Thursday, November 3, 2016

Thailand, a country in mourning.




When I heard that King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away and that the country was going to be in mourning for one year, I did not know if I should go to Thailand anyway. But I already had my ticket and my mind was set on coming here, so I did.
And I am so glad I did.
Yes, the country is in mourning, and everybody dress in black or white. However, it is not because the government mandates it. It is because they are really mourning his passing away.
Everybody loved the king, and everybody it’s really sad about his demise.
People are coming from all over the country to the palace in Bangkok to pay their respects. They bring flowers and they pray and it is very touching to see the sorrow of the people.
The government and many private companies as well as many individuals have set up tents on a park across the palace, to feed the people coming to pay their respects.
I was there today and it was amazing. So much food, fruits, cakes, ice creams, and coffee, tea, juice and water.  But they also were offering haircuts, massages, first aid and checkups…. All by volunteers and free of charge.
I had a foot and leg massage, a chiropractic adjustment, and umbrella, all the food I could eat and tons of water.
What amazed me the most, was that the people were not there for “free food”, they were there to pay their respect. Of course they ate, but that was not the main purpose of being there.
Nevertheless, as human nature dictates, there were a few people that were taking all the food they could get and put it in bags to take home. However, I am glad to report that from the thousands of people there, maybe 10 of them took food. And to me that it’s amazing.
                There are many shrines all over town where people lay flowers and pray too.
                King Bhumibol Adulyadej (1927-2016) was the longest reigning monarch in history, having serve for 70 years. And everybody loved him.
Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is next in line, however, he won’t be coronate until the one year mourning time is over.

One of the food stalls



Foot massage

Hair cuts

One of the shrines


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