>> Thais tend to be fair-minded people with a cultural prohibition against political violence. <<
Maybe. But let's not forget the Malay word “amok” — as in “run amok.” I fear that the Thais may have just enough Malay DNA that their decades (and even centuries) of socio-political restraint could be interrupted by a brief but shockingly bloody orgy of violence.
>> My choice to be Bhumibol’s successor would be his daughter Maha Chakri Sirindhorn <<
Agreed. But by my understanding, she's said time and again that she doesn't want the job. In any case, I'm not sure if the Thai constitution would allow anybody other than the eldest male heir to take the Crown. Do you know?
>> One sometimes has to suspend reality to understand the actions of the Thai courts. <<
I'd say it's not so hard to understand the actions of the courts, if one assumes that Prem has been whispering into the judicial ears.
Here's a link to the 2007 Thai Constitution presently in force:
http://www.asianlii.org/th/legis/const/2007/1.html#C02 The Palace Law on Succession was put into place in the early 20th century. It is the Kings's prerogative to change it unilaterally.
Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, King Bhumibol's son, is the heir apparent. However, I do not believe that the King has designated him as his successor.
Chapter II, Section 23 of the 2007 Constitution provides in part that if the throne becomes vacant and the King has not appointed a successor,
For this purpose, the name of a Princess may be submitted.
So, yes Princess Sirindhorn could become monarch if the King fails to appoint his son as successor before death.