On Thailand, Guantánamo, executive pay, science, piracy, Finnish banks, the Obama administration

SIR – I was deeply dismayed at the narrow view and condescending attitude displayed by The Economist towards Thailand’s monarchy (“The king and them”, “A right royal mess”, December 6th). In trying to justify presupposed contentions, your articles gave credence to one book about the king written by an American journalist. You interpreted recent events to suit that author’s conspiracy-prone speculations, and discarded evidence to the contrary. More importantly, you ignored the fact that the bond between the Thai people and their monarchy is deeply rooted in the kingdom’s long history. Throughout his reign, the king has clearly demonstrated that he is above politics, strictly adhering to the roles prescribed to the monarchy by law and remaining politically neutral. He has made few interventions, and then only to prevent bloodshed among Thais. In spring 2006 some people called for a royally conferred government. The king refused and told an assembly of ... (link)