Thailand Loses 70-Year King! Future Stability?

In preparing for our early 2018 first visiting to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Vietnam and Hong Kong, I was digging yesterday into the history of Thailand and their long-time King.

Really fascinating history and background!! And earlier stories had reported on his suffering and declining health. Then, this morning the news comes that Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who took the throne of the kingdom once known as Siam shortly after World War II, had died today. He held that crown for more than 70 years. He was age 88 and the longest-reigning monarchs in the world. Now, Queen Elizabeth, on the throne for more than 64 years, moves up to being the longest-reigning monarch in the world. The Thailand King had established himself in his country as the "revered personification of Thai nationhood".

Have read this morning several key newspaper summaries on him, his history and the future for Thailand. The New York Times noted his standing as: "politically influential and highly revered, was a unifying figure in a deeply polarized country, and his death casts a pall of uncertainty across Thailand."

Why these future questions? This Times story continues: "The military junta, which seized power in a coup two years ago, derives its authority from the king. The king’s heir apparent, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, is seen by many as a jet-setting playboy and not held in the same regard as his father. And the king’s death raises questions about the future of the monarchy itself."

In reading Thai history, this country was never a colony and was a "buffer" between the earlier UK/English interests to the west and south in Burma, India and Malaysia . . . versus . . . the French colonial activities to the east.

The Times story also notes: "Thailand was transformed during his reign, moving from a mostly agricultural economy to a modern one of industry and commerce and a growing middle class. He presided over an expansion of democratic processes, though it was a halting one. He witnessed a dozen successful military coups and several attempted uprisings."

The lengthy and detailed story in today's Wall Street Journal noted: "Thailand is one of the few countries left where a royal ruler has real clout. Unlike some smaller monarchies such as Brunei and Bhutan, Thailand is also an important U.S. ally in Asia and a major player in the global economy, exporting everything from rice and shrimp to cars and microchips."

From another source, they note: "Since the political reform from the absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand has had 19 constitutions and charters. The form of government has ranged from military dictatorship to electoral democracy, but all governments acknowledged a hereditary monarch as the head of state. By one totaling, uniformed or ex-military men have led Thailand for 55 of the 83 years since absolute monarchy was overthrown in 1932."

Clearly the loss of their King is major. But as we plan and prepare for our early 2018 visit to Bangkok, etc., we will watch and follow these developments closely. Any added insights from those who have traveled here, monitored their history, government, economy, etc.?

THANKS for the sharing and any additional background! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 157,339 views for this posting.

Terry

I have been following Thai politics because I have a friend that lives and works there. We cruise from Hong Kong on December 10 and we have two night overnight in Bangkok. I have already paid for a private guide for the 8 of us, so I will be reaching out to the Tour Operator in about a week to see if things change.

We had a similar experience in Egypt with Arab Spring and had to scramble for shore excursions to see the Pyramids etc.

Martha

Terry I have been following Thai politics because I have a friend that lives and works there. We cruise from Hong Kong on December 10 and we have two night overnight in Bangkok. I have already paid for a private guide for the 8 of us, so I will be reaching out to the Tour Operator in about a week to see if things change. We had a similar experience in Egypt with Arab Spring and had to scramble for shore excursions to see the Pyramids etc. Martha

Appreciate, Martha, your helpful posting and look forward to getting any info/insights from you and others with this type of background/experiences. Hope you report and and all details as to what you are planning to see, how your private tour goes, etc.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 44,022 views for these postings.

We're also paying attention (will be in Bangkok at the beginning of December on Azamara Journey). So far, a month of mourning announced (with no alcohol or "entertainment") and a year of civil servants wearing "somber" clothing. Fingers crossed their transition is smooth!!

We're also paying attention (will be in Bangkok at the beginning of December on Azamara Journey). So far, a month of mourning announced (with no alcohol or "entertainment") and a year of civil servants wearing "somber" clothing. Fingers crossed their transition is smooth!!

Having your "fingers crossed" is a good way to put it. We will all hope for the best. BUT, there have been a number of added news reports and pictures about the Crown Princess, his three wives and his "playboy" image, lifestyle in Germany, etc. Clearly, the late King earned great respect with his serious and hard-working focus on the issues facing his country. There are major questions as to the approach and style for the next King there.

