KINGS, COUNTRY AND CONSTITUTIONS: THAILAND'S POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, 1932-2000

"This book traces the history of Thailand's constitutional monarchy from the time of the absolutist King Prajadhipok to its present pinnacle. In between, it discusses and analyses the early failure of the Chakri monarchy during the confrontation with the new elite led by the People's Party; the socio-political lowest ebb of that institution during a full decade of King Ananda's minority; and the determination and struggle of the present monarch to bring the monarchy back on the central stage of Thai politics." "The analysis presented centres on the comprehensive efforts of King Bhumibol who managed to project, through sheer hard work and consistency, the traditional image of a caring monarch amidst the ever-changing socio-political environment." "The book points out the two main factors driving Bhumibol, namely his extremely high sense of responsibility to the dynasty and his genuine care for the people. It also suggests that it was not simply altruism that brought Thailand's most revered monarch to the supreme authority he now enjoys."--Jacket.