| |
| |
 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
BANGKOK: The Thais may revere King Bhumibol Adulaydej for his pivotal role in the country's political and social development, but some critics say an over reliance on the king's guidance has weakened other institutions in the country.
Former Thai Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag said: "...I think the citizens of this kingdom should grow up and resolve the problems by themselves".
The norm has been that the monarch is not involved in politics, but it's been clear the times when the king has stepped in.
Prachatai Online Newspaper director Chiranuch Premchaiporn said people may associate the king with politics because of the 1992 incident.
"... the king appeared and talked with the two leaders, General Chamlong and General Sujinda, to stop the conflict. And people felt relieved at that time," she said.
During the most recent round of political turmoil to grip Bangkok, calls again went out for a royal intervention.
"I don't think that this time it was either feasible or appropriate because things were too polarised," Dr Bunnag said.
"People would like to think that it would have been possible to have a situation like in 1992 when the two sides were invited into the Palace and they both agreed to put a stop to the violence, but I don't think this time it would have been possible."
The king's silence during the turmoil and his recent poor health have left many in the kingdom asking questions about the future.
Eighty-three-year-old King Bhumibol was admitted to the hospital about a year ago and has remained there ever since, apart from a few brief public appearances.
-CNA/wk
|
