Leaders | The politics of Thailand

The generals who hide behind the throne

Thailand is ill-prepared for the death of its king

TO THE tourists who still flock to its beaches and golden temples, Thailand seems calm. But this is an illusion. Thai politics are as ugly as the country is beautiful—and could soon get uglier. The country’s beloved king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose 70th year on the throne was celebrated on June 9th, is 88 years old and gravely ill. The country is scared of what might happen when he dies (see article).

This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “The generals who hide behind the throne”

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