The role of a monarch is largely ceremonial; however King
Bhumibol has stepped in only in times of national crisis.
For those who mentioned that Thaksin has played a bigger role for
creating what Thailand is today, I urge you to think again. The
King of Thailand has little direct power under the constitution but
is a symbol of national identity and unity.
King Bhumibol who has been on the throne since 1946 commands
enormous popular respect and moral authority, which he has used on
occasion to resolve political crises that have threatened national
stability.
He also mentioned he will not get actively involved in politics
unless it comes to a point whereby the people of Thailand are
deeply divided. There is a right time for every action and he
chooses his next move carefully. Lets respect this man ok?
Although Bhumibol is a constitutional monarch, he has several times
made decisive interventions in Thai politics, including the
political crisis of 2005-2006. Bhumibol has been widely credited
with facilitating Thailand's transition to democracy in the 1990s,
although in earlier periods of his reign he supported military
regimes. Most recently, he did not oppose the September 2006 coup
which overthrew the elected government of Prime Minister Thaksin
Shinawatra.
Bhumibol uses his great wealth to fund numerous development
projects, particularly in rural areas. He is immensely popular in
Thailand, and is revered as a semi-divine figure by many Thais.
Critics, mostly outside Thailand, attribute this status to the
suppression of criticism of the monarchy.
During the 1970's, Bhumibol was a key figure in the Village Scouts
and Red Gaur. In October 1973 after massive protests and the deaths
of a large number of pro-democracy demonstrators led by students,
Bhumibol asserted himself politically for the first time by opening
the gates of the Chitralada Palace to fleeing students, and holding
audiences with their leaders.
In 1992, Bhumibol played a key role in Thailand's transition to a
democratic system. A coup on February 23, 1991 put Thailand back
under military dictatorship. After a general election, held in
1992, the majority parties invited General Suchinda Kraprayoon, a
leader of the coup group, to be the Prime Minister. This caused
much dissent, and the conflict escalated to demonstrations and then
to a large number of deaths when the military was brought in to
control the protesters. The situation became increasingly critical
as neither side would back down and the violence escalated.
Bhumibol summoned Suchinda and the leader of the pro-democracy
movement, Major General Chamlong Srimuang, to a televised audience.
At the height of the crisis, the sight of both men appearing
together on their knees (in accordance with royal protocol) made a
strong impression on the nation, and led to Suchinda's resignation
soon afterwards. It was one of the few public occasions where
Bhumibol directly intervened in a political conflict. A general
election was held shortly afterward leading to a civilian
government.
