Thailand - Press guide to be printed on royal cremation

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THE government plans to publish a media guide about the coverage of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s royal cremation ceremonies.

The guide will be available in Thai and English.
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The government will hand out 10,000 copies of the Thai version and 5,000 copies of the English version as media outlets across various platforms are set to cover the events.
The late King passed away on October 13 this year at the age of 89. His royal cremation is expected to take place within a year..

The event will be grand and befitting his royal status.
The publication will be part of the government’s public relations work for an occasion of great significance to the country..

An informed source said the public relations plan for the event had already been approved. “It will be implemented in three phases: ahead of, during and after the royal cremation ceremony,” the source said..

The PR panel for the royal cremation ceremonies met yesterday with PM’s Office Minister ML Panadda Diskul, who served as the chair.
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The media guide is expected to cover the biography of the late king, his royal works, his talents and his passing. Also included will be knowledge of traditions related to royal cremation ceremonies..

The PR panel plans to conduct media activities to provide |relevant information to media outlets and the public in various other forms as well.
“There will be CDs and DVDs about his royal musical compositions, for example,” the source added..

TV and radio broadcasting, plus media centres would also be set up to carry out PR work during the royal cremation ceremonies.
The panel also plans to organise training for reporters in regard to the royal cremation ceremony, the source said.
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Source: TheNation

THAILAND - KINGDOM GRIEVES

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PM urges loyalty to Rama X

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 Prayut says people must always remember His Majesty the late King Bhumibol; plans special activities on Tuesday.

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 Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday urged Thais to show their allegiance to the next royal head of state while still remembering the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
“We have to do more good deeds in memory of His Majesty the King. I believe His Majesty is still with us somewhere – in the sky, in the water or on the land that he helped restore and preserve. I ask everyone to always remember His Majesty,” Prayut said.
“And also, we should show our allegiance to the next king, Rama X,” he added, referring to the 10th monarch of the Chakri Dynasty.
The prime minister was speaking to local residents and officials during his visit to Pathum Thani, where he inspected a royal project and the progress of a water management plan.
He said the Thais should also look outward in order to deal with global problems that have an impact on the country.
“The world has several issues involving the economy, terrorism, natural disasters, epidemics and changes. We need to look at the outside world, and not just at ourselves. I admire the way we deal with internal problems. We have achieved satisfactory success but I hope we will do better,” General Prayut said.
“We have to work together to overcome the obstacles,” he added.
Meanwhile, the government has called on all Thais to join nationwide activities to be held on Tuesday in memory of the late King.
Government House will be the main venue for the activity, to be led by PM Prayut. People from all over the country can take part at designated venues in their respective provinces, Government Spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday.
“The prime minister would lead his Cabinet members and government officials to sing the National Anthem at 8am on Tuesday. Then he will lead the participants to take an oath of allegiance in front of His Majesty’s portrait and sing the Royal Anthem,” said Sansern.
The spokesman said the event at Government House would be broadcast live from 6.30am. Thais living abroad can hold commemorative activities on Sunday or |any day of their convenience, he added.
Mourners heading to the Grand Palace to bid a final farewell to the monarch can also join the PM-led activity, as the city administration will arrange a venue for the participants, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana said.
“The additional activity at Sanam Luang will not affect the mourners queuing to enter the Grand Palace,” Suwapan, who also serves as secretary of the government’s Command Centre for Monitoring Situations, told a press briefing yesterday.
Regarding traffic management, of the 27 roads around Sanam Luang that were closed on previous weekends, only eight will be closed today and tomorrow, Suwapan said. The decision came after the centre assessed traffic volume in the area and found no mass event being held near the Grand Palace this weekend which could obstruct transportation for the mourners, he explained.
Suwapan asked people not to park their vehicles along roads around Sanam Luang and instead use public transportation or free shuttle buses to travel to the Grand Palace.
Deputy national police spokesman Pol Maj-General Piyapan Pingmuang yesterday confirmed that only eight roads adjacent to the Grand Palace that were closed to traffic to accommodate mourners would stay off-limits for vehicles.
He said the lifting of 27 road-closures came as “things have fallen into place”.
Updates on the matter are available at the Traffic Police Division’s website, www.trafficpolice.go.th, and its hotline 1197, according to the spokesman. Suwapan yesterday said that in an attempt to manage long queues and the huge numbers of people heading to Sanam Luang, the centre in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society had finished developing an online reservation system for queue management.
The online system will be tested on December 1, he said, adding the implementation plan has not yet rolled out and is pending further discussion.
Regarding the issue of homeless people around Sanam Luang, Suwapan said their number has decreased due to the cooperation of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
According to the ministry statement issued yesterday, tactics used to tackle the homeless vary. These include sending them back to their original residence, to the ministry shelter Ban Mit Maitree for rehabilitation, or to related organisations for proper treatment.

