THE emblems of the Chakri dynasty, Thailand’s royal family, are the discus of Vishnu and the trident of Shiva. That is because the king is supposed to wield the authority of both gods. Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died on October 13th at the age of 88, did indeed enjoy near-divine status. His subjects had a tendency to prostrate themselves before him. Every film screening in the country begins with the playing of his personal anthem (not the national one). To mock even his dog was to invite prosecution for lèse-majesté, which carries a prison sentence of three to 15 years for each individual slight.