The Monarchy

The Monarchy

Thailand became a constitutional monarchy after a bloodless coup in 1932. The current king, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, ascended to the throne 14 years later, following the death of his elder brother King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII). He is the world's longest reigning sovereign.

Thais love the king, and are devoted to him in the most imaginable sense. Any criticism of the monarchy will cause deep offense, and possibly worse. Is it is forbidden by law to speak ill of royalty, with a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment (though deportation is a more likely sentence for foreigners).

Many families have photos of kings, past and present, displayed in their homes, and thousands of people gather in Sanam Luang Park each December for the king's birthday celebrations. The king's birthday speech is eagerly anticipated -- in recent years his criticism of government excesses has been especially pointed. During the nonviolent coup of 2006, in which former Prime Minister Thaksin was deposed and replaced by a military junta, the king's diplomacy helped restore the country to a state of calm.

Official symbols of the monarchy's importance are seen in its representation by the blue bar on the Thai flag and photographs of royal figures in government buildings and public spaces. Even Buddhist temples usually display a king's shrine next to the Buddha. The national anthem is played daily throughout Thailand at 8 AM and 6 PM, broadcast by radio and TV stations and piped into railway and bus stations. People stand respectfully for the duration.

King Bhumibol is the ninth monarch of the Chakri dynasty, which has ruled Thailand since 1782. Two of his most illustrious ancestors, King Rama IV and his son King Rama V, are also particularly revered. They were largely responsible for the modernization of Thailand in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Both engaged in diplomacy with Western powers and have placed great value on having foreign educators for their children. One of Rama IV's hired tutors was Anna Leonowens, who penned her memoirs The English Governess at the Siamese Court, on which several books and two films, including The King & I, are based. It's widely accepted that Leonowens exaggerated her position at the court, and Thais are extremely offended that she misrepresented the monarchy. The books and films are banned in Thailand.

During his reign, King Bhumibol has been a figure of stability for his people through some turbulent times, including coups d'état, popular uprisings, and a bewildering number of civilian and military leaders. His public works -- notably The King's Project, which supports small agricultural communities -- further enhance the public's devotion. Even the younger generations love him.

Another notable thing about King Bhumibol is that he's an accomplished jazz musician. As a saxophonist and clarinet player he has jammed with the likes of Benny Goodman and Stan Getz, and Thailand often holds jazz festivals in December to coincide with his birthday.

-Mag Ramsay