Thailand's Semidivine Buddhist King Bhumibol Endorses Military Coup

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Thomas Fuller

King Bhumibol during his period of service as a Buddhist monk Courtesy Royal Thai Embassy

THAILAND---Thailand’s military junta said Monday that it would stay in power “indefinitely” and that its rule had been endorsed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the monarch of nearly seven decades who has semidivine status in the country. An endorsement by the king, who is 86 years old and ailing, is crucial for the coup leaders. After Thailand’s previous coup, in 2006, the top general was photographed prostrating himself before the king. King Bhumibol is above criticism both by tradition and law; insulting him, the queen or the crown prince is punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment under a law that has been broadly interpreted by the authorities in recent years. [link]