Thousands of civil servants, police and teachers are being sent to a military camp in Thailand for intensive training in community service and loyalty to the monarchy, according to the royal palace and interviews with trainees and organizers.

The program, established last year, highlights the way in which King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 67, is asserting his will on the Thai government and society to a greater extent than any sovereign since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, some experts say.

Seven program graduates who participated in the Volunteer Spirit 904 training said they woke up at 5 a.m. for light group exercise, then lined up to practice military-style salutes before classes on the history of Thai kings and training for community service.