And he must rest between sets. Many Thais are uneasy at the thought that they may be living in the twilight of Bhumibol's reign. Even as the nation prepares to celebrate his 72nd birthday, thoughts of the future are tinged with foreboding. He worked hard, had a frugal life, visited his people in remote areas. His successors will find it very difficult to walk in his footsteps.
Coups seem barely conceivable in Thailand today.
Thailand still has its problems, and the King has long agonized about how to make society fairer, even as the World Bank calculates that Thailand has the biggest gap between rich and poor in Asia. But after more than half a century of taxing rule, the King should be above such worries. In Buddhist terms, he has made more than enough merit. Time Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.