Thai soap angers family of Myanmar's last king

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The family of Myanmar's last king hit out on Sunday at a Thai soap opera inspired by the palace intrigue of their ancestors, accusing Thailand of double standards in how it treats another country's royals.

Soe Win, the great grandson of Myanmar's last monarch King Thibaw, told AFP his family were angered by "A Lady's Flame", a new hit prime-time soap that recounts a bloody dynastic power struggle.

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The show is set in a fictional kingdom but almost entirely mimics the final years of the Konbaung dynasty in the 19th century in the country formerly known as Burma.

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It portrays the scheming among a key queen and princesses who orchestrated the massacre of nearly a hundred people to ensure Thibaw had no rivals to the throne following his father's death in 1878.

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While the massacre is historical fact, Thibaw's scions are upset with their family's portrayal by a country that shields its own monarchy from any criticism

"We have asked Thais this, would they accept it if one of our companies here did the same thing about their country," Soe Win told AFP.

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"If no action is taken, we will ask for help from their (Thailand's) royalty," he added.

Neighbours Thailand and Myanmar were bitter rivals for centuries and fought a number of bloody wars.

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One of the most momentous battles saw Myanmar forces attack the city of Ayutthaya, second capital of the Siamese kingdom, and raze it to the ground in 1767, forcing the inhabitants to abandon the city.

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In Thai historical soaps and dramas the Burmese are often portrayed as having villainous or treacherous tendencies, something that has previously caused anger in Thailand's western neighbor.

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Soe Win said he was particularly incensed by scenes in "A Lady's Flame" in which royal family members slapped each other.

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"It's quite insulting, as if we are wild," he said.

For many Burmese the fall of its monarchy at the hands of the British just a few years after Thibaw took the throne was a deep psychological scar.

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He died in exile in India though there are plans to return his remains to his homeland.

His family are playing a much more visible role now that the military who suppressed them have given way to a civilian-led government.

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Source - TheNation

Truly the King of hearts

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The longest-reigning monarch won the devotion of his subjects with his commitment to their welfare
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HIS MAJESTY King Bhumibol Adulyadej rose to the greatest heights in modern Thai history and was, in his lifetime, the pillar and soul of his nation.

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Like his grandfather King Rama V, His Majesty made enormous contributions to his country, commanding deep love and loyalty from his people. He was the guiding light, helping his Kingdom in times of crisis time and again.
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During his seven-decade-long reign, His Majesty peacefully defused several political situations, such as the tumult in October 1973 and Black May in 1992 - something no Thai politician was able to accomplish then or later.
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His reign spanned the terms of more than 30 governments, several military regimes, coups and numerous coup attempts, and even the defeat of the communist threat that raged through Southeast Asia a few decades ago.
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At the time of his passing yesterday, he was the world's longest-reigning monarch and had been recognised with several international awards for his contributions in various fields. Among the honours were the UNDP Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award, Time magazine's "Asian Hero King Bhumibol Adulyadej for Shaping the Asia of Our Times" and the World Intellectual Property Organisation Global Leaders Award.
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In an unprecedented gathering of royalty, the kings, queens and royal representatives from 26 countries arrived at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok in 2006 to pay tribute to His Majesty on the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne.
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In Thailand, he was considered the father of many innovations and technology.
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These accolades, however, pale before his significance to the Thai people - he was their inspiration, their leading light, and the King of their hearts.
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His Majesty won the hearts of his subjects because he fully honoured his oath of accession: "We shall reign with righteousness, for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people." This oath was taken on the day of his coronation in 1950, when His Majesty was just 23.
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Born on December 5, 1927 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, His Majesty was the third and youngest child of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Mahidol of Songkhla and Princess Srinagarindra. He spent much of his childhood overseas, visiting Thailand sometimes with his older brother King Ananda Mahidol to see their country and their elderly grandmother HM Queen Savang Vadhana.
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The younger royal never expected to become a monarch, but had to take over after his brother's untimely death on June 9, 1946.
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He was once quoted as saying after his brother's death: "I had never thought of becoming a king. I only wanted be your younger brother".
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After King Ananda's passing, the course of the younger royal's life changed completely. He had to change his subject of education from science to political science and law, so he could equip himself with proper knowledge for his reign.
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After completing his education in Switzerland, His Majesty returned for the royal coronation and faithful devotion to his country and his people. For most of his reign, His Majesty travelled the length and breadth of the Kingdom, visiting the poorest and remotest corners to learn about the problems faced by his people.
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During his travels, the beloved monarch spoke to his subjects and most importantly, listened to them. He learned of their needs and problems first hand and set about trying to find a way to give immediate help, before studying the issue in depth to find a permanent solution.
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He had to stop making these trips only after his health began to fail. Yet, even during his time at Siriraj Hospital, the beloved monarch read reports on issues affecting his people and gave advice when he could.
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Since 1952, His Majesty initiated more than 3,000 innovative programmes in agriculture, environment, public health, water resources, communications, public welfare, occupational promotion and education with the aim of easing the lives of Thai people.
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He also actively promoted sustainable development and the philosophy of sufficiency economy.
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His Majesty passed away peacefully at the age of 89 yesterday. He is survived by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and their four children.
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His death has plunged the nation into mourning. But the revered monarch will live in the hearts of Thai people forever.
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Source: The Nation
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Worldwide cycling events to celebrate King's birthday, #Thailand

THAIS in 67 countries are expected to participate in the "Bike for Dad" cycling event in December to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the King.

 His Majesty, who turns 88 on December 5, is the world's longest-reigning monarch.

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn came up with the plan to organise cycling events at home and around the world to honour His Majesty.

In August, the Crown Prince spearheaded the hugely successful "Bike for Mom" to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. The event was entered in the Guinness World of World Records as the largest-ever bicycle parade.

"The Crown Prince will lead the procession of cyclists from the Royal Plaza on December 11," a source said yesterday. The details of the event were ironed out at a "Bike for Dad" meeting attended by PM's Office Minister ML Panadda Diskul, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and representatives from various agencies, the source said.

"Those wishing to join the 'Bike for Dad' outing can register at www.bikefordad2015.com from November 2-10," he said.

The experiences gained from the "Bike for Mom" will be useful in organising more cycling-related events for His Majesty.

The proposed route will loop through Ratchaprarop Road, the Pratunam intersection, the Ratcharaprasong intersection, Pathumwan Road, Silom Road, Yaowarat Road, Wong Wian Yai Road, Arun Amarain Road, the Siriraj intersection, Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue before arriving back at the Royal Plaza.

"The route will be about 29 kilometres long," the source said.

Similar cycling events will be held in other provinces. The parades will start at City Hall in each province and cover around 29 kilometres.

Prawit said the "Bike for Dad" event would provide Thais with an opportunity to express their loyalty to His Majesty.

The source said similar "Bike for Dad" events would be held by Thais in 67 countries, starting at the Royal Thai Embassy and proceeding to a famous landmark in those countries.

"Videos of the activities will be sent to Thailand for broadcasting," the source said.

The Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the planned events, saying Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will provide details on Wednesday. Besides cycling, the country will also host other festivities in honour of His Majesty, including outdoor Khon performances.

Source: The Nation

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