The Thai Monarchy: Asia’s Great Survivors

The 20th century was a difficult one for Asia’s monarchies. Colonial rule, nationalist movements and Communist revolution resulted in the abolition of many figureheads, while most of those that survived would eventually become politically powerless. Yet one Asian monarchy has not only survived, but appears to have thrived. Thailand’s monarchy is today arguably the world’s wealthiest and its king continues to play an active role in the country’s turbulent politics. But, despite this apparent position of strength, Thailand’s monarchy has long been engaged in a struggle for its survival, one that continues in the present.