On 8 December 2008, Mr. Tharit Charungvat, Director-General of Department of Information and Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, sent a letter to the Editor-in-Chief of The Economist to express concerns and displeasure of the people of Thailand over the contents of two articles, “A right royal mess” and “The king and them,” published in the 6–12 December 2008 issue of The Economist magazine. In the letter, Mr. Tharit also pointed out and clarified the inaccuracies in the articles and called for measures to rectify the situation.

The full text of the letter is as follows:

Sir:

I am deeply dismayed by The Economist’s narrow views and condescending attitude. In trying to justify pre-supposed contentions, your double pieces (“The king and them” and “A right royal mess”, 4 December 2008) choose to give credence to writing by one American journalist about the King of Thailand and interpret events to suit his unfounded conspiracy-prone speculations, while discarding important facts that prove otherwise. More fundamentally, the articles ignores the very fact that each country evolves from background specific to itself, and that the bonds between Thai people and their kings are deeply rooted in the kingdom’s centuries-long history.

Throughout his reign, the King has clearly demonstrated that he is above and not involved in politics, strictly adhering to the roles prescribed by law. His steadfast political neutrality adds to the weight of his words – his moral authority, not political power. His intervention has been few and, when made, was meant to prevent further bloodsheds among Thais as in 1992, not to side with any groups. Nevertheless, political groups and analysts alike seem to have taken pains to get him involved. Prior to the military intervention on 19 September 2006, when Thailand’s political system seemed to have grinded to a halt, a call was made for a royally conferred government. The King, in his address to the judges in April that year, refused and said clearly that the problems must be resolved democratically and through constitutional means. Had he no faith in democracy, he could have done otherwise and Thais would have obliged. There is no need, as there never has been, for any behind-the-scene intrigue, as alleged. The affection and reverence that Thais feel towards him is genuine and shown voluntarily, stemming as much from their appreciation for his lifelong devotion and hard work for the well-being of all Thais as for his commitment to democracy. Yet, due to this, some groups have sought to make claims of royal support or interpret his action or silence for their own political ends. Indeed, the King said in 2005 that he is not beyond criticism. But his position as being above politics does not allow him to respond to any political claims or allegations against him (unfortunately, including those made by the Economist) – thus the raison d etre for Thais to call for the so-called lese-majeste law to protect their King.  Here is another omitted fact: in Thailand as in other democracies, laws are enacted by parliamentarians who respond to the will of the people they represent.  By neglecting facts and simple logics like these, your articles blatantly make wrongful accusations regarding the Thai King and inexcusably offend Thais. They deserve our protest in strongest terms.

Tharit Charungvat
Director-General, Department of Information and
Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand