Commentary: Can Thailand's new king hold the country together?

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The late King Bhumibol Adulyadej was able to negotiate a consensus with his people, and had earned a great degree of legitimacy through the ...

Political consensus is key to a flourishing reign. Consensus may not lead to democracy in Thailand, but stability can be achieved through political compromises.Bhumibol’s hegemonic rule was characterised by the predominance of consensus over coercion. In contrast, only a few years into the Vajiralongkorn reign, coercion has been a focus at the expense of consensus.

The scene of Thais protesting against these institutions is becoming so common that it wrecks their previously apolitical and respectful image.Many wondered if Vajiralongkorn would reach out to Thaksin, who has remained highly popular among his red-shirt supporters. Princess Ubolratana smiled and chatted with the Shinawatras as they walked into the hotel for the wedding of Thaksin's youngest daughter Paetongtarn

The army has not invested in the electoral process. It fears that it would not be able to control the process. And the army is right, if one looks at the latest elections. Foreign governments perceived Bhumibol as Thailand’s unifying force. Thai elites often toured their foreign allies to ensure them that supporting the monarchy was equal to promoting political stability. These foreign allies consequently lent sympathy to Bhumibol during critical times in the past.

Royal power has evidently been more absolute since the royal transition began, with Vajiralongkorn intervening in writing the constitution and taking over the super-rich Crown Property Bureau.

 

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泰国好。

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