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Source: TheNation
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OUR NEW #MAGAZINE

THAILAND - Officials appeal to public as mourners queue for 10 hours

Concerns over fairness of online system as people cut in line

OFFICIALS YESTERDAY asked for public suggestion on queue management at the Grand Palace after they found people waiting up to 10 hours on Sunday to say goodbye to the late King, despite continuing efforts to reduce waiting times.
“If anyone has ideas or best practices on how to better manage queues by deploying an offline and online queue registration system, please do not hesitate to tell us. We will give you credit if your suggestion is implemented,” said Maj-General Pongsawat Panchit, deputy commander of the First Region Army and deputy head of the Joint Administration of Security and Order Maintaining for the Grand Palace Vicinity (JSO).
Pongsawat’s comments at a press briefing followed mounting public concern over poor queue management, leading to day-long waits for people of all ages to get inside the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to pay tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who peacefully passed away on October 13.
As more than 20,000 people are entering the Grand Palace each day, with longer queues on weekends and holidays, the JSO has coordinated with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to develop an online system for mourners to reserve places to get inside the complex. The system is slated to be implemented this month and start running on a trial basis on December 1.
However, the system has raised concerns that people would not be able to access it because it was online.
 “Taking this concern into consideration, we are still thinking about how to fairly apply the online system. Imagine, many people come without online registration in the early morning, wait for long hours, and those who register online just come and can cut into the lines and get inside right the way. This is going to hurt the waiting people’s feelings. We have to find ways that can manage people’s feelings,” Pongsawat said.
Pongsawat said the day-long queues were mainly the result of many people arriving at Sanam Luang, the park opposite the Grand Palace, at the same time.

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Health issues
“On Sunday, 20,000 people arrived at the field at the same time, around 7am. With a limited capacity to allow 2,000 people per hour to enter the Grand Palace, the last person who had waited since the morning would be able to get inside after 10 hours had passed,” he said.
People were advised to visit the Grand Palace in a staggered manner each day. People who live in Bangkok, including those living near the Grand Palace, should come in the afternoon rather than in the morning rush hours.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has set up dozens of tents to form seven indoor queues on the field to mitigate exposure to the sun.
Nevertheless, people are still cutting into lines and dozens of others pass out each day while waiting because of the heat or pre-existing health issues.
Pongsawat urged people to have sympathy for others and help each other while in queues.
He said the Royal Household Bureau was also concerned over people with poor health queuing.
Pongsawat recommended that sick people stay at home so their condition did not worsen.
Metropolitan Police Bureau deputy chief Maj-General Ittipol Piriyapinyo urged visitors to bring their identity cards or passports as they were required at security checkpoints around Sanam Luang.
Regarding increasing requests from organisations asking to arrange activities in memory of the King, Pongsawat said a committee chaired by a representative of the Ministry of Culture would consider activities and approve those that are appropriate to be held at Sanam Luang.

Source: TheNation 

THAILAND - Thousands queue as Culture Ministry distributes free books commemorating late King

THOUSANDS of people started queuing at 3am to receive free copies of two books commemorating their much-beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej, prompting the Culture Ministry to hand them out three hours early.

