In their own words, Thais tell how the late King touched their lives
With hundreds of thousands of loyal subjects turning out yesterday, not everyone could make it into the Royal Crematorium at Sanam Luang – but that did not stop people from seeking to pay their final respects to HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The Nation’s Wasamon Audjarint talked with black-clad mourners who visited a replica of the Royal Crematorium at the Royal Plaza yesterday.
Panissara Kleeblamduan, 59, a trader from Khon Kaen
When I was a child, I had a chance to greet His Majesty while he came to preside over a graduation ceremony at a local university. And that made me understand the true meaning of the famous phrase “Long Live the King”. The late monarch set up plenty of royal |initiatives in rural areas and it can’t be helped that I miss him so much. I went to pay respects in front of the Royal Urn 17 times before the cremation ceremony took place today.
Areeya Boonsirikan, 53, a corporate employee residing in Australia
I flew in from Australia to pay my last respects to His Majesty today. I have appreciated his philosophy of sufficiency economy, which taught me to live economically although I’m in a country with higher living expenses.
I’m saving for my family and myself in Thailand.
Kanya Boonchay, 52, a nurse from Trang
It’s not my turn as a volunteer today but I still want to do good deeds as much as I can in tribute to the late King. Last night, I made 1,000 jars of medical balm to distribute to mourners today. His Majesty granted me graduation certificates twice when I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public health from Mahidol University. His contributions to the public will always stay with me.
Pimlapat Theekachotwattana, 50, a teacher from Songkhla
I’m glad I was able to take part in the ceremony today. No matter how far I have to go, it’s worth travelling from my hometown in the southern region. During the seven decades of his reign, His Majesty’s works taught us a lot, for example, how to live frugally and properly given our conditions.
Pimyada Wanprawek, 9, a student from Pathum Thani
My mother, aunt and I came to volunteer today. I helped distribute food and water to waiting mourners. I’m not tired at all when I see people gathering today as a last tribute to His Majesty. I’m impressed by the late King’s Royal Rain project, which is designed to help farmers to survive drought and sustain themselves. I will also continue to do good for him, not just today but as long as I can.
Narong Aekrattanamongkol, 84, a retiree from Phuket
For over eight decades of my life, I have grown up and got old seeing His Majesty. I feel deeply bound with him, |seeing him committing works for his people throughout those years. I did not make it to Sanam Luang, but it is a chance for me to join the Royal Crematorium just this close.
Panupat Chainit, 16, a high-school student
My previous school was not far from His Majesty’s Chitralada Royal Villa, where a number of his royal initiatives and projects are modelled and practised. There, I got to learn how the projects have been helpful to develop local farming, resulting in affordable yet quality products. At that time, I only thought that the farm products tasted good, but now they remind me of how greatly his projects contribute to us.
Warangkhana Hongthong, 52, a |vendor from Nonthaburi
This is the one and only chance for me to pay final respects to His Majesty. He taught us to sustain ourselves via a sufficiency philosophy, which also helps many farmers to stand on their own legs. I hope to be able to make it to Sanam Luang if my health allows me to do so. I will go as much as I can.
Kanokporn Sarakanpol, 23, a |hotelier
Although I am relatively young and might not have grown up when His Majesty visited several remote areas to initiate his royal projects, I still have seen and heard about his legacy and am aware what he has contributed to the people. For instance, his Royal Rain project has helped rural provinces suffering drought, consequently preventing agricultural shortages. The projects’ outcomes are still visible today.
Booppa Jitpratch, 62, a retired civil servant from Nonthaburi
Although I may not make it to Sanam Luang, I wish to be close to His Majesty as much as I can to bid him a last farewell to Heaven.
I can’t describe how I feel about him in words, only knowing that he has done plenty of good deeds throughout his whole life. I will always remind myself to live |sufficiently as he taught us.