A royal intervention?

Andrew Walker - 27 Nov, 2013

How about his for a scenario …

The heir to Thailand’s throne, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, summons Yingluck Shinawatra and Suthep Thaugsuban for a televised royal audience.

Given the gravity of the situation he adopts a stern and disapproving tone. With the two protagonists kneeling before him, he emphasises the dangers of national division and the importance of resolving differences through dialogue and democratic process rather than confrontation on the street.

He urges Suthep to end his protests and firmly demands that the king’s role not be invoked in campaigns against a democratically elected government.

To display his even-handedness he also reprimands Yingluck, encouraging her to deal respectfully with the constitution and avoid unnecessary provocation of opposition forces.

Possibly a defining moment?

About the Author
Andrew Walker
New Mandala is supported by the Australian National University (ANU), a world-leading centre of research and teaching on Southeast Asia that has hosted the site since its founding in 2006. New Mandala's editors make editorial decisions independently of the ANU, and the views expressed at New Mandala are solely those of contributors and do not represent the institutional position(s) of the ANU or any of its constituent parts.
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