King Remains in Hospital

The Thai stock exchange has fallen nearly 8% over the last few days. That's a hefty drop for any market. Analysts aren't putting the plunge down to any great change in economic fundementals, though. Instead it's continuing concerns over his Majesty the King's health that are spooking the market; he remains in hospital and is now being treated for a lung inflammation.

This drop in share-values shows that the bankers, brokers, book-keepers and buyers know well the steadying influence that the Thai monarch has upon the country and the potentially devasting vacuum that would arise from his departure.

Long Live the King

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej was recently admitted to Siriraj hospital in Bangkok hospital suffering from a fever, fatigue and loss of appetite. News of the King's admission sent hundreds of Thai rushing to the hospital to mount a vigil. Should the Thai monarch stay any length of time in Siriraj those numbers are sure to swell and that is a good indication of the reverence Thai have for King Bhumibol.

In fact, for many Thai the king has a semi-divine status and at least one picture is displayed prominently in most Thai homes and businesses whilst large posters, statues and other displays adorn villages, shopping centres, hotels and roadsides. The 'Yellow-shirts' regard the king with the deepest of respect- it was what they saw as Thaksin's lack of proper deference for the King that kicked-off their movement; yet even the large majority of Thaksin's supporters, the 'Reds,' go to great lengths to show their exaltation for their monarch.

The King's coronation was on 9 June 1946 making King Bhumibol the world's longest-serving head of state. His reign is the longest in Thai history and during this time the 81 year-old monarch has seen 26 prime ministers come and go and 17 military coups. His longevity, calm demeanor, concern for his people and subtle but rare involvement in politics means that the King is seen as the great, and perhaps only unifier of the nation.

For now, says Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, "His Majesty's condition is not a problem. Let's hope so because without the King to provide stability all bets will be off to the future of the country- chaos will be the only certainty.

Activist Gets 18 Years

'A political activist was sentenced to 18 years in prison Friday for damaging the 'reputation and honour' of the King and Queen of Thailand, the latest in a string of convictions for insulting the country's monarchy,' reports the Global Edition of the New York Times.

Earlier this year an academic quickly left the country after lese-majeste charges were laid against him following the release of his book. Several years ago a Swiss national was sentenced to a lengthy prison term (he was quickly pardoned and deported) for defacing a public poster of the king. And recently a political activist was questioned by police because of his refusal to stand for the royal anthem at a movie theatre.
They take their royalty very seriously here; the Royal family are revered by the vast majority of Thai.