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The Thai Royal Family

Last updated 2007-10-25

If you want to understand Thailand and it's culture, it's impossible to overlook the significance of the Thai Royal family in the minds of the Thai people.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the Worlds longest serving head of state at the time of writing. He is also the longest reigning Monarch in Thai history. With so many Thai people only knowing him as their guiding light for their whole lives, it should become clear to you what a significant figure he is in Thai society. He has a very strong influence in Thailand's political arena, often intervening in times of crisis. Be in no doubt that he is immensely popular with his subjects and you would be unwise to be heard criticising or disrespecting the Thai Royals, especially as Thailand has very strict Lese Majeste laws.

In fact, this article has been carefully restricted for this very reason and there is little we can talk about here, other than praise. Suppression of criticism is enforced and foreigners who were foolish enough to ignore that fact did so at their peril and have often been severely punished. See Oliver Rudolf Jufer

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In fact, the King has often expressed concern that he cannot be criticised and in a 2005 speech his said openly that he should be criticised for the things he gets wrong. However, fear of prosecution still restricts what people are willing to say, including this website. It is very difficult for foreigners to understand this aspect of Thailand and takes many years to appreciate how Thai politics and the Royals fit into the overall picture of this country. This article is only meant as a first step for newbies to understand the importance.

Thailand is no stranger to military coups and the most recent (at the time of writing) 2006 coup was endorsed by the King. Royalists have gone to great lengths to deify the King and his image is everywhere in Thailand, in every town centre, on the screens of ATM machines, daily worshipping on Thai television, people everywhere can be seen wearing yellow shirts with 'Long live the King' written on them... be in no doubt that Thais love their King and to many, he really is a deity.

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