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King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Thailand's Strength of the
Land
Ask any Thai to select one day in a year
that is of utmost importance for the country. No matter where in the country, or
to whom the question is raised, the answer will always be December 5.
Not because of the day's significance as
the country's National Day, in fact, many Thais tend to overlook this fact. All
Thais, However, direct their thoughts towards the one person who has been the
focal point of love, respect and affection over the past four decades and more.
As time passed, and thereby uncountable
events and crisis, the Thai people have come to realize, and to be aware of
their great fortune for being the subjects of the land ruled by the great and
benevolent monarch whose main interest has always been his people.
During the May crisis, this outstanding
fact was poignantly driven home among the Thais and puzzled observers all over
the world. His Majesty the King's intervention to stop the bloodshed, with
immediate effect, was nothing short of a miracle that brought great joy to the
Thais and enthused the world.
On the evening of May 20, 1992, about 50
million Thais were watching television and felt included in the historic
audience granted by His Majesty the King to the Former Prime Minister and his
opponent, Former Palang Dharma Leader, at the height of the conflict with the
use of force against pro democracy demonstrators.
During that dark moment, His Majesty the
King's words clearly echoed the people's sentiments.
"..... Looking at the situation, we could
earlier identify objectives of the confronting sides. However, after over ten
days, the confrontation took a dangerous turn, no matter how it is to be solved.
It has taken considerable human toll, and caused tremendous damage to public and
private property.
Spiritual and damage was unspeakable. So,
as of now, no matter how the incident developed and from what causes, things
have fundamentally changed. Should the confrontation prolong, the country could
be wrecked. This country that we have built up for such a long period, to be
respected and admired, would become insignificant, or carry a bad name with it
forever.
This has become increasingly obvious. We
have to start sorting out differences, and try to solve them. Problems facing us
these few days are now changed from political issues. The main problem is not
over the assumption of office, but the handing-over of power..."
"...What is urgent now is no longer the
amendments to the constitution, but public safety and morale. The people
everywhere are concerned over their personal safety, and the future of the
country, which could beyond redeemable..."
"...Whenever a conflict emerges, for
instance in a home. When it develops into violence, involved parties often
forget themselves, and the causes of conflict. So they end up fighting without
knowing the cause, or the problem they try to solve. Each side wants to emerge
victorious.
Who wins? No one. All become losers,
those in the confrontation, and worst of all, the community, the country, the
people. Conflict cannot be contained to just one area. Should Bangkok be damaged
or ruined, the whole country would suffer.
So, what is the use? What is the benefit
of a victory on top of ruins..."
From that moment on, through each step
taken on the path back to normalcy and democracy, His Majesty the King clearly
showed his interest in following up the development, from the dissolution of the
House of Representatives, the inauguration of the newly-elected House, the
appointment of the new coalition government, along with the people's hope and
aspiration.
For His Majesty, the people come first as
the focal point of all activities, political, economic. Diplomatic, or cultural.
The people's well being has to be first and foremost in the minds of public
servants of all types. The message has been clear in His Majesty the King's
speeches to the Parliament and the new Government.
His Majesty the King himself has observed
the principle of public well being from the beginning. This goes beyond public
pledges or commitments. If has become the rule of the land and the principle of
the reign. The bond of love has kept the Kingdom intact.
No matter what happens, the Thai people
can look up to one person, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the sure
strength of the land.
02. December 2004