THAILAND`S King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was the world’s longest-reigning monarch, died on Thursday at the age of 88. He reigned for seven decades after ascending the throne in 1946. King Bhumibol though was only a constitutional head, he enjoyed divine influence over his people. The country’s politics was marred by popular upheavals and military coups and yet he was undisputed source of strength and unity among the people. He remained above politics but nothing could happen in politics without his blessings. Thus he had to be wise and tactful through every crisis the country faced.
His passion for development of the common people earned admiration of all. He was truly the people’s king and a guiding force to transform Thailand to a modern state. We mourn his death with the Thai people and shared their grief who had known him over the decades as a father figure. A great soul committed to the service of humanity has passed away leaving a big emptiness in the governance of Thai people.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha who assumed power in 2014 in a military coup has announced that civil servants would observe mourning for a year. Thais would also refrain from “festivities” for 30 days. Flags would fly at half-mast at all government buildings and schools for 30 days. Meanwhile, a royal cremation is expected to take months to prepare in keeping with tradition of the Thai royalty.
In our view what makes Bhumibol a highly distinguished monarch in modern time and to be remembered forever is for his high political acumen as a monarch that allowed him to guide the Thai people in time of national crisis. There is no doubt he had to make many compromises during his long career to resolve the power struggle between army and politicians using his high moral influence as a monarch. He gave the Thai nation the much needed continuity that many other nations had missed and are missing.
The monarchy without political ambition has served the Thai nation the best through difficult times and we hope it will continue to play its role to keep the Thai people, smiling, happy and prosperous. This is the time for all sections of Thai people to come together to do the right thing. No section must assume that it knows all the right answers.
His passion for development of the common people earned admiration of all. He was truly the people’s king and a guiding force to transform Thailand to a modern state. We mourn his death with the Thai people and shared their grief who had known him over the decades as a father figure. A great soul committed to the service of humanity has passed away leaving a big emptiness in the governance of Thai people.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha who assumed power in 2014 in a military coup has announced that civil servants would observe mourning for a year. Thais would also refrain from “festivities” for 30 days. Flags would fly at half-mast at all government buildings and schools for 30 days. Meanwhile, a royal cremation is expected to take months to prepare in keeping with tradition of the Thai royalty.
In our view what makes Bhumibol a highly distinguished monarch in modern time and to be remembered forever is for his high political acumen as a monarch that allowed him to guide the Thai people in time of national crisis. There is no doubt he had to make many compromises during his long career to resolve the power struggle between army and politicians using his high moral influence as a monarch. He gave the Thai nation the much needed continuity that many other nations had missed and are missing.
The monarchy without political ambition has served the Thai nation the best through difficult times and we hope it will continue to play its role to keep the Thai people, smiling, happy and prosperous. This is the time for all sections of Thai people to come together to do the right thing. No section must assume that it knows all the right answers.
