Stories tagged with monarchy
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Aussie arrested for insulting the monarchy
In an interesting example of Thailand’s extreme protection of its monarchy, an Australian author was arrested on charges of lese-majeste for a fictional novel he published in 2005. The man knew nothing of the warrant for his arrest until he tried to board a flight from Bangkok to Australia after one of his frequent visits to the kingdom on holiday.
The Australian embassy confirmed that Harry Nicolaides, a 41 year-old writer from Melbourne, was facing the lese-majeste charge for “an arrest warrant [which] was issued in March for a book he wrote in 2005 deemed defamatory to the crown prince,” Police Lieutenant-Colonel Boonlert Kalayanamit told Reuters.
The novel under scrutiny, “Verisimilitude," was described on a Phuket website in June 2005 as a "trenchant commentary on the political and social life of contemporary Thailand.” Nicolaides was a frequent visitor to Thailand, and even lived here for a period of time working as a journalist and English teacher.
Throughout these three years the Thai authorities failed to notice the novel until June, when the warrant was issued. This serious crime can carry a 15-year stint in Thai prison. Nicolaides is currently interred at a remand prison until the investigation can make further progress.
Posted by: Andrew on 06 Sep 2008, 16:16 -
Thai Man charged with lesse majesse
Visitors to the Kingdom of Thailand will soon observe that the country’s King is as revered as a human could be by most of his subjects. King Bhumibol’s countenance peers down from just about every wall in Thai homes and local shops, and before movies are shown in Thai cinemas, a video is shown paying homage to the benevolent monarch.
It is customary to stand while the King’s own personal show-reel is being played, but one Thai man who refused to do so recently is set to pay dearly for his insult. The charge of offending the dignity of the monarch has been levied against 27-year old Chotisak Onsoong. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail, but Chotisak still maintains that “It’s the right of any individual to choose what to do,? even after being charged.
A similar event occurred last year in Chiang Mai, when a Swiss man was arrested for defacing an image of the King, and held for almost four moths awaiting trial. He was released shortly after, the King showing his mercy and sending him back home to Switzerland.
Posted by: DaveB on 18 Apr 2008, 13:28 -
Old Phuket Festival canceled
The Old Phuket Festival has been canceled as Thailand mourns the passing of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana on January 2. The festival was originally scheduled to take place during February 13 to 15 along Thalang Road in Phuket Town.
The cancellation of the festival follows the 15-day period of national mourning which was announced by the Royal Household Bureau on January 2. During the mourning period, all government officers and teachers are to wear black.
The government has also asked for public events to be toned down across the country, or put on hold, for 100 days while vigil is kept over Princess Galyani’s body.
Those in the entertainments industry were also asked to observe the mourning period.
Deputy Mayor of Phuket City Municipality, Kawee Tansukkatanont, said that the committee agreed unanimously to cancel the festival this year.
He added, ‘we plan to hold the festival as usual next year, although a date has not yet been set.’
The Old Phuket Festival 2008 would have been the 10th annual festival.
However, a Sino-Portuguese photo exhibition at Thai Hua Museum in Phuket Town on Chinese New Year will go ahead on February 13 to 15 as scheduled.
Entry will be free of charge.
Thai culture Phuket
Posted by: Andrew on 16 Jan 2008, 00:35 -
Thailand mourns a princess
The people of Thailand awoke to the sad but not unexpected news on January second that the aging Princess Galyani Vadhana, older sister of the present King, had finally passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer.
All flags were flown at half mast and all government officials ordered to participate in 15 days of mourning, including subdued activities and wearing black clothing. The Eighty-four year old, sister to two kings in her life-time, was much loved by the Thai public for her charity work.
Although all entertainment won’t be banned during the period, and tourists not too inconvenienced, visitors to Thailand will be able to witness the extraordinary outpouring of love the public has for its monarchy. Thousands turned out at the hospital to pay their last respects, while bathing rites were conducted Tuesday and Wednesday. Her Royal Highness is now lying in state at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall of the Grand Palace.
TV programming was dominated by remembrance documentaries celebrating a life in which she was an important patron of classical music in Thailand and set up a foundation for doctors to better reach the people.
