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Based on conventions that the King can do no wrong, is impartial, and is above politics,
the constitution empowers His Majesty to exercise the people’s sovereign power to appoint
the prime minister, veto bills, and grant amnesty to convicted prisoners. Governing authorities,
such as the Prime Minister and the Speaker of Parliament, countersign his commands, however.
But His Majesty, by virtue of his exceptional intelligence, upbringing, and experience through
50 years on the Throne, has built up a store of wisdom that political leaders would be
foolish to ignore.

His Majesty’s concept of cooperation, which reveals a realistic commitment to walking the
middle path may be his most useful contribution to Thailand’s democratisation. “Unity means
we must all assist one another without too much quarrelling,” His Majesty told a gathering of
well-wishers on the occasion of his 66th birthday in 1993.

He has long been aware of his pivotal role in the country’s development and recognises that the
process is a continuing one. “Democracy is a living thing, it is constantly evolving,” he told
members of the Banharn government in July 1995. “It may not be the best system, but this is
up to those who practise it,” he added, reaffirming his reliance on people rather than systems,
and his insistence on good people in government.