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Royal Succession in Thailand Royal Succession in Thailand
(about 1 hour later)
To the Editor:To the Editor:
Re “Grieving Thailand Looks Warily to Royal Heir" (front page, Oct. 15):Re “Grieving Thailand Looks Warily to Royal Heir" (front page, Oct. 15):
Prince Vajiralongkorn accompanied King Bhumibol Adulyadej since childhood in fulfilling various public duties. Contrary to the article’s assertion, the crown prince retains the loyalty and support of the Thai people. The allegations regarding him are based on hearsay and speculation and have no bearing on how he has performed and will perform. Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn accompanied King Bhumibol Adulyadej since childhood in fulfilling various public duties. Contrary to the article’s assertion, the crown prince retains the loyalty and support of the Thai people. The allegations regarding him are based on hearsay and speculation and have no bearing on how he has performed and will perform.
“Bhumibol, a King of the People, Leaves Them to the Generals,” by Paul Handley (Op-Ed, nytimes.com, Oct. 13), portrayed King Bhumibol as a political manipulator who supported efforts to topple governments and blamed him for the shortcomings in Thai politics and democratic development.“Bhumibol, a King of the People, Leaves Them to the Generals,” by Paul Handley (Op-Ed, nytimes.com, Oct. 13), portrayed King Bhumibol as a political manipulator who supported efforts to topple governments and blamed him for the shortcomings in Thai politics and democratic development.
The king always performed his duties in a nonpolitical way, consistent with the limitations of his authority. Far above the turmoil of Thai politics, he provided stability and guidance.The king always performed his duties in a nonpolitical way, consistent with the limitations of his authority. Far above the turmoil of Thai politics, he provided stability and guidance.
As for the lèse-majesté law, despite the king’s unease, he was not in a position to change it, as legislative power lies absolutely with Parliament, and the law was a reflection of the majority of Thais’ refusal to tolerate any criticism of their beloved king.As for the lèse-majesté law, despite the king’s unease, he was not in a position to change it, as legislative power lies absolutely with Parliament, and the law was a reflection of the majority of Thais’ refusal to tolerate any criticism of their beloved king.
Mr. Handley doesn’t mention the reality that made previous governments unpopular with the public: the widespread corruption and crony business dealings that undermined the rule of law and damaged the economy. This is what brought millions of people into the streets in protest, not Machiavellian manipulation.Mr. Handley doesn’t mention the reality that made previous governments unpopular with the public: the widespread corruption and crony business dealings that undermined the rule of law and damaged the economy. This is what brought millions of people into the streets in protest, not Machiavellian manipulation.
PORNPONG KANITTANONPORNPONG KANITTANON
Consul General of ThailandConsul General of Thailand
New YorkNew York