The overwhelming success of the reign of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who died on Oct. 13, 2016, has evidently become an entrapment for his son Maha Vajiralongkorn, who has failed to follow in the footsteps of his much-revered father but instead is a mirror image. Some analysts have expected Vajiralongkorn to be a weak king precisely because of the lack of moral authority, divinity and popularity once enjoyed by Bhumibol.
Bhumibol’s moral authority was made a sacred instrument that underpinned his effective reign for seven decades. It legitimized his political position, to place it above what were perceived to be ill elements, including ‘dirty’ politics and ‘corrupt’ politicians. Members of the network monarchy worked indefatigably to ensure the strengthening of his moral authority, through vigorous glorification programs in the media and national education, about the devoted king who strove for his people’s better livelihood. It was his moral authority which was partly exploited to justify the use of the lese-majeste law, which punishes disrespect for the royalty.
Now that Bhumibol has passed from the scene, a critical question emerges: how has Vajiralongkorn forged new alliances and eliminated enemies and critics in order to consolidate his reign?
Without his own charisma, or baramee, Vajiralongkorn has used fear to command those serving him instead of trusting or convincing them to work for him based on love and respect, as argued by a recent article of Claudio Sopranzetti. He has used fear to build order, perhaps in the way in which mafias, or chaophos in Thailand operate their empire. Full story...
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Bhumibol’s moral authority was made a sacred instrument that underpinned his effective reign for seven decades. It legitimized his political position, to place it above what were perceived to be ill elements, including ‘dirty’ politics and ‘corrupt’ politicians. Members of the network monarchy worked indefatigably to ensure the strengthening of his moral authority, through vigorous glorification programs in the media and national education, about the devoted king who strove for his people’s better livelihood. It was his moral authority which was partly exploited to justify the use of the lese-majeste law, which punishes disrespect for the royalty.
Now that Bhumibol has passed from the scene, a critical question emerges: how has Vajiralongkorn forged new alliances and eliminated enemies and critics in order to consolidate his reign?
Without his own charisma, or baramee, Vajiralongkorn has used fear to command those serving him instead of trusting or convincing them to work for him based on love and respect, as argued by a recent article of Claudio Sopranzetti. He has used fear to build order, perhaps in the way in which mafias, or chaophos in Thailand operate their empire. Full story...
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