HM The King Urges Unity After Coup

[Jai Dee]

HM urges unity after coup

HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej called on Thais to unite following a bloodless coup in September, and told soldiers that they needed to remain honest after their takeover. "Soldiers are also Thai people, who must cooperate with everyone, from every walk of life, to work together to bring about the development of the country," the king told about 2,000 military officers at a parade in central Bangkok. "In any mission, soldiers have to be honest, fair and maintain their unity, with bravery and patience in their determination to complete your jobs," he said.

The king, who turns 79 on Tuesday, spoke as he addressed the nationally televised military parade that is held every year to mark his birthday. "As Thai people and military officers, the wellbeing of the nation is the ultimate goal," he said. "Thailand has maintained our liberty and stability because Thais have unity and do their jobs while supporting each other," he added.

The king, who is rarely seen in public as his health has weakened in recent years, never mentioned the coup directly. His remarks were only the second time the king has spoken publicly since the September 19 coup that ousted twice-elected prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The military has said that they staged the coup because Thaksin had failed to show enough loyalty to the throne and to root out corruption they claimed was endemic during his five years in office.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 4 December 2006