Tourists wishing to visit the Grand Palace might experience some crowding and are advised to enter via the entrance opposite the Ministry of Defence. All visitors are also advised to behave with restraint and respect when encountering any memorial events to the princess, as the people of Thailand are extremely sensitive to protocol involving the monarchy.
Thailand’s monarchy is much respected and beloved by all Thais, particularly with the King reach 80 years of age on December 5th and holding the honour of being the world’s longest reigning monarch – a total of 61 years. The funeral is likely to be one of the most emotional events Thailand has experienced in recent years.
More on the Thai Monarchy
Posted by: Andrew on 03 Jan 2008, 16:34 -
The King receives 57 days of prayer
First time visitors to Thailand may not even be aware that the country has a King, let alone one that has reigned for so long and is so revered by an adoring public. But after just a coupe of days, there is no mistaking it, with Royal symbols visible everywhere, portraits in homes and shops, and the plethora of yellow shirts on Mondays. The King was born on a Monday, and in Thailand, Monday is represented by the colour yellow.
This year was certainly a special one for King Bhumibol, who celebrated his 60th year since his ascension to the throne, and in December, he will turn the ripe old age of 80. Unfortunately, with turning 80 comes certain health problems, and the King was admitted to hospital last week.
Along with the well wishes and flowers, he will receive a special tribute, both to celebrate his birthday and to pray for his health. The tribute will involve a public reading of the Tripitaka, the oldest teachings of Buddha and the only canonical doctrine recognized by Theravada Buddhism, the sect prominent in the country.
Held at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the reading will continue around the clock for 57 days, such is the volume of the text, with monks and citizens numbering over 1,000 participating. The permanent secretary of the Education Ministry, Veera Rojpajanarat says, "We have organised this public reading of the Tripitaka to encourage the Thai people to take part in making merit to His Majesty the King, who will turn 80 years old this year. We would also like the Thai people to recognise the importance of the Tripitaka, which is the highest doctrine of Buddhism."
With good vibes like that, the King is sure to recover soon.
Posted by: DaveB on 17 Oct 2007, 08:46 -
The Queen speaks out during birthday speech
Her majesty the Queen Sirikit used the occasion of her speech celebrating her 75th birthday to address issues that are important today for the people of Thailand. One large issue facing the country right now is the new draft constitution that was approved by a majority of voters on the same day as her majesty’s birthday.
On the subject of issues in the new constitution, Her Majesty said that although she believes that it is the role of every monarch to protect the tenets of Buddhism with their lives, she stressed the importance of the separation between religion and politics, saying the status of Buddhism should not be addressed in the document. This was in response to a section of the population who wished to use the drafting of a new constitution to re-implement a Buddhist-run government.
She also addressed the state of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok’s main waterway, seen by most tourists from a thin boat cruising the rive and its canal systems. The recent news of heavy pollution is of concern to the Queen, who believes if something is not done, the river as a source for food will be impossible and many species will become extinct.
The celebration of Her majesty the Queen’s birthday was held at the Dusitdalai pavilion in Chitrlada Palace and was attended by over 15,000 people.
Posted by: DaveB on 23 Aug 2007, 06:44 -
King’s royal project hits the road
The many projects in Northern Thailand sponsored by the Royal Project Foundation are many, and visitors to the north who embark on trekking excursions may come across vast plantations and sustainable agricultural projects as they wind through the beautiful forests. Since its inception, the Royal Project Foundation has made numerous improvements to farming methods while improving the quality of life for Northern farmers.
Alternatives to former destructive slash and burn methods were funded by Royal money and it can be seen how sustainable farming is in everyone’s best interest. Another great contribution to Thai society was the program for crop replacement, which gave farmers alternatives to growing poppies to be sold for the production of opium and its derivative drugs.
To celebrate His Majesty the King’s 80th birthday on December 5th, there will be two exhibitions detailing the history, efforts and successes of the Royal Project Foundation. But not in Thailand- the displays will be held at Bygingkultens Hus in Copenhagen, Denmark and the Munchen Bryggeriet in Stockholm, Sweden.
No worries though, visitors in northern Thailand can come and see the real thing for themselves.
Posted by: DaveB on 23 Aug 2007, 06:38