“We had planned to start the distribution in the afternoon,” Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat said yesterday.
However, by 10am, the line had reached Pinklao Bridge, several kilometres away from the National Museum.
The books are “King Bhumibol Adulyadej”, a retrospection on the late monarch’s life and royal works, and “99 Royal Teachings”, an anthology of his teachings.
After His Majesty passed away at the age of 89 on October 13, memorabilia about him has been much sought after. When the Culture Ministry revealed the plan to hand out the free copies, people turned out in huge numbers to make sure they got a copy.
The ministry gave away 40,000 copies yesterday and will continue at that rate every day till its stock of 200,000 copies is gone.
The delivery times are 9am, noon, 3pm and 5pm each day.
The “99 Royal Teachings” was published as a pocketbook so that readers can carry it everywhere, making them feel like the much-loved monarch is always with them.
“We have prepared easy-to-understand contents…It makes clear why Thais love the late King so much,” he said.

Lessons for children
The two books also include well-printed royal portraits, including rare images.
The project was in response to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s instruction to immortalise His Majesty.
“I hope the two valuable books will benefit all the owners in that they can follow the late King’s teachings,” said Saimai Jobkolsuek, a member of the advisory staff for language, document and literature from the Royal Household Bureau.
Vira said his ministry plans more printings for free distribution if sponsors come forward.
The Government Saving Bank, for example, has already donated Bt5 million.
“We expect to publish up to 1 million copies for each book,” he said.
Saimai said all the King’s speeches were valuable with a great philosophy.
“They are very practical too,” he said.
Recipients of the commemorative books were overjoyed. “I will put the books on my altar at home. The royal teachings will guide my life,” said Natruja Sapchaloem, 49.
“I want to keep everything about the late King as much as I can because I really miss him.”
Jintana Pinjorn, 51, said she would read the books aloud to her children. “That way, they will know fully why I love the King so much.”
Orrawan Miangmook, 76, said she intended to preach the royal wisdom to her children.
A 57-year-old housewife from Bangkok, Waraporn Piangpairoon, said the books provided by the Culture Ministry were especially precious because they were something “money could not buy”.

Source: TheNation

Thai, Australian football players to wear black armbands

THAILAND and Australia will both wear black armbands as a mark of respect to His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej when they meet in their World Cup qualifier at Rajamanga National Stadium (14 Nov.)

The hosts are bidding to claim their first points of the campaign in the Asian last-12 World Cup qualifying round against the Socceroos, a fixture that comes little more than a month since the passing away of the Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch.

“We made a request to wear black armbands and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) granted it. Australia team also asked to pay respects to the late king by sporting black armbands as well. Besides, there’ll be a minute’s silence before the kick-off,” said Patis Supapong, the spokesman of the Football Association of Thailand.

Supasin Leelarit, the FAT vice president, said fans will gather outside the venue on the match day to sing the royal anthem at 6pm, an hour prior to the kick-off time.

Meanwhile, national coach Kiatisak Senamuang decided to leave Tana Chanabut, who grabbed the country’s only goal so far in the qualifying round in a 3-1 loss away to UAE last month, out of his final 23-man list. The Port FC striker barely trained with the team during the training camp over the past two weeks.

Tana and Buriram United defender Narubadin Weerawatnodom were the two players excluded from the squad for the fixture. Kiatisak decided to include Suphanburi FC midfielder Charyl Chappuis and Chonburi FC defender Nattaphon Malaphan in a late call-up.

The former national striker is content with the team’s preparations as they concluded a two-week camp at Kirin Valley in Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima province, and returned to the capital yesterday.

“We’re pretty ready for the game. From the first day, all the players showed their dedication and determination. The lads will fight tooth and nail on the match day.

“Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter whether we win or lose. The important thing is that everyone should play to their potential and stick to the game plan,” said the 43-year-old, whose side are lying at the bottom of Group B after four games.

Saudi Arabia are leading the way in the group with 10 points, two ahead of the Socceroos. Traditional powerhouses Japan are a further point adrift. UAE are fourth in the table, while Iraq, who earned their first points of the campaign following a 4-0 thumping of the Thais last month, have three.

