Thai embassy responds

Sat, 02/09/2008 2:16 PM  |  Opinion

The editorial titled "The King and Thaksin", (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 31) is disappointing. Its title is misleading and much of the content illustrates a serious lack of understanding about Thai politics. First and foremost, the whole construct of the aforementioned editorial was built on a false premise about the role and status of His Majesty the King of Thailand's political and social contexts.

As a constitutional monarch, the King of Thailand is above politics. The King's action subsequent to the Sept. 9, 2006, military intervention, including the royal assent by signature to the order that appointed the Council for Democratic Reform, was a function assigned to a constitutional monarch, similar to the royal assent to appoint Samak Sundaravej as Thailand's 25th prime minister on Jan. 29.

It may not be easy for the writer to understand the love and reverence that Thais have for their King. These feelings are apolitical on both sides because they arise out of the Thai people's appreciation of his Majesty's devotion to uplifting their well-being, in keeping with the coronation oath the King took in 1946 that "I shall reign with righteousness, for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people".

No matter how governments change, the ties between his Majesty and the Thai people have stood strong, unchanged. The article's attempt to juxtapose Thaksin with the King is not only simply ludicrous but more importantly, highly insensitive to Thai people's feelings.

As far as politics is concerned, Thailand now has a new, elected government, and the senate election is scheduled for next month. All political institutions prescribed for a full-fledged parliamentary democracy gradually take on their respective functions, after a brief intermission.

As for the country's justice system, this has remained unaffected in spite of the 2006 military intervention. Corruption allegations against anyone are investigated in accordance with due process, and any charges filed will be proven in accordance with the rule of the law.

CHOMBHALA CHAREONYING
Charge d Affaires a.i.
Thai Embassy
Jakarta

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