A while ago we posted on how palace propaganda was seeking to change some of the old narratives to cope with a new monarch.
That post was about how an old network of tame authors and journalists prepared to continue their work of mythologizing the monarchy was being prodded and paid into action.
Some of it is also called to saccharin-ize a corrupt military regime. After all, the monarchy and military seem in step at present.
Some of it gets bizarre. At something called Global Rick Insights has an article by
On the face of it, the article is dated, despite the actual date on it, in thinking Prem is no longer head of the Privy Council. At the same time, arguing that an increasingly frail general “returning to political power” – when did he leave it? – is good for politics and economy seems to be somewhat silly.
The gist of the story, with some dubious data, seems to be that the military dictatorship is following Prem’s 1980s. We have pointed to that in the past, but we don’t see Prem as having much of a political role for much longer. The idea that he is good for the economy is banal:
Moving forward, it is vital that Thailand’s officials instill confidence in those looking to invest in the Thai economy.
Prem Tinsulanonda’s role as a key power broker can help Thailand achieve this goal. With his strong economic background and influence within the military and the monarchy, Prem is regarded as a stabilising force in Thailand’s politics. The continuation of his guiding role will help to reduce investor uncertainty at a time of domestic upheaval. This is good news for investors, and good news for Thailand’s economy.
Under the new king, it seems Prem’s only in his position for the sake of face and fealty. Given recent downturns and poor rankings, it seems canny investors are looking elsewhere.
Political Prisoners in Thailand 