King Bhumibol is respected[2][3] and revered by many Thais.[4] The King is legally considered "inviolable", and lèse majesté, that is, offence against the dignity of the monarch may be punished.[4] In 1957, the overthrow of the government was justified with allegations of lèse majesté.[5][6] Bhumibol invited public criticism in a 2005 speech,[7] resulting in thousands of arrests