Source: TheNation

Coronation Thai Crown Prince on December 1st

'Coronation Thai Crown Prince on December 1st'

 Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn will be King of Thailand on 1 December. Previously said the prince yet that he first wanted to mourn a year, but apparently there is still momentum put behind.

The Thai government has been busy with preparations for the inauguration. According to two army officers are the plans for the coronation, which have already been created because of the military coup and the health of the recently deceased King Bhumibol, dug up in May 2014. This makes some things can still be controlled faster than they thought. Expect a simple ceremony, the formal coronation will probably only take place when the deceased king is cremated after a year of mourning.
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The message from Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn he did not immediately succeed his father, caused turmoil and fears of a period of instability in Thailand, which is probably why there still has been a rapid inauguration. Experts in the country believe that the army will play a greater role after the coronation in the political game. It is expected that Vajiralongkorn will approve a new constitution established by the military and his own team of senior hofadvisors will build. Here he greets his sister Princess Sirindhorn during a memorial service for their father. Sirindhorn is very good at the Thai people, so if Vajiralongkorn is smart, he gives her a big role in the royal duties that await him. His younger sister Princess Chulabhorn is still so overcome with grief that they leave supported by a rather awkward kneeling  nurse.The message from Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn he did not immediately succeed his father, caused turmoil and fears of a period of instability in Thailand, which is probably why there still has been a rapid inauguration. Experts in the country believe that the army will play a greater role after the coronation in the political game. It is expected that Vajiralongkorn will approve a new constitution established by the military and his own team of senior hofadviseurs will build. Here he greets his sister Princess Sirindhorn during a memorial service for their father. Sirindhorn is very good at the Thai people, so if Vajiralongkorn is smart, he gives her a big role in the royal duties that await him. His younger sister Princess Chulabhorn is still so overcome with grief that they leave supported by a rather awkward kneeling nurse.
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Vajiralongkorn is not very popular in Thailand, has been divorced three times and has spent much of his life in foreign countries. He has a house in Germany, where his son is in school. He's also at this time for personal business in Germany. There, His Royal Highness a villa at 10 million in Starnberg, near Munich. The villa is located near a clinic where he would be treated with stem cell therapy. Unknown is which. The new "father of the nation" had his four sons from his first marriage in the lurch and had banished them even from Thailand, so it does not bode well.
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Source: Beaumonde

We has used - Google translations

Thailand - Public participation allowed in building of Royal Crematorium

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Fine Arts Department prepares historic royal carriages and palanquins for use

MEMBERS OF the public will be able to contribute to the construction of the royal crematorium and related accessories for the much-revered HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
“We will allow public participation,” Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn said yesterday.


The King passed away at the age of 89 on October 13, plunging the nation into deep grief.
The government is now in the process of preparing the royal crematorium and related accessories for the grand royal cremation of the monarch. The process is expected to be completed in a year.

“The Fine Arts Department has already surveyed the condition of the royal carriages and royal palanquins housed in the National Museum of Bangkok, to prepare for the royal procession of the cremation ceremony of His Majesty the King,” said Ananda Chuchoti, director-general of the Fine Arts Department.

He said the department would work closely with scientists in the cleansing process of the royal carriages and royal palanquins while artisans of the Office of Traditional Arts will be in charge of restoring any damaged parts.

“We don’t know yet the details of the royal procession but our task is to prepare these royal carriages and royal palanquins for use,” he added.

Maha Phichai Ratcharot (The Royal Great Victory Carriage), three Ratcharot Noi (Small Carriages), two Phra Yannamas Sam Lamkhan (Golden Palanquin with Three Beams) and two Krirk (Mechanical Hoist) are housed at the National Museum of Bangkok.

The Royal Great Victory Carriage, built in the reign of King Rama I, is 11.20 metres high, 15.30 metres long and weighs 13.7 tonnes and requires 216 men to pull it. In the ceremonial procession, it was used to carry the Royal Urn of Their Majesties the King and the Queen and high-ranking royal families to the royal crematorium.

