Introduction

The specific attribute of the policy landscape in Thailand, which might not be detected elsewhere, is the hidden and explicit roles of the monarchy in Thai metapolicy, either to frame it or to be its exception. The chapter will provide insights that have not been documented in most policy-related literature about Thailand, particularly about royal interventions in national politics and public policy. It will also highlight that, unlike a typical European model of constitutional monarchy, the Thai monarch's role has not been restricted to merely symbolic and ritualistic realms. With the focus on the monarchy and Thai meta-policy, it is clear that so far the policies the palace has pursued, especially in the era of Rama X, are exceptional from the implementation of existing meta-policies in the country. These policies include the adopted principles of good governance, the rule of law, democracy, human rights protection, welfare provision and reduction of social inequality.

On 13 October 2016, Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth monarch of the Chakri dynasty, titled Rama IX, passed away. At the time of his death, the 88-year-old monarch was the world's longest-reigning head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history. Ascending the throne on 9 June 1946, Rama IX had reigned for 70 years and 126 days. Thanks to his seven-decade reign, he was the only monarch whom most of the 69 million Thais had ever known, and thus it was hard for them to imagine how the kingdom would be under the new reign. Above all, Rama IX was one of the most popular monarchs in Thai history. During his historic reign, the kingdom had transformed from an underdeveloped and agrarian society to a newly industrialised country. Under his guidance, as the palace has long promoted, royal development projects helped countless Thais, who could not support themselves as the kingdom rapidly industrialised and urbanised, improve their standard of living. His public image and personal ethic also made him a beloved monarch. While an ancient monarch in Thai kingship was perceived by his subjects as a divine, mysterious and lavish sovereign, Rama IX pres