With reference to the article After Bhumibol by Gwynne Dyer which was published in The Island newspaper on 22nd October 2009, where it raised some issues that we are concerned about, such as the Thai lese-majeste law, the coup of 2006, the issue of Royal Succession and His Majesty’s health and since there contains certain points of misinformation that could mislead the readers, I would like to bring to your attention the following points.

1. Thai lese-majeste law is there to protect the Monarchy which, as a national institution, is integral to the country’s national identity and security. It is also necessary, because Thai law and convention does not provide for the Monarchy to take legal action against the people or allow the Monarchy to act in its own defence. The law itself does not prohibit discussion about the Monarchy, but if the comments or opinions expressed amount to false accusations, then the person concerned will be held accountable for his/her actions in a Court of Law.

2. His Majesty King Bhumibol, as a Constitutional Monarch, is above politics and throughout his reign, he has very strictly maintained his apolitical status. Even with public calls for him to ‘Royally confer’ a Prime Minister to break the political impasse during the first half of 2006, he abstained, explaining that the Constitution did not confer such power, thereby any accusation that His Majesty supported the 2006 coup is irrelevant.

3. Royal succession is governed by both the Palace Law on Succession 1924 and the Constitution and there are clearly stipulated rules and procedures that require consideration from the Privy Council, National Assembly and the Cabinet. Therefore, the article is clearly inaccurate, since it mentioned that designation of an heir is to be done by 19 members of the Privy Council.

4. Although His Majesty was said to have pneumonia which has been a major concern for the Thais and the worst was expected as implied in the said article, but recently on 23rd October 2009, one day after the publication of the article, His Majesty appeared live on television while he was paying respects to the monument of King Rama V of Siriraj Hospital. He was able to conduct normal conversation, to hold objects in his hands and greeted his subjects who went to wait and see him at the hospital. It also was announced by the hospital that His Majesty is in a condition healthy enough to return to the palace in the near future.

In this regard, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you of the above mentioned facts about His Majesty the King of Thailand and the rules and laws concerned for a correct understanding.