Newspaper review 1

Date: Saturday December 6 2008
Article: Thai King's absence sparks concerns

Overview:
It was Ailing King Bhumbibol Adulyadej's 81st birthday yesterday. However, he did not make any appearance or read his speech that he normally would on the eve of his birthday. This was his second public absence in 2 days. It was worrying as the king whom every one in Thailand respects was not around to say what would happen of the political and economic crisis in Thailand now. The palace statement claimed that the reason for the Kings absence was due to his illness but some thought that it was because the King did not want to take sides. By not saying anything, he would not be misinterpreted by supporters from either side.

It was also mentioned that the wife of outsed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had flown back to Thailand. It would make things in Thailand more complicated as she might do more that "settling legal and financial matters".

Reflection:
I feel that the King should step out and say a few words regarding the current situation in Thailand, the political crisis and all. He has to take some responsibility for the country's political matters and problems because he has always been highly respected by the Thais. By using his influence, he might be able to affect the thinking of the Thais and lead them to be able to work together to stop the strikes and protests. As mentioned in the article, the king has broken previous political impasses with the weight of his moral authority. Why not do it again?

Honestly, i have no interest in politics because i do not believe that when a presidential candidate comes up on stage and says that he would do good for the country or change lives, they do not really know what they are saying. They might just be saying those words to gain more votes, because we all know that the annual salary of a president is breathtaking. I believe that all of them wants to become president so that they themselves could have better lives.

Shi Ya