Thais Embrace King Rama X

Napasorn Srisanga, 50, Bangkok shopowner who joined yesterday’s “Big Cleaning Day” at Sanam Luang
“It’s good for our country to have a new king, King Rama X. That means the royal interregnum has come to an end. We all love and welcome HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.”

Ananya Srisanga, 53, Bangkok business owner 
“The Crown Prince will succeed his father His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and follow in his footsteps to take care of the country and the people. We love the new King as we have loved every previous monarch of our country.”

Prapaporn Imphot, 62, Nakhon Sawan housewife who volunteered to help to cook food during the “Big Cleaning Day”
“I’m glad that today, we are going to have King Rama X as the country’s pillar after King Rama IX who passed away in October. We venerate and respect the new monarch as we have do King Rama IX.
“Long live the King!”

Akrima Apipornpat, brand director of a Bangkok firm that gave out cleaning materials for today’s “Big Cleaning Day” 
“We have come here today to service the public in tribute to our late King and to welcome the new King. Today marks 50 days since the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the proclaiming of the new King Rama X. 
“We want to use this auspicious occasion to express our respect for the monarchy and to welcome our new, beloved King.” 

Sarin Chaiyanet, 86, Kamphaeng Phet resident
“I am glad that the Crown Prince has assumed the kingship. He will be representing his father.” 

Unchalee Thongmongkorn, 60, primary school teacher in Bangkok
“The succession is in line with the Palace Law. He will be our next beloved King, like his father.” 

Rakchart Riwthong, 43, Bangkok-based government official
“The monarchy has been part of our country since ancient times, and we are very delighted to witness this auspicious moment. I’m lucky to live in the reigns of both King Rama IX and King Rama X.”

Jittima Borvornsin, 52, nurse from Bangkok
“It is my honour to live in the reigns of King Rama IX and X. The new King will follow his father’s path and we all respect and love him as we have all previous kings of the country. It is great to see how much Thais have been united during this historic transitional period.”

Nithit Tipkam, 35, employee of Mae Fah Luang Foundation, a royal non-profit organisation
“I glad to be witnessing this historic moment when the country gets to see King Rama X. Our country will change in a positive way under the new reign. Since I have been working closely with the Royal Foundation for five years, and worked at the shop [owned by the foundation] in front of the Grand Palace, I have caught sight of many members of the Royal Family. The Crown Prince is charismatic, and I feel connected and grateful to all kings of Thailand, including the new King.” 

Ratikharn Sirisarnsombut, 58, owner of a 20-year-old shop selling Buddha images opposite the Grand Palace
“Today is auspicious as thousands of people clean Sanam Luang as a tribute to the late King and to welcome the new King. Since I have been near the Grand Palace for the last two decades, I have had a chance to welcome the Crown Prince many times. I have seen how charismatic he is.” 
Kinpong Sakulpichairat, 70, Bangkok resident whose house is opposite the Grand Palace
“The Crown Prince has accompanied His Majesty the Late King for years, so he will follow in his father’s footsteps. The country will not change that much following the new reign because the people still love and respect the monarchy as before.” 
Aimon Jaratchotikul, 61, Nakhon Ratchasima resident
“ The [monarchical] institution is one of the three pillars of Thailand and it will last long. I will be a servant under all of Thailand’s Kings’ feet in all future lives. I have prepared the Crown Prince’s portrait after the National Legislative Assembly acknowledged him as the new King as a gesture to welcome him. 
Daw Khin Aye Nwe, 57, Myanmar worker who has lived in Thailand for more than 30 years
“It is great and auspicious for Thailand, my second home, to have the new King. I am grateful to the Thai Royal Family as I have lived here under their royal benevolence. Brighter days ahead await following the new reign of King Rama X.” 
Thida Hmadsen, 57, Trang resident
“I feel so delighted to see that the Crown Prince will become our new King. As a son of His Majesty the Late King, Thais love him like we do his father. Nothing will change because the new King will take care of his people as his father did.”
Winai Malachuamong, 50, retailer from Nakhon Nayok 
“I love and respect the Crown Prince as I did his father. The new King will bring the country to a new, great chapter. We are grateful to the royal institution, which has secured our country.” 
Sathithaporn Kasiphan, 42, nun at a Bangkok temple 
“I am happy to see the Crown Prince succeed his father. Thais will love and revere all of their Kings as they have before.”
Thanyaporn Sirachomseng, 45, Kamphaeng Phet resident
“For Thais, we love all of our monarchs. The country has been secured by the royal institution since past times. People have united and realised we have to love each other. So, it is a good start for our country to transition to the new reign of King Rama X.”