Rama X: The Thai Monarchy under King Vajiralongkorn

In this episode, SEAC Associate Dr Qingfei Yin talks with Pavin Chachavalpongpun, Associate Professor at the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, about his book.

In the twilight years of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (1946–2016), changes to monarchic power were already set in motion. Having been at the centre of political gravity, Bhumibol left a vacuum of power when he died. Vajiralongkorn, enthroned in 2016, filled the vacuum with his desire to further augment the monarchic power despite his lack of moral authority and charisma. This book focuses on Vajiralongkorn’s attempt to strengthen his position of power by employing a different method from the one used by his father, Bhumibol. The pro-monarchy institutions have readjusted their relationship with Vajiralongkorn, primarily for their own interests, hence perpetuating the changing nature of monarchic power. But at the other end of the spectrum, the young generation has reacted daringly to the growing power of Vajiralongkorn by demanding royal reforms, and in the process trespassing against the overly protected realm of the monarchy even in the face of the lèse-majesté law. The Thai monarchy has arrived at a crossroads, and yet has chosen to resist popular will and disregard call for reforms. The future of the monarchy remains dangerously uncertain.

In June 2023, before the book was released, it was already banned in Thailand for defaming the Thai monarchy. The ban was announced in the Royal Gazette and signed by Police General Damrongsak Kittiprapas, the national police chief. The announcement said the cover and contents of this book reflected attitudes deemed insulting, defaming or displaying great malice towards the king, the queen, heir apparent or regent, or threatening national security, peace and order or public morality. It cited Section 10 of the Printing Recordation Act 2007 for banning the book. The announcement also said anyone importing the book into Thailand is liable to a jail term of up to 3 years and/or a fine of up to 60,000 baht (£1,400). The book is published by the Council on Southeast Asia Studies of Yale University, as part of its Monograph Publication Series (No.69).

This podcast is part of LSE Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre Events. Please find out more by checking our website https://www.lse.ac.uk/SEAC and following us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Thanks to Jonas from Pixabay for the intro music.