Thailand at a crossroads after king’s death, says premier

BANGKOK: Thailand is at a crossroads following the death of revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said yesterday, urging Thais to stick together and become a “leading country”.

King Bhumibol, 88, died on October 13. Many public events in the country have been cancelled and most people are wearing black after the military-led government declared a year of mourning.

Prem Tinasulanonda, 96, the leader of the powerful Privy Council, has assumed the role of regent until Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn becomes king.

Prime Minister Prayuth has said the crown prince’s accession could happen within seven to 15 days, or more, after King Bhumibol’s death.

The ruling junta has sought to reassure the country that the king’s death will not derail plans for a return to democratic rule, which include a general election in late 2017.

Prayuth said yesterday that Thais face two starkly different paths for their future without King Bhumibol, who ruled for seven decades and was seen as a father figure by many people.

“Our country is between two paths. One is failure, the second is that we can all help to create history in Thailand,” Prayuth said.

“Let us not forget Thailand has had a monarchy for 700 to 800 years. We have man- aged to survive because of the monarchy. Though the world is changing, we must not forget our roots.”

Sensitivity over the role of the monarchy has risen since the king’s death and there have been growing calls on social media for critics of the royal family who live abroad to be brought back to face justice. Criticism of the king, queen, heir or regent is a crime in Thailand, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. – Reuters