Thai King Close To Death - Will Thailand Erupt Into Violence?

[John Arne]

So, the Thai King is apparently on his last legs .

King Bhumibol is the current longest serving head of state, having ruled Thailand since 1946. He is 88 years old, and just last week underwent haemodialysis. The ill health health of the King is usually downplayed by the Palace, however, for once they have announced that the King's health is indeed "unstable".

As many will be aware, Thailand has a history of military coups (15 or so since Bhumibol took control; including complete military control from 1947-1973, and control now), and more recently a spate of terrorist bombings, thought to be perpetrated by Muslim separatists.

The King is very much revered in Thailand, which is reflected by the strict lèse majesté laws - however, his son does not carry such favour with the people or the military - in fact he is seen as a bit of a bafoon


http://www.newmandala.org/wp-content/uploads/cache/2016/07/CrownPrince-Bild/657981941.jpg

http://www.newmandala.org/vajiralongkorn-german-affairs/

So, rightly people are concerned in Thailand as to what will happen when the King eventually succumbs - will the military take complete control, will Prince Vajiralongkorn take power, will the muslim separatists take the opportunity to increase attacks, will the markets collapse?

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2016/09/30/commentary/world-commentary/thai-monarchy-heading-crisis/#.V_yIg4VOLic
http://www.ibtimes.com/thailand-kings-successor-who-will-replace-king-bhumibol-when-he-dies-2429083

[Spikey M]

Lol at Prince Gok Wan there.

[ItalAussie]

I'd have to imagine the military will take control? Just from what I've read in the past few years.

Can't see them turfing the monarchy though. It's too enshrined in Thai culture, surely?

[John Arne]

Yeah, I would have thought the Prince would be become King... like you said, it's too important for the general public - some military leaders may make a move, but I think the protests would be swift and quick should the military try anything underhand.

[John]

How did the monarchy get on during the twenty six years the military was in full control of the country? If the new prince is as big a pleb as he looks they'll be getting Joffrey'd within a year unless the military take over again.

[Disco]

Merse could have told us he was prince of somewhere.

[Henry]

I don't really get this. They regard him as divine, or semi-divine, I think. Is that some unique adaption they've made to Buddhism? What powers do they reckon he has?

[elth]

Isn't it just like the Japanese used to be? He's the living representative of God's will on Earth, not literally a god. Once he pops, the next guy up just takes over.

The military is already in effective control of Thailand so apart from a good funeral and possible some dissident disruption, it shouldn't have much effect. The royal family historically don't have any interest in challenging the military for actual control.

[niko_cee]

He's dead.

[niko_cee]

Didn't realise the son (the guy in that photo?) was 63.

Jesus.

[Spikey M]

Fuck off. :D

[Jimmy Floyd]

Sons of long-reigning monarchs are always total retards. Prove me wrong, history.

[Lewis]

Henry III reigned for fifty-odd years, and his son was Edward 'Better Together' Longshanks, so this is obviously another thing that only foreigners are crap at. Speaking of which, this means Her Majesty is the longest reigning living monarch (she takes up most of the top twenty). :cool:

[igor_balis]

Oh god, my mate literally arrived in Thailand 2 weeks ago to spend a year doing TEFL. I hope he doesn't die.

[Pepe]

Must be tough times for you mate. Bestbuy wishes.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Henry III reigned for fifty-odd years, and his son was Edward 'Better Together' Longshanks, so this is obviously another thing that only foreigners are crap at. Speaking of which, this means Her Majesty is the longest reigning living monarch (she takes up most of the top twenty). :cool:

Technically, could she abdicate from the UK but remain Queen of Australia? That would be a great final act of trolling.

[Magic]

Oh god, my mate literally arrived in Thailand 2 weeks ago to spend a year doing TEFL. I hope he doesn't die.

He sounds like perfect firing squad fodder.

[Lewis]

Technically, could she abdicate from the UK but remain Queen of Australia? That would be a great final act of trolling.

I don't know, but if anything ought to have made the Australians firm monarchists it's their last lot of Prime Ministers.

[Bartholomert]

This is totally unrelated but after looking through some pictures of the royal family the Thai are an astonishingly physically unattractive people.

[Adamski]

http://im.cdn.md/img/Oyuncu/5897_01.jpg

[Bartholomert]

http://im.cdn.md/img/Oyuncu/5897_01.jpg

1. I'm not ethnically Turkish
2. Turks aren't bad, I'd say on average (assuming proper hygiene) probably equal if not better than Brits

[elth]

I don't know, but if anything ought to have made the Australians firm monarchists it's their last lot of Prime Ministers.

Our Governor-Generals have been A grade though. One thing about ceremonial heads of state is that pollies don't want to do it because it's all pomp, no power.

[Mellberg]

Assuming proper hygiene :D

[Adamski]

That was my favourite part too.

[John Arne]

It's like his "ignore the main perpetrators of gun crime, and the stats aren't as bad". "Turkish men have great hygiene if you ignore all those who don't engage in proper hygiene".

[John Arne]

The Prince has asked for a little more time to grieve before being sworn in.

In the meantime, Prem Tinsulanonda will at as interim.

He is 96 years old :)

[Lewis]

Is that so the generals can lock him in a room for a year and discuss the precise nature of his new role?

'Remember now. Your name is Homer Thompson.'