In 1957 , a military coup overthrew the government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram with allegations of '' lèse-majesté '' , corruption and manipulation of the election held earlier that year . This began a new and long-lasting relationship between the monarch and military , leading some to perceive that the king condones the Thammasat University massacre in defense of his throne , and support a series of military dictatorships . However , during his interview given to the BBC in 1979 , the king reiterated that the monarchy should remain impartial and be in peaceful co-existence with everybody . Bhumibol invited public criticism in a 2005 speech , but the '' lèse majesté '' laws have not been revoked by the Thai parliament yet
Thammasat University massacre
Thammasat University massacre
Bhumibol Adulyadej