King pleads for unity, national stability

King pleads for unity, national stability

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Monday called for unity among Thai people, urging them to put national stability above personal and vested interest and not creating any condition that will lead to social division.

In his televised New Year's eve address, the world's longest reigning monarch emphasised unity and responsible behaviour among his subjects.

"As you are well aware that our country has gone through a transition period over the past two years. We eventually have passed through a crucial turning point with a new Constitution and newly-elected Members of Parliament in place.

" Therefore", the king said, "it is the duty of all of us to help one another to support the country to achieve normalcy and stability, with the nation being the ultimate goal.

"Each party should put aside personal interest, extend compassion and goodwill to each other without creating any condition that will cause a division in our society. The work of people who are aware of their duty and responsibility will help achieve the country's stability and national security," said the king, wishing all Thais happiness and success.

The 80-year-old monarch has emphasised and reaffirmed the importance of unity and reconciliation on varied occasions during this month. The timing and repetition of the same message could not be more clear.

Thailand held a general election on December 23, the first since the bloodless September 19 coup d'etat in 2006 which ousted then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The People Power Party, aligned with Mr. Thaksin, won the election with 233 seats, but fell short of a majority in the lower house of Parliament, with the Democrat Party, Thailand's oldest political party placing second with 165 seats.

The election results, which sent a powerful message that Thaksin supporters -- mainly the rural poor in the North and Northeast -- want him back at the helm of the country, revive worries over post-coup stability in the kingdom.

Fifteen months since the coup, the political divide between the pro-and-anti-Thaksin camps still remains, apparently unresolved.