Samsodin Bebit Omar

Unveiling the Truth of Thailand’s Monarchy

Samsodin B. Omar, BA Pol. Sc. 4

           Not only one, not two, not three, but ten kings under Chakri Dynasty have been inculcating to Thai people the principle of preserving unity and solidarity and mastering the necessary goodwill in the country. By the virtue of the monarch, the immeasurable belief of the Thai people in amity remains the same. People have been passionately leading the country driven by the goal: One Thailand for the Common Good. At present, Thailand’s tourist destinations are the cornerstone of our bucket lists and travel goals. The country can offer the cheap cost of travel, most beautiful historical places, appetizing food, adventure aspect, beautiful beaches and sceneries, and ofcourse the most gracious smiles by the Thai people. For these reasons, there is no doubt that the kingdom, not only politically and economically, is becoming progressive of its tourism.

           Despite these constructive ideas, it is important to look the other side of the coin. The kingdom can be traced back by its indelible history. Massacres, both in child and adult, men and women, poor and rich, the scandalous misdeeds of the government officials, the attempt and conduct of coup d’état to overthrow the existing form of government, the revolts by the civilians have made the country to be a hot topic not just in Southeast Asia region but all around the globe. The intriguing question lies on the role of the king as a monarch and head of the state at the same time.      

           In contrast to Malaysia and Singapore, political instability has been the hallmark of the Kingdom of Thailand. Looming in the background, a popular monarch provided decades of continuity as the Thai people not only revered him but also appreciated his occasional interference in political disputes (Bertrand, 2013). According to Surin (1992:334), as cited in Hewison (1997), the king does not have any political or administrative power under the system of constitutional monarchy, his role in times of political crisis has been crucial. The Thais view the king as sacred and as a spiritual leader who serves as a symbol of unity. Because of this, the monarch remains above all conflicting political groups. Support of the monarchy remains an indispensable source of political legitimacy. A political leader or regime, even a popularly elected government, would not be truly legitimized without the king’s blessing.

           Notable in the history of the Kingdom of Thailand, for the part of the monarch, is when at times the king supported, opposed and ignored the decisions of the ruling government. During the early decades of King Bhumibol’s reign, he cultivated a role as a patron of rural development. Apparently, the welcome removal from office of Prime Minister Suchinda came after a globally televised rebuke by King Bhumibol, who made both Suchinda and Chamlong kneel before him as he sat regally on his throne. The king also once supported the government of Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda, his most trusted adviser, during the two military attempts to overthrow Prem’s administration. The king’s strong resistance to these coups added to his public prestige and influence given that only in rare occasions the king intervened publicly in politics (Dayley & Neher, 2013).

           Moreover, in Thailand’s parliamentary form of government, the monarch serves as the head of the state and the prime minister, on the otherhand, serves as the head of the government. The presence and intrusion of the king in the political set up of the country has been crucial even up to this day. Being the spiritual leader who serves as the symbol of unity in the eyes of Thai people, the decision and voice of the king is always seen as topmost. Additionally, Thai king could be considered as one who’s always after in the future endeavors of the country, ensuring that the kingdom is not being left behind by its neighboring countries in all aspects, and one who kept transforming the lives of Thai people with the notion that being the only Southeast Asian country that have never been colonized, their kind of solidarity and unity is what makes Thailand unique.