The Royal Great Victory Carriage was first used for King Rama I’s father in ceremonies in 1796. It was last used in 2011 during the royal cremation ceremony of Princess Phetcharat Ratchasuda, the daughter of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI).

Source: Coconuts.co

Thailand - Hollywood star Steven Seagal pays respect to late King Bhumibol

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Hollywood martial artist and director Steven Seagal met with PM Prayuth Chan-ocha and paid respect to the portrait of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Government House his morning.
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Seagal, who is planning to shoot his next action movie "Attrition" in Thailand, expressed his condolences to Thailand for its loss and said he was moved by the late HM the King's hard work, according to Bangkok Post journalist Wassana Nanuam.

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Seagal is best known for his actions movies, where he shows off a near-mastery of the Japanese martial art of Aikido, but he has also studied Muay Thai.
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He noted that he has admired the work of the late king, who worked tirelessly to bring his citizens a better life. Seagal is a longtime practicing Buddhist.
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Seagal said the movie “Attrition” was inspired by the U.S. government moving Thailand to Tier 3, the worst possible ranking for the trafficking of people in 2014. Therefore, Seagal said the lead character in his new film will hunt down a human trafficking ring with the Thai police.
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Well, that's typical Seagal.
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Thailand was moved to a Tier 2 ranking, which is slightly better, this past June.
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Thai officials will facilitate Seagal in the filming of “Attrition,” which will reportedly take place in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and some of the Southern provinces.
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Seagal is hoping to incorporate Muay Thai fighters into his movie, which will be released next year.
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Seagal has shot several movies in Southeast Asia. In 2003, his action flick “Belly of the Beast” was shot in Thailand where Thai actress Sara Malakul Lane played his daughter.
Related:
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Executive Decision: Steven Seagal plans to shoot two movies in Thailand
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Source: Coconuts.co 

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Thailand - Huge turnout at Sanam Luang for mass singing of Royal Anthem

Bird's Eye View of Massive people attending the heartfelt mass singing of the royal anthem in tribute to HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Sanam Luang.

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Huge crowds of black-clad mourners from across the country poured into Sanam Luang on Saturday morning, hoping to join the mass singing of the Royal Anthem in the afternoon and express their love for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

People holding umbrellas in the scorching sun strolled on the huge ground, waiting for the mass singing to start at 1pm. There were long lines for free food and drinks provided by hundreds of well-wishers.

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 Thousands of mourners also waited in front of the Grand Palace's Viset Chaisri Gate, waiting for their turn to sign the condolence book in the Sala Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion inside the compound.
People coming to Sanam Luang are required to go through many security checkpoints set up around the ground.

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Source: The Nation

Thailand - Huge singing tribute today

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Hundreds of thousands expected at Sanam Luang for mass royal anthem renditions; security tightened for big day