Hope you do a report back here on the Cruise Critic boards for who you did in December in Bangkok, how things worked, what you loved the most, etc.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 203,822 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

BUT, there have been a number of added news reports and pictures about the Crown Princess, his three wives and his "playboy" image, lifestyle in Germany, etc.

Pretty sure you mean the Crown Prince as it's the Crown Princess who is universally loved, not the Crown Prince. Also, he is the one with all the exes and the party life in Europe....

Crown Prince has requested time to properly mourn before becoming king, effectively making the president of the Privy Council the Regent for the time being....

Pretty sure you mean the Crown Prince as it's the Crown Princess who is universally loved, not the Crown Prince. Also, he is the one with all the exes and the party life in Europe....Crown Prince has requested time to properly mourn before becoming king, effectively making the president of the Privy Council the Regent for the time being....

YES!! Sadly, I am "guilty" as charged. My pesky fingers somehow typed and added two letters of "ss" at the end of the word "Prince". Excellent eye on your part.

Had read that the Princess is well regarded. Appreciate your pointing out this error. It will be interesting to see exactly what the current Crown Prince wants to do, how he positions himself for the future, the actions of the Privy Council, etc. It will be interesting to follow these development in the months ahead. We have got lots of time before our February 2018 time to be there in Bangkok.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, look at this earlier posting for many options and visual samples this city that is so great for "walking around", personally seeing its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 63,216 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

In preparing for our early 2018 first visiting to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Vietnam and Hong Kong, I was digging yesterday into the history of Thailand and their long-time King.

 

Really fascinating history and background!! And earlier stories had reported on his suffering and declining health. Then, this morning the news comes that Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who took the throne of the kingdom once known as Siam shortly after World War II, had died today. He held that crown for more than 70 years. He was age 88 and the longest-reigning monarchs in the world. Now, Queen Elizabeth, on the throne for more than 64 years, moves up to being the longest-reigning monarch in the world. The Thailand King had established himself in his country as the "revered personification of Thai nationhood".

 

Have read this morning several key newspaper summaries on him, his history and the future for Thailand. The New York Times noted his standing as: "politically influential and highly revered, was a unifying figure in a deeply polarized country, and his death casts a pall of uncertainty across Thailand."

 

Why these future questions? This Times story continues: "The military junta, which seized power in a coup two years ago, derives its authority from the king. The king’s heir apparent, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, is seen by many as a jet-setting playboy and not held in the same regard as his father. And the king’s death raises questions about the future of the monarchy itself."

 

In reading Thai history, this country was never a colony and was a "buffer" between the earlier UK/English interests to the west and south in Burma, India and Malaysia . . . versus . . . the French colonial activities to the east.

 

The Times story also notes: "Thailand was transformed during his reign, moving from a mostly agricultural economy to a modern one of industry and commerce and a growing middle class. He presided over an expansion of democratic processes, though it was a halting one. He witnessed a dozen successful military coups and several attempted uprisings."

 

The lengthy and detailed story in today's Wall Street Journal noted: "Thailand is one of the few countries left where a royal ruler has real clout. Unlike some smaller monarchies such as Brunei and Bhutan, Thailand is also an important U.S. ally in Asia and a major player in the global economy, exporting everything from rice and shrimp to cars and microchips."

 

From another source, they note: "Since the political reform from the absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand has had 19 constitutions and charters. The form of government has ranged from military dictatorship to electoral democracy, but all governments acknowledged a hereditary monarch as the head of state. By one totaling, uniformed or ex-military men have led Thailand for 55 of the 83 years since absolute monarchy was overthrown in 1932."

 

Clearly the loss of their King is major. But as we plan and prepare for our early 2018 visit to Bangkok, etc., we will watch and follow these developments closely. Any added insights from those who have traveled here, monitored their history, government, economy, etc.?

 

THANKS for the sharing and any additional background! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 157,339 views for this posting.

Just adding a link to the original NY Times article as required by our posting guidelines and copyright rules when posting content from an outside source.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/15/world/asia/thailand-looks-to-likely-future-king-with-apprehension.html?_r=0

Just adding a link to the original NY Times article as required by our posting guidelines and copyright rules when posting content from an outside source.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/15/world/asia/thailand-looks-to-likely-future-king-with-apprehension.html?_r=0

Appreciate the good, important reminder from Host Colleen. Normally I am very good in giving those media links, but forgot in this one case.

