THURSDAY, April 25, 2024
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Social media grieves for King Rama IX but rejoices over new monarch 

Social media grieves for King Rama IX but rejoices over new monarch 

Social media timelines on Thursday were very busy. They started with people sharing pictures of merit-making and their thoughts on the 50th day after the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Late at night, they posted reactions to the new King ascending the throne.

Many posted, “Long Live the King”. Some wrote poems for him. Also, a lot of netizens posted the picture of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun and his reply to the invitation during the inauguration: “I accept the invitation in order to follow His Majesty King Bhumibol’s will and for the benefit of all Thai people.” 
Anecdotes about him have also been shared, including his letter to HM Queen Sirikit and his writing about his little sister HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Chai Seeho posted photos and quoted from an interview given by King Maha Vajiralongkorn in 2000 when he was the Crown Prince: “...[Princess Mother] did not give me special advice. She never mentioned the glory or fortune. She only told [me] to be a good person, to be responsible in my positions and do nothing to disgrace or hurt my parents mentally ... She did not teach me formally. She wanted me to be a good person and have a good life. No matter in what position, if I behave and do my duty, I will prosper...”
Sarawut Niamloi posted a picture of Their Majesties King Bhumibol and King Maha Vajiralongkorn and wrote, “On earth we have a new king, in heaven we have a new angel.”
Korbua D Monkolkul posted the picture of her painting of the new King, freshly painted on Thursday night, with the message “Long Live the King”.
Theera Thanya-Anantphol posted a picture of King Bhumibol and wrote, “[Today is] the last day in the reign of HM King Rama IX [my feeling although the last day was actually on October 13]. His Majesty is always on his subjects’ minds. With my deepest gratitude. #ourbelovedking Long Live His Majesty King Rama X.”
@Markbam_kpm wrote: “Feeling so startled that the pictures we always saw along the roads and the Royal Anthem honoring HM King Rama IX in theatres will be only in memory. #I was born in the reign of HM King Rama IX #LongLiveTheKing.”
Namsifa Nam wrote: “I was born and lived in the reign of HM King Rama IX, I saw the nation’s great loss, I have been reporting about the loss every day. But today, there is a new auspicious news, we have the new king, ‘King Rama X’. May the monarchy always be with Thailand forever. Long Live the King.”
Nitipat Bhandhumachinda posted a picture of a lotus and wrote, “It’s been 50 days already, but the grief is not any less.” 
He also wrote that it was not easy to succeed the previous King, especially when the predecessor was very talented and good-hearted. 
“...King [Rama X]’s ascension to the Throne, therefore, also needs much effort and determination to continue the royal activities and initiatives of the much beloved and revered father. What Thai people can and must do as the subjects of the Chakri Dynasty is to be confident and loyal as well as give moral support [to King Rama X] in every way.”
December 5, King Bhumibol’s birthday, has been celebrated as Father’s Day in Thailand. Baad Lertpaiboon posted a picture with her husband and daughter and wrote, “It is so quiet this year. Had the Father [HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej] been alive today, we would have seen Father’s Day activities in schools... What I think should be preserved is the tribute to HM King Rama IX with gratitude. Our descendants should learn about the decency and his sacrifice for his children [subjects] that enabled us to live peacefully in this country. He will always be in our minds. I miss him.”

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