It is true, there are many bad people; there are more of them than in the past, but that is because there are more people, meaning the population has tripled; there must be three times more bad people.

In the military governments of Sarit Dhanarajata and his successors (1958–1980) Bhumibol was re-portrayed as the "Development King" and the inspiration of the economic and political goals of the regime. The network's ability to exercise power is based partly on Bhumibol's popularity and strict control of Bhumibol's popular image. Most of his degrees came from Thai universities: for instance Kasetsart University awarded him ten honorary doctoral degrees at once.

Bhumibol is respected and revered by many Thais. Bhumibol invited public criticism in a 2005 speech resulting in thousands of arrests. Bhumibol is credited with a social-economic theory of self-sufficiency.