HUNDREDS of thousands of people are expected to attend the heartfelt singing of the royal anthem in tribute to HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Sanam Luang today.
Organisers have prepared a full orchestra to help provide memorable moments.
From 1pm to 5pm, there will be multiple rounds of mass singing of the royal anthem with the backing of a full orchestra, they said.
Another highlight is scheduled for 10pm, when mourners will hold white candles and sing a last round of the royal anthem.
Newly appointed Deputy Bangkok Governor Pol Lt Gen Amnuay Nimmano said the authorities expected a huge gathering – at least 100,000 Thais to join the mass singing.
In recent days, at least 50,000 people clad in black have gathered daily at Sanam Luang next to the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where royal and religious ceremonies are taking place to pay tribute to the late King, according to Maj-General Pongsawat Panchit, deputy commander of the First Region Army, which is responsible for security around the area.
Security measures have been stepped up for today’s grand event, while emergency service providers are prepared to cope with the needs of the huge crowd expected to visit Sanam Luang over the three-day long weekend, according to Pongsawat, who chaired yesterday’s meeting of a joint security and safety command officials.
The operation will utilise officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the First Army Region, the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), the Ministry of Public Health, and other related state organisations. Seven checkpoints will be set up to screen visitors before they enter the inner area of Sanam Luang.
Both male and female police will operate the checkpoints, while other personnel will patrol areas around Sanam Laung, including Rajdamnoen Road.
“This is the heartland [Sanam Luang]. We have to secure it and make sure that everything here goes smooth. We are willing to work hard for this unifying and historic event,” Pongsawat said.
He urged the authorities to take preventive measures against possible crime and handle cases of missing children and the elderly properly.
More volunteer doctors and hospital staff will be ready to help any visitors needing first aid or emergency medical treatment, he said. Pongsawat also urged to the authorities to provide more wheelchairs to facilitate the elderly and handicapped. Currently, there were 250 wheelchairs available, he said.
The BMA will assign more doctors and medical personnel to provide emergency services to visitors while officials will closely monitor the quality of ready-to-eat food donated by the public in a bid to avoid cases of food poisoning.
Wattanee Wattana, deputy permanent secretary of the BMA, said ready-to-eat food, especially food with coconut milk as an ingredient, would be bad if exposed to heat for more than four hours, so authorities would check the quality before handing out food.
In regard to traffic management, no personal or public vehicles were allowed to enter the Sanam Luang area, he said. Members of the public should commute to Sanam Luang by shuttle buses or other public transport, he said.
Tents and seats will be set up at bus stops around Sanam Luang for the public.
Today, people will be allowed to enter the Sala Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion in the Grand Palace to sign the condolence book in memory of the King while the royal anthem singing is underway, the command centre said.
But certain streets around Sanam Luang, where royal motorcades regularly pass, remain closed and people joining the singing are not allowed to enter those prohibited zones, Amnuay said.
But he said the preserved routes could be used for emergency purposes during the singing event.
Tonight’s singing is being organised by a team headed by Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol. Organisers discussed the preparation plan for the singing yesterday with the command centre officials.
The major concern of authorities was emergency cases, so the number of doctors and other volunteer medics would be increased, Amnuay said.
According to the Royal Household Bureau, around 225,000 people have signed the condolence book since last Saturday – an average of 40,000 to 50,000 people per day. And last Saturday saw the highest turnout – about 70,000.
From Friday, people will be allowed to pay their respects to the King in the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace, where the monarch’s body rests.

Sourse: The Nation

Thailand - Important notices during mourning period

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Following are important announcements and advice from various agencies related to the mourning period for the passing of His Majesty the King of Thailand.

Tourism to continue with curbs on entertainment
Italian Embassy updates events list
TAT issues advice for foreign tourists
Dos and don'™ts
Embassies urge respect for Thai sensitivities
Guidelines issued for all broadcast and print media
TAT advice on the Royal Religious Rites
Activities and events postponed
Roads closed during mourning period
How to reach Sanam Luang

Source: The Nation 

King lives on through his legacy, says Thai PM

 

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha Friday urged government officials to keep in mind that HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej is still with Thai people via his legacy. 

“He is still around in the air, in the land, and in the water that he has conserved for us, in the environment that he has protected for us,” Prayut said during a seminar on government budgeting.
The much-revered King passed away at the age of 89 on October 13, bringing immense grief to his people.
Prayut also urged government officials to follow in the King’s footstep in pursuing sustainable development.

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Truly the King of hearts

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The longest-reigning monarch won the devotion of his subjects with his commitment to their welfare
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HIS MAJESTY King Bhumibol Adulyadej rose to the greatest heights in modern Thai history and was, in his lifetime, the pillar and soul of his nation.

