Sixty Glorious Years

June 9, 2006 2:20 PM

Thailand's King marks his Diamond Jubilee. Just be careful what you say.
posted by the cuban (12 comments total)

... and don't ask what happened to his brother.
posted by docgonzo at 2:25 PM on June 9, 2006

The open displays of affection for the king are genuine, says the BBC's Jonathan Head. Few Thais have anything but praise for the man they describe as being the very soul of their country.

That sums up the impression I had while visiting Thailand. They really love King Rama. And he holds much more sway over the population than say the Queen does over England. The real interesting stuff concerns his succession. Nobody really likes his son who is next in line, and laws have been passed in the past few years allowing a woman to be king (or however you call the term..Queen Regent?) and also allowing the King to appoint either his son or any of his daughters as succesor.
posted by furtive at 2:38 PM on June 9, 2006

That second link is extremely obnoxious: it's essentially just trolling, baiting into a frenzy a large group of people who feel very passionately about the king. While I don't believe any man deserves unreserved adulation, many of King Bhumibol's efforts in improving his country are admirable. There are a lot of web sites that celebrate the man and his accomplishments, some even include balanced opinions. Why not post those as well? By associating the dirtfiles site with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations the FPPer is exercising very poor taste.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 3:18 PM on June 9, 2006

I was in Thailand once and was about to mail some postcards. I was told that licking a stamp in public (with Rama's pic on it, of course) was a big no-no in terms of being disrespectful. I laughed. But I waited to get back to my bungalow before licking my stamps.

And I didn't know about the bottom-of-the-feet thing either and almost got clubbed with a piece of fruit. Stupid me.
posted by bardic at 3:47 PM on June 9, 2006

I don't know, Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese--any link that opens my eyes to a glorious insult like "you should have your beloved penis cut and adhere to your wicked face" is almost certainly worthwhile.
posted by Powerful Religious Baby at 5:56 PM on June 9, 2006

What did happen to his brother?
posted by Joey Michaels at 7:52 PM on June 9, 2006

There are a lot of web sites that celebrate the man and his accomplishments... Why not post those as well?

I've had my fill of hagiographic accounts of the King's cloud seeding, psychic dog and whotnot, but feel free to post any links you find.
posted by the cuban at 1:30 AM on June 10, 2006

Kings.

Seriously, think of it.

Kings.

Comedy fucking gold.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 6:38 AM on June 10, 2006

I've had my fill of hagiographic accounts of the King's cloud seeding, psychic dog and whotnot...

So instead you link to childish taunting garbage? That isn't balance and it certainly doesn't lead to a fair understanding of who this person is. But if your intention was simple mockery, then you've succeeded.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 8:44 AM on June 10, 2006

khop khun krap :d
posted by the cuban at 9:32 AM on June 10, 2006

After reading this:

You prik Jerky!!!!! Our King is the best King there is!!!!

there's no way I'm ever ordering the Pad Prik King again.
posted by George_Spiggott at 12:45 AM on June 11, 2006

...and almost got clubbed with a piece of fruit.


posted by nlindstrom at 1:06 AM on June 11, 2006