KING OF SIAM

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 284, 29 October 1934, Page 7

KING OF SIAM

INTENTION TO ABDICATE.

DIFFERENCE WITH GOVERNMENT. OVER CRIMINAL CODE.

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

Received October 29, 8.5 a.m. LONDON, Oct. 28.

A Singapore message says it is understood that the King of Siam, King Prajadhipok, has decided to abdicate following differences between the King and Parliament regarding changes in the law on capital punishment and the question of taxation on personal estates.

The King is at present in Paris. The heir is the Prince of Sigora, who is at present in Switzerland, it is stated that efforts are being made to persuade the King to change his mind. The King, who is presently visiting London, announces that he has intimated liis desire to abdicate, but has not yet signed the documents. A communique explains that the King alone from ancient times has held the power of life and death. The Siamese criminal code provides that the King must approve a sentence of death, but the Assembly recently passed a law amending the provision, which His Majesty refused to sanction, holding that tire people ought to decide such an important change by plebiscite or a general election, especially as it was only passed after a heated debate. The Government contended that the change would only bring Siam into line with monarchies where the sovereigns do not sign the death warrant, but only have the right of pardon. The King asked that a law regulating the procedure of petitions of mercy should be passed to prevent the execution being carried out before he made a decision thereon, but the Assembly rejected the proposal. Accordingly, the King feels he is no longer able to act in defence of the people’s rights and liberties. The communique adds that the Assembly does not freely represent the people, as the Premier (Phya Abliibal) was nominated by only half the members.

The King of Siam has been called the world’s smallest ruler. It is said his present visit to Europe is partly due to a desire to see the body of the late Dr Dollfuss, whom he was told was smaller.

Latest reports from Siam indicate that the people and the Army are solidly Monarchist, but largely inarticulate. Many Royalists are still in prison. Meanwhile the Government is getting more and more in the hands of terrorists and opportunists.