Birthday extravagance

Conservative royalism demands the veneration of the monarchy no matter what. It also demands “celebrating” the king, with no expense spared. Hence, the Puea Thai coalition government is already hard at work “planning ceremonial and celebratory events to mark … the King’s 6th cycle or his 72nd birthday on July 28 next year.”

Clipped from Asia Democracy Chronicles

Such events are considered of such importance that they must be led by none other than the Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

We would have thought that he had plenty to deal with without having to spend his time venerating the king. You know, things like climate change, Thai hostages, police reform, getting the economy going. Yet here he is, chairing a meeting of “a committee set up to organise the events at Government House…”.

That meeting is reported to have “covered a broad range of topics, the highlight being the appointment of panels to manage various aspects of the landmark celebration.” Yes, lots of panels as we guess there’s the rewards that go with panels. How many panels? At this stage, there are “six panels would oversee religious and state ceremonies, projects and activities; public relations; traffic and public safety; production of archives and commemorative books; budget; and the making of a unique 6th cycle emblem.”

The prime minister’s committee is such a big deal that it requires time from other senior ministers and officials: “his deputies have been appointed deputy chairs, with the House speaker, Senate speaker and Supreme Court president as committee advisers.” Meanwhile, “[d]eputy prime ministers, ministers and specialists are assigned to lead the panels.”

It is reported that the “state ceremonies panel as well as the projects and activities panel will be led by Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin.” In addition, “PM’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad will lead the public relations panel,” with Deputy Prime Minister Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan getting back to basics by leading “the traffic and public safety panel.” Meanwhile, the “archives and commemorative books panel will be led by Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit, the budget panel by PM’s Office inspector-general Rungrattana Bunlong, and the emblem panel by a specialist attached to the PM’s Office.” Who knew the PM’s Office had a specialist for emblems!

It is reported that the multiple ceremonies – remembering that there will be probably hundreds of them in Bangkok and the provinces – “will include the consecration of water to be presented to the King, the blessing of the holy water for related religious rites, and alms-offering events nationwide.”

Senior state officials will be required to “attend an event where they take an oath to stay true to ethics and be a positive force for the country.” That will include ministers who are dark influences and convicted heroin traffickers, plus murderous military types.

There will also be “ceremonies hosted by representatives of five religions would be planned for the Thailand Cultural Centre” and, of course, the hugely expensive “royal barge procession [and]… a mass ordination of monks dedicated to the King’s birthday and the minting of special commemorative coins.”

All these ministers and officials are servants of the king and this is how they spend time and taxpayer money. It will cost a king’s ransom and as usual the taxpayer foots the bill.