Words of the Father

By Suchada Tupchai

The year 2006 is an auspicious one in that the Thai people are celebrating the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne. Huge celebrations are to be held throughout the nation. But the pleasure and pride would be even greater if there was an end to all the confusion and if the actions of certain groups would cease.
Messages from His Majesty are televised regularly displaying his worry about the situation in the country. In one message, televised on April 25 from Klai Klangwol Palace, Hua Hin in which His Majesty invited Akarathorn Culawat, head of the Administrative Court to an audience to swear allegiance before commencing office, His Majesty stressed the importance of the future of the country. Thailand presently is going through one of its worst crises, involving three major organizations, the Supreme Court, the Administrative Court and the Constitutional Court, which together form the basis of the justice system, the protector of the people.
The messages of worry reflect the dishonesty of the general election, the damage this is doing to our country, and the erosion of faith in the democratic system. The entire electoral process seems to have turned into a massive exercise in defrauding the public. The self-serving and benefit seeking are continuing without an end in sight, and the institutions that the public rely upon are acting confusingly, rather than providing wisdom, clarity and direction.
Responsibility lies now with the three highest courts in resolving the confusion and making a decision on the election in a way that is correct, clean and just. And responsibility lies with the public in adhering to the hard-won democratic system and acting as auditor of political actions and the effectiveness of those who are appointed to administer the nation’s institutions under the constitution.
The words of our nation’s father, His Majesty the King, signify the fundamental seriousness of the difficulties we are now facing. Now is the time for the power of justice to remove this terrible impasse and allow Thailand to flourish during what should be a most joyous year.