From the New York Times this morning, they have this headline: "Thailand Looks to Likely Future King With Apprehension" with these highlights: "For more than two years, the king of Thailand lay ill in a Bangkok hospital. During much of that time, his son, the heir to Thailand’s throne, was far from the kingdom, flying around Europe in his Boeing 737 and ensconced in luxury villas and hotels amid the misty lakes and mountains of southern Germany and Austria. The lavish European lifestyle of the son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, and his tastes for airplanes, fast cars, women and the high life have caused great anxiety in the kingdom for decades. The death of the beloved King has set in motion a succession that many Thais say they wish they could avoid. King Bhumibol had been a unifying figure in a country that is torn by deep divisions of class and politics and is currently ruled by a military junta. The issue is whether the prince can hold the country together. The prince’s ascension also raises questions about the future of the monarchy, as a less-beloved king could give strength to a republican movement that has gained a foothold in recent years. Among the issues at stake is control over one of the world’s great royal fortunes, an estimated $31 billion in real estate holdings alone."

To added "flavor", this story noted: "The crown prince, 64, has led a stormy life of byzantine quarrels and breakups with various lovers. To his critics, his romantic liaisons have been more than just a royal soap opera; they have raised questions about whether his character suits the institution. Having multiple lovers is a dynastic tradition — his great-grandfather King Rama V had more than 150 wives and consorts — but the prince’s former partners have endured spiteful separations and the purged members of his entourage have died under suspicious circumstances."

During the coming months, it will be interesting to see how this Thai "soap opera" and the questions of government stability evolve and play out.

Full story at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/15/world/asia/thailand-looks-to-likely-future-king-with-apprehension.html?hpw&rref=world&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 217,828 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

You do always include links Terry, yes - easy to forget the paste portion of copy/paste when composing a post, happens to everyone. Figured it was easy enough to just pop it in so the boards were "covered" in terms of the content reference.

Thanks again to you and everyone for all your great board posts :)

You do always include links Terry, yes - easy to forget the paste portion of copy/paste when composing a post, happens to everyone. Figured it was easy enough to just pop it in so the boards were "covered" in terms of the content reference. Thanks again to you and everyone for all your great board posts :)

Appreciate these nice and kind comments from Colleen. Very good to hear your very positive feed-back and posting help.

From Yahoo news and the Reuters wire yesterday, they have this headline: "Thai junta says Google removing content with royal insults" with these highlights: "Thailand’s government met with representatives from Internet giant Google, amid growing calls from Thai hardline royalists to bring those who insult the monarchy to justice, as many Thais look with uncertainty to a future without their revered king. King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s death on Oct. 13 has led to the rise of ultra-royalist vigilante groups who say they will punish anyone perceived to have insulted the monarchy during a highly sensitive time. Deputy Prime Minister Prajin Juntong said he met with Google representatives in Bangkok on Friday. Google affirmed in the meeting that it would continue to help the government remove content from YouTube, a Google subsidiary, that it deemed offensive. Thailand's military government has tried to seek tighter censorship of social media since it came to power in 2014 following a coup it said was necessary to restore peace to the country following months of unrest."

This is an interesting development that will probably get more attention in the future.

Full story at:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/thai-junta-says-google-removing-content-royal-insults-085916717.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from my latest live/blog at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 21,585 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

My guide just emailed me telling me the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be closed until 31st October, 2016. He felt we would be able to see those sites in December. He asked us to remember that they are in mourning and somber modest clothes are in order.

He sent me the following links for more information

• The Royal Thai Government: http://www.thaigov.go.th/en/index.php

• Department of the Government Public Relations Department: http://thailand.prd.go.th/main.php?filename=index

• TAT Contact Center: http://www.tatcontactcenter.com/index.php

So I am hopeful we will see the Emerald Buddha but I will understand if it is not open.

Martha

We were in Thailand during the 'uprising' a few years ago. There was lots of military presence in parts of Bangkok. The protesters, red band I think they called themselves, also had strongholds.

It did not stop us from going. We did make certain that our hotel was just across the bridge from the main area so that travel from both airports was assured. Stores and public areas were all open, include all tourist attractions in Bangkok.

We never encountered any issues. Either in Bangkok nor in Ko Samui, Phuket, or Trang province. In the latter areas there was zero evidence of any issues.

