THAILAND'S MOMENT OF TRUTH - ZENJOURNALIST

physical health was okay, but that the really worry was his state of mind, depressed at the state of
affairs in his Kingdom at the end of his life. [09BANGKOK2606]
By February 2010, Bhumibol appeared to be a little better, both physically and mentally.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej has actively presided over three separate swearing-in ceremonies
at Siriraj Hospital since mid-January, dispensing philosophic advice to ministers and judges
in public and the Prime Minister in private. In addition to swearing-in the five new cabinet
members on January 18, King Bhumibol also administered the oath of office to two separate
groups of judges on January 25 and February 1, delivering extemporaneous remarks — which
were later broadcast on TV — both times...
Despite these clear indications that the King is resuming a more active life in recent weeks, he
remains hospitalized at Siriraj Hospital, where he has stayed since last September.
The status of his ongoing physical recovery aside, the recent audiences are promising signs
of King Bhumibol having re-engaged mentally after whispers that he was suffering from
depression in addition to physical ailments like Parkinson's and pneumonia. His ability to
deliver off the cuff comments to new ministers and judges were in marked contrast to more
pained delivery of written remarks at his December 5 birthday audience and for New Year's.
[10BANGKOK287]
Yet it remains clear that Thailand is in the twilight of Bhumibol’s reign. And as his health fails, his
influence is fading with it. As Boyce wrote in 2007:
While some Thais appear psychologically unable to cope with the idea of the eventual death of
their revered King, many in the political class recognize that this is a looming prospect that will
transform Thai politics...
What is certain is that the King's death will prove heart-wrenching for the millions of Thais who
genuinely adore him, and normal political life will come to an immediate halt for a period of
months and possibly longer. [07BANGKOK5718]
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Many Thais sincerely and passionately believe that Bhumibol’s interventions at times of crisis and his
unmatched moral authority have been essential for Thailand’s development and prosperity, and they are
deeply afraid of how - and whether - they will cope without him.
With characteristic eloquence, Chulaongkorn University's Professor Thitinan explains in Thailand Since
the Coup exactly why so many people in 21st century Thailand are so fearful of the future.
What happens after the current king leaves the scene could be the most wrenching crisis yet. So
successful has been his kingship that most Thais have come to take too much for granted what he