Long Live the King

Here in the Kingdom of Thailand, there is no concept for "freedom of speech." This constitutional monarchy is ruled by a beloved Thai king, age 80 plus, from the lineage of Rama V, even though the prime minister makes most governmental decisions. Every public office or hotel bears a large framed photo of the King (with his thick nerdy glasses) and the Queen, proudly displayed by the front desk. There is no tolerance for criticism of his family or lack of respect in public, a difficult concept for us Americans. Two years ago, a Dutch E-Pat sprayed critical graffiti of the King on a train car. He was promptly imprisoned without trial in the "Bangkok Hilton" Prison and never heard from again. These Thais do not "fool around" when it comes to their King!
Chuck and I got a taste of this national reverence (so foreign to us) last week. Staying on the S. Thai island of Kho Phangan with our son Nate, age 25, we shared dinner with two other tourists. Federico is an Italian real estate mogul here to spearfish. His Thai girlfriend Patra vacations here each year with him. Chuck casually asked her who would follow the King once he "passes on." Her eyes quickly filled with tears and she replied, "I cannot think about that." She then membled something about his good deeds, Harvard education, etc. It felt like we had asked about her father or brother's recent passing. Astounding!
Just two months ago, the Bangkok Airport was shut down for days due to public riots regarding a former prime minister's desire for reinstatement. What did the King do? Nothing that we know of, no speech, no appearance, etc. He seems to operate only as a figurehead representing "all that is good" while living in a gorgeous Royal Palace with his big family.
What leader and following do we have like this in the US? No one. We pride ourselves in our democratic election system and individual rights, but perhaps we are missing something - a trust and idealism in our leaders, a feeling that "all is well at the top." Maybe that willl never happen in the US, but it is inspiring to watch it here, as long as everyone says "the right things about the King." Long may he live! Next, we are on to Vietnam, a communist country.