Thailand – until 1932 better known as Siam – has been a monarchy throughout its long history. The first royal capital, Sukhothai, was succeeded by Ayutthaya in 1351, and then by Bangkok in 1782. Perhaps as a consequence of this continuity, the Thai people are confirmed monarchists, with the throne making up one of the three central pillars of the national polity – in Thai chat, sat, pramahakasat – Thai Nation, Buddhist Religion, and Chakri Dynasty. It would be hard to overestimate the affection and respect Thais feel for their kings, and this applies to non-Buddhist minorities as well. In many Muslim homes, for example, it is common to find a framed print of the king – or indeed of the whole Chakri Dynasty – hanging next to a picture of the Kaaba at Mecca in a convincing statement of both spiritual and mundane loyalties...


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