Madam, – Your recent analysis about the situation in Thailand (“Thai crisis could end in street clashes or new coup”, Opinion, April 20th) raises a number of issues that need to be clarified.
First, on the contention that the present prime minister “was not democratically elected”, the fact remains that Abhisit Vejjajiva, an elected MP, was voted prime minister by exactly the same House of Representatives constituted after the general election in 2007 and through the same provisions under the constitution as his two predecessors. Although his party did not win the largest number of seats, the majority of MPs support him. This is certainly common enough in parliamentary democracies.
Second, political differences in Thailand exist as they do elsewhere around the world, so do problems of economic and social disparities, which successive Thai governments, including the present one, have been trying to address. The current situation stems from a multitude of reasons and it would be thus too simplistic to typecast this as “rich versus poor”, “urban versus rural” or a class division, particularly when you take into account the overwhelming support the present Government has in central and southern Thailand. What is happening in Thailand now is certainly not “a popular revolution” and as your analysis stated, “this is not as simple as it appears”.
Finally, in recent years, certain groups have tried to draw the monarchical institution into the present political conflict – the latest being the recent call by two former prime ministers linked to the opposition for his majesty the king to “intervene” in the present political situation.
Despite attempts to portray otherwise, all political debates in Thailand do not eventually end up at the Royal Palace as your analysis contends.
Indeed, both by law and in practice, the Thai monarchy is above politics and does not take sides. The monarchy’s role is clearly stipulated in successive Thai constitutions, to which His Majesty the King has always conscientiously adhered.
Indeed, his majesty’s televised address in April 2006 is a must-read, as it reflects his steadfast conviction in democracy and the need to resolve political problems through constitutional means.
KITTI WASINONDH,
Ambassador
Royal Thai Embassy,
Queen’s Gate,
London, England.