Social media gushes with pain and paeans
Thai social media have been at their busiest ever. People freely shared their feelings and memories as the country mourned the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
@praewnoiijb wrote: “The Land of Smile is now very sad.”
Video clips, songs and pictures related to his life flooded the timeline, mostly in black and white. They were earlier in yellow and pink, the colours believed to bring good health to the beloved King.
Thais in Bangkok and abroad shared pictures of their gathering and commemoration, especially at Siriraj Hospital, the Grand Palace and the King Bhumibol Adulyadej Square in Massachusetts, USA, where the King was born.
Foreigner leaders, including the prime ministers of Malaysia, Singapore and India used Twitter and Facebook accounts to send their condolences to Thais.
A lot of Thais shared Facebook posts of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan who led his people pray for HM King Bhumibol both before and after the passing of the Thai revered king.
Posting a picture of HM King Bhumibol and his dog, @Vitle_vi wrote, “The greatest king, you are the heart of all Thai people. Respect from the Cambodians.”
The hashtags #KingBhumibol, #May I be your humble servant forever and #IwasBornInTheReignOfKingRamaIX rose to the top in Thai social media timeline.
Joy Achariya Angsuvarnsiri posted: “Yesterday was the last night in the reign of King Rama IX. This morning is in the reign of King Rama X.
“His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Mahitalathibet Ramathibodi Chakkrinaruebodin Sayamminthrathirat Borommanatbophit... (King Rama IX) ascended the throne on June 9, 2489 BE when he was 19. He passed away at 3.52pm at Siriraj Hospital on Thursday October 13, 2559 BE at the age of 89.
“He was the world’s longest-reigning monarch being at the helm for 70 years.
“It is my greatest merit to have been born and lived happily under his reign for 38 years.”
#IwasBornInTheReignOfKingRamaIX”
A lot of people posted similarly of their pride, how they would share with their children and noted that they wanted Facebook to remind them with this post every year.
Somluck Srimalee wrote: When I was a kid, I used to feel why the Father never visited his people in Bangkok. I envied those in the provinces who had a chance to see him. But when Bangkok faced a major flood, I saw him taking a boat to visit Bangkok residents. In the darkest time during the economic crisis in 1997, His Majesty gave us the wisdom of his sufficiency economy philosophy.
Vorraphop Junburanasiri wrote: The time has come for Thai people to be strong on our own. We don’t have the Father of the Nation to guide us. It’s time we pursued his dream and make this country developed.”
Aliza Alice Napartivaumnuay posted a drawing and wrote: “How fortunate we are to have been born under your reign. You have taught us so much about how we should care about each other and care about nature. Your passion, words, and actions has been instilled in me and I shall do my best in every way possible to do as much good as I can in my lifetime.”
On Thursday night, many posted that they could not sleep. Some wished that the King’s death was just a nightmare that was not true. Others gave moral support by writing that the King was now resting happily with his parents and siblings in heaven.
Many also wrote about their observation that the sky had been strangely gloomy earlier this week but returned to normal yesterday. They referred to the scene described by MR Kukrit Pramoj in “Four Reigns” when HM King Rama V passed away.
@belinvida_: “I envy the sky, it has taken back the angel.”
@aqunaa: “Since I left my room today, I haven’t stopped looking up at the sky.”
@_pxxs’s message has been shared widely. It says, “After listening to the Royal Household Bureau, I said to my brother, ‘There is no miracle’. He said, ‘We have enjoyed the miracle for 70 years already’.”
@Len_deeR: “I used to wonder how we can love a person we never met. Now I know.”
@skymantaf posted a picture and described: “14 October 1973, weapons were used to suppress the people calling for democracy. [HM King Bhumibol] ordered opening of the Chitralada.Palace’s gate so people could come in and be safe.”
@sny_km: “Yes, it’s like being heartbroken all the time.”
@aelwasikan: “Never before have I seen money and felt sad.”
@skxsjxexo: “I wore my earphones, played loud music, I didn’t follow the news, I didn’t look at my phone. Nothing helped. I couldn’t stop my tears.”
Thon Thamrongnawasawat wrote: “Who said time will heal [the pain]? I feel worse. I don’t want to go anywhere, just hide my face in the pillow.”
@wiw_FCRitz: “Always our beloved King.”
@kasih388: “HM [King Bhumibol] did not only leave us grievances, but loads of good examples for us to follow.”
@JaneViff: “[HM King Bhumibol] said HM the Queen was his smile. I wonder how his smile is now?”