We have been back a few times since that time. Last winter or the one before (cannot remember) there were concerns about the military coup and public unrest. We travelled from Ko Lipe in the south to Chiang Mai in the north. Never encounter any problems, never saw even one demonstration.

My guide just emailed me telling me the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be closed until 31st October, 2016. He felt we would be able to see those sites in December. He asked us to remember that they are in mourning and somber modest clothes are in order. Martha

iancal: We were in Thailand during the 'uprising' a few years ago. There was lots of military presence in parts of Bangkok. The protesters' date=' red band I think they called themselves, also had strongholds. It did not stop us from going. We did make certain that our hotel was just across the bridge from the main area so that travel from both airports was assured. Stores and public areas were all open, include all tourist attractions in Bangkok. [b']We never encountered any issues[/b]. Either in Bangkok nor in Ko Samui, Phuket, or Trang province.

Appreciate so much these excellent notes and items for Thailand. I am copying these and saving them to my laptop computer trip file. Sunday we had lunch with a friend who has been to Bangkok twice and has a son stationed there at the U.S. Embassy. Lots of great insights and inputs being received!! Looking to keep learning more.

From the BBC News Network earlier this afternoon, they have this headline: "Thailand's crown prince to be confirmed king on 1 December" with these highlights: "Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is to be confirmed as the new king of Thailand on 1 December. He is expected to endorse a new, military-drafted constitution and to start appointing his own team of senior royal officials. The BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says there have been concerns expressed quietly over how well his son will perform the same role. Following King Bhumibol's death, he had delayed taking the crown in order to join the people in mourning. The crown prince, who is 64, is much less well known to Thais than his father, and does not have his widespread popularity. Our correspondent says the crown prince will start his reign under a military government that is likely to dictate Thailand's political arrangements for several more years."

Full story at:

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37840391

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 159,400 views for this posting.

Hi Terry,

You might remember that we have exchanged information and travel videos in the past. We are headed to Hong Kong in mid-January for a 28-day Holland America cruise with stops in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia. Then we fly to Bangkok for a two-week land tour of Thailand and Cambodia with Gate 1. All-in-all we will be gone for 50 days, which will be our longest trip to date. When we get back to Georgia in early March I'll begin working on my youtube travel videos. Hopefully, the political situation will be quite while we are in Thailand. Take care and stay tuned!

Ron

Hi Terry, You might remember that we have exchanged information and travel videos in the past. We are headed to Hong Kong in mid-January for a 28-day Holland America cruise with stops in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia. Then we fly to Bangkok for a two-week land tour of Thailand and Cambodia with Gate 1. All-in-all we will be gone for 50 days, which will be our longest trip to date. When we get back to Georgia in early March I'll begin working on my youtube travel videos. Hopefully, the political situation will be quite while we are in Thailand. Take care and stay tuned! Ron

Appreciate, Ron, your dropping by on this post and updating. WOW!! Your upcoming 50-day "adventure" sounds super great. Look forward to learning lots of details and seeing the video's from everything you do in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangkok. As I might have mentioned, we are going to be doing those four areas for the first time in early 2018 and would love to learn as much as possible from your trip. Keep posting and sharing.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 204,784 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

We have spent the last three winters in SE Asia...always in Thailand to start. And we have spent a few years travelling in Europe, including Greece and Turkey in late summers/early fall.

Our experience is that the situation in those countries was certainly not how it was portrayed by the media, telelevision or print. It seemed to us that they greatly exaggerated the issue for the sake of rating and readership. We cite the so called riots in Athens as an example. Yes, some people were throwing the odd cocktail in the Plaka but the demonstrations did not last very long at all...contrary to the news reports. They made a huge mountain out of a molehill. It worked to our advantage because we were greeted so warmly and treated so well by the Greek hotels and restaurants.

We read the various Government issued reports, recommendations as well but we temper them with the fact that these notices are often tinged with a great deal of politics and even more CYA. And we have spoken to many travel agents who really do not have a clue. They watch CNN for ten minutes and then try to pretend to clients that they are travel experts in those impacted regions.

It cuts both ways as well. I can well remember reading the UK papers and watching their telly at the time when they were recommending that UK tourists avoid Miami at all costs because of the high crime/murder rate and, at that time, the murder of two British tourists. Silly advice really but that is the media for you. It is all about sensationalism, filling dead air, and selling hard print advertising space.