Madam, – Your article “Thais express concern as king (81) hospitalised” (World News, September 23rd) made a certain assertion that I feel must be corrected to prevent any misunderstanding about the king of Thailand. The king did not “back”the 2006 coup. The fact is that military leaders requested an audience with the king to report on the situation and their actions, after they had acted and taken control of the situation. It was only then that the king learned of the coup.
As a constitutional monarch, as in Britain or Japan, the Thai king is above politics. Despite calls for him to intervene or break political deadlocks, His Majesty has steadfastly abstained, insisting on abiding by the constitution and democratic norms. Only on two rare occasions did he step in, and it was to stop bloodshed among Thais and only when the apparatus of the state had failed to do so. It is this unwavering integrity, coupled with his tireless work for the wellbeing of all Thais throughout his 63-year reign, which has earned him the love and respect of the people, as well as the moral authority which makes his words carry so much weight.
Unsurprisingly, therefore, when news spreads that His Majesty is in hospital, whether for routine check-up or treatment, Thais will act on their beliefs and hold vigils nearby to wish him good health. – Yours, etc,
KITTI WASINONDH,
Ambassador,
Royal Thai Embassy,
30 Queen’s Gate,
London SW7 5JB.