THAILAND
King Maha Vajiralongkorn has established a program for Thai Public Servants, including police and teachers, which involves attending a military camp for intensive training in community service and loyalty to the monarchy.
Sources in the Royal Palace said the voluntary program was established last year.
Observers said it highlights the way in which the 67-year-old monarch is asserting his will over the Thai Government, and society to a greater extent, than any sovereign since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932.
Seven ‘graduates’ from the program, titled Volunteer Spirit 904, said they woke at 5am each day for light group exercise, then lined up to practise military-style salutes before classes on the history of Thai kings and training for community service.
At the end of the training program, which lasts from 15 days to six weeks, they were declared Karatchakan Suan Pra-ong, or Officials in His Majesty’s Service and tasked with promoting the monarchy.
They said their efforts to do this were tracked through messaging apps.
The 904 courses are coordinated by Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, Theerapat Prayurasiddhi and journalists’ questions about the program were directed to his office.
“The King has the royal policy to create unity among the people,” Mr Theerapat said.
“Then everything will lead to the people’s happiness and a secure nation.”
He said about 3,000 people had completed the courses in groups of 500 since March 2018, and described the program as “strictly voluntary”.
The Royal Palace website says the goal of the 904 program — named after the King’s security call sign — is to “create a corps of influential people to develop and defend the country and create people who are loyal to the monarchy”.
Bangkok, 3 November 2019
