In October 2016, the long-reigning king of Thailand passed away after several years of
health complications.
The 88-year-old king had ruled for the past 70 years, meaning that for a vast majority
of the country, he is the only leader they had ever lived under.
With the king’s controversial son taking his place, we wanted to know what will happen
to Thailand’s monarchy?
Well, Thai royalty is somewhat unique.
Firstly, besides being one of the very few remaining monarchies in the world, Thailand
narrows down even further as one of the only countries left to punish negative or insulting
speech against the King.
This is known as “lèse-majesté”, and has prevented open discussion of the former
leader’s health issues and potential succession.
This inability to discuss royal issues muddies the waters during a time of political instability.
In fact, over the past decades, Thailand has undergone numerous coup d’états, more than
any other country on earth.
Since 1932 they’ve seen 12 successful and 7 unsuccessful coups, particularly as a result
of the extreme political divide in government.
One former leader, who was ousted in a coup and is currently in exile, is thought to represent
the “Red Shirts”, who are working class Thais in rural areas.
They are opposed to the political elite and conservative middle class, which are supported
by the country’s military, and bureaucracy.
Just in 2014, a constitutional court removed the elected Prime Minister, who was actually
the sister of the exiled Red Shirt leader.
Following the removal, the country underwent yet another coup.
However, despite Thailand’s numerous coups, the monarchy has remained unchanged, largely
because it is more of a figurehead role than an active political position.
And while opinion on the former king was split, the office of the monarchy was treated with
reverence by many Thai people.
But now, the king’s successor, his son, threatens to dismantle that respect.
The so-called “millionaire playboy” has been repeatedly embroiled in scandals, including
extremely unflattering photographs of the Prince wearing a belly-shirt, low-rise jeans,
and sporting large tattoos.
The Prince also made his poodle a high ranking member of the Air Force.
Internal diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks showed some political elites expressing concern
about the Prince replacing the elderly king, and what that could mean for the monarchy.
One major fear by these elites is that the Prince has ties to the exiled leader of the
Red Shirts, which could severely complicate the existing split in government.
Others worry that he will squander the country’s $53 billion dollar business investment network
operated by the royal crown, or worse yet, yield control of it to the Red Shirts.
These fears are likely the reason that the Prince’s coronation was postponed for one
year following the death of the King.
In the meantime, a high ranking former advisor to the king will fulfill the role.
Once crowned, however, it will be on the Prince to either uphold the monarchy with respect,
or continue to act controversially, and lose support.