A positive view of monarchies
Monarchies have been declining throughout
the world during the past century or so. The latest example is Nepal
where the new government recently stripped
the King of virtually all powers and even turned him into a taxpayer.
One big reason for the decline, of course, is that many monarchs have
not been effective rulers and have lived largely for themselves rather
than their people.
That doesn't mean that all monarchies are bad, however, as Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg pointed out in an exclusive Bankgok Post interview yesterday. Using the Thai King as a model of a monarch who has done things right, he points out several advantages that good monarchies can have over other systems. Read to find out what they are. Do you think his points are true for Thailand?
The Grand Duke has also played the role of a tourist during his four-day visit. Read to find out some of the places he visited.
monarchy – a system of government with a king, queen, emperor or empress at the headdeclining- becoming less in quantity, importance or strength
stripped – took away from
exclusive – limited to only one group, business ,etc., in this case, only appearing in one newspaper
You
can hear the first part of the story here.
Monarchy 'stabilising influence'
Royal
guest: May be govt's best adviser
Monarchies still have an important
role in the
modern world, where they can help stabilise
a country and may be the
government's best adviser, HRH Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg said
yesterday. All countries have their own systems, culture, and ways of
doing things, he said in an exclusive interview with the Bangkok Post.
''But I think a monarchy can bring a lot to the people, stability to the country, royal principles, and may be the best adviser of the government,'' he said.
HM the King, with his sufficiency economy philosophy, had shown what can be done to sustain nature while developing agriculture for the benefit of the farmers.
''I think this [concept] is an example for the world, as well,'' the Grand Duke said.
''The King has himself been doing a lot of
research in
agriculture, so he is directly involved in developing new possibilities
for the country. I think other countries can take examples from the
things he has managed.''
Now 51, Grand Duke Henri has reigned for eight years as constitutional monarch of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a small state of 500,000 people bordered by France, Germany and Belgium.
The Grand Duke said that during his 60-year reign the King has successfully guided Thailand towards modernity.
''He is an incredible model of humanity, supporting all the people in Thailand. He is also an example for all of us, all the monarchs, and other leaders. We should learn from him and try his path,'' he said.
stabilise – to make stable; to keep in a calm, peaceful conditionsufficiency economy – an economic system that provides for the basic needs of the people without having to depend heavily on the outside world
reigned – (of a monarch) ruled
sustain – to continue and maintain for a long period of time
constitutional monarch – a king, queen, emperor or empress whose powers are limited by a constitution and whose country is governed by an elected government
modernity – the condition of being new and modern, i.e., up to date
incredible – extremely impressive
You
can hear the final part of the story here. The Grand Duke also paid tribute to the King's cultural pursuits. ''I was amazed by the music I heard at the banquet last night; most was composed by His Majesty. It's really high quality music. He also gave me a book of his music,'' he said.
During the Grand Duke's last visit to Thailand about seven years ago, the King presented him with a book of his writings.
''It's really nice. He is a highly intellectual person. I appreciate him for all these aspects,'' he said.
Grand Duke Henri said the personal welcome given to guests by the King and Queen was ''absolutely exceptional''.
He commended the organisers of the celebrations for their planning.
''I was absolutely impressed by the organisation. The visit by the 25 delegations has probably been a tough, long job for many people,'' he said.
During his four-day visit to Thailand, the Grand Duke visited Chatuchak market then crossed via the MRT underpass to the Or To Ko (Marketing Organisation for Farmers) fresh market opposite, tasting his favourite fruit, durian, as well as roast pork and lots of Thai desserts.
He walked for almost an hour in Yaowaraj, inquiring about the banners proclaiming ''Long Live the King'', visiting a gold shop and a traditional Chinese pharmacy, before moving on to the Pak Klong Talad wholesale market where he was presented with garlands and bouquets of flowers – and one woman gave him a teddy bear.
He said the unity the people showed in dressing in yellow for the King ''was absolutely exceptional, and I am really honoured and proud to be part of the celebrations''.
''I was given many flowers but I can't take all the flowers with me, even though I would love to. The teddy bear I will certainly take back to Luxembourg and I will send it to my grandchild,'' he said.
With the Luxembourg government's decision to open an embassy in Bangkok, Thailand and Luxembourg can look forward to stronger relations, he added.
paid tribute – showed his admiration and respect; praised highlybanquet – a grand formal dinner
pursuits – activities that you enjoy when you are not working
composed – (of music, a poem, etc.) written
intellectual – having a strong ability to think and to understand ideas and information or spending a lot of time studying and thinking about complicated ideas
exceptional – unusually good
commended – praised
via – through
underpass – a road or path that goes under a road or railway
banner – a long strip of cloth with something written on it
garlands – circular decorations made of flowers and worn around the neck
bouquets – bunches of flowers that are attractively arranged
embassy – the group of government officials, headed by an ambassador, who represent their government in a foreign country or the building they work in