Vajiralongkorn's ability to spend time abroad has been made easier by changes his office sought and received to the current constitution that no longer require him to appoint a regent when away from the kingdom.

Maas recently expressed concern in parliament over any political activities the king might be conducting on German soil.