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Like his grandfather King Rama V, His Majesty made enormous contributions to his country, commanding deep love and loyalty from his people. He was the guiding light, helping his Kingdom in times of crisis time and again.
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During his seven-decade-long reign, His Majesty peacefully defused several political situations, such as the tumult in October 1973 and Black May in 1992 - something no Thai politician was able to accomplish then or later.
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His reign spanned the terms of more than 30 governments, several military regimes, coups and numerous coup attempts, and even the defeat of the communist threat that raged through Southeast Asia a few decades ago.
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At the time of his passing yesterday, he was the world's longest-reigning monarch and had been recognised with several international awards for his contributions in various fields. Among the honours were the UNDP Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award, Time magazine's "Asian Hero King Bhumibol Adulyadej for Shaping the Asia of Our Times" and the World Intellectual Property Organisation Global Leaders Award.
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In an unprecedented gathering of royalty, the kings, queens and royal representatives from 26 countries arrived at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok in 2006 to pay tribute to His Majesty on the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne.
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In Thailand, he was considered the father of many innovations and technology.
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These accolades, however, pale before his significance to the Thai people - he was their inspiration, their leading light, and the King of their hearts.
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His Majesty won the hearts of his subjects because he fully honoured his oath of accession: "We shall reign with righteousness, for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people." This oath was taken on the day of his coronation in 1950, when His Majesty was just 23.
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Born on December 5, 1927 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, His Majesty was the third and youngest child of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Mahidol of Songkhla and Princess Srinagarindra. He spent much of his childhood overseas, visiting Thailand sometimes with his older brother King Ananda Mahidol to see their country and their elderly grandmother HM Queen Savang Vadhana.
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The younger royal never expected to become a monarch, but had to take over after his brother's untimely death on June 9, 1946.
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He was once quoted as saying after his brother's death: "I had never thought of becoming a king. I only wanted be your younger brother".
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After King Ananda's passing, the course of the younger royal's life changed completely. He had to change his subject of education from science to political science and law, so he could equip himself with proper knowledge for his reign.
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After completing his education in Switzerland, His Majesty returned for the royal coronation and faithful devotion to his country and his people. For most of his reign, His Majesty travelled the length and breadth of the Kingdom, visiting the poorest and remotest corners to learn about the problems faced by his people.
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During his travels, the beloved monarch spoke to his subjects and most importantly, listened to them. He learned of their needs and problems first hand and set about trying to find a way to give immediate help, before studying the issue in depth to find a permanent solution.
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He had to stop making these trips only after his health began to fail. Yet, even during his time at Siriraj Hospital, the beloved monarch read reports on issues affecting his people and gave advice when he could.
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Since 1952, His Majesty initiated more than 3,000 innovative programmes in agriculture, environment, public health, water resources, communications, public welfare, occupational promotion and education with the aim of easing the lives of Thai people.
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He also actively promoted sustainable development and the philosophy of sufficiency economy.
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His Majesty passed away peacefully at the age of 89 yesterday. He is survived by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and their four children.
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His death has plunged the nation into mourning. But the revered monarch will live in the hearts of Thai people forever.
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Source: The Nation
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BREAKING: Thailand's HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej dies

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HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand passed away today at the age of 88 at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok.
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HM King Bhumibol ascended to the throne on June 9, 1946, and was the world’s longest-reigning monarch. He was also known as King Rama IX and was the ninth monarch in the Chakri Dynasty.
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The well-loved monarch is survived by his wife, Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara and his children: Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya and her two daughters; Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and five sons and two daughters; Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Princess Chulabhorn Walailak and her two daughters as well as a large extended family.
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He will be succeeded on the throne by his son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
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Among King Bhumibol’s most widely-praised accomplishments were the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, a concept he taught citizens about living a moderate, self-dependent life without greed or exploitation and to survive on their own in the age of globalization.
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In his off-hours, he was a keen photographer, jazz saxophone player and composer, preferring Dixieland and New Orleans-style jazz. He composed nearly fifty songs, mostly in the genres of blues. He was also an accomplished painter. An avid animal lover, he published a book about one of his favorite dogs, a female ginger called Thong Daeng. The book is called “The Story of Thong Daeng.”
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King Bhumibol was born on December 5, 1927 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, the Prince of Songkla, and Sangwan Srinagarindra (later recognized Somdet Ya or Princess Srinagarindra). He was the youngest son in the family, born while his father attended Harvard University.
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The King graduated with a political science degree from The University of Lausanne in Switzerland and got married on April 28, 1950.
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For the last decade, King Bhumibol has had health issues that have included bacterial infections, breathing difficulties, heart issues and fluid in the brain.
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Cource: Coconuts.co

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