‘An opportunity for generosity’

YESTERDAY could have provided a big money-making opportunity for the communities around Wat Rajabopidh Sathitmahasimaram and Wat Bovoranives Vihara, where massive crowds of black-clad mourners were waiting for processions to bring the Royal Ashes of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Water, food, inhalers and all basic supplies were in dire need among the loyal subjects who had occupied the pavements since early dawn, waiting to bid the very last farewell to the cremated remains of their beloved monarch.

Many local shops were closed to make space along the street for mourners. Those shopkeepers who insisted on remaining open, could have increased their prices and the tired people would not have hesitated to pay.
The owners of those shops saw an opportunity – but not opportunism. Rather, many of them gave food and water to passers-by for free.

“It’s an opportunity for generosity,” said restaurant manager Somchai Sri-ngam. “This type of selflessness is the very least we could do for the selfless King.”
The restaurant, located right at an intersection in front of Wat Bovoranives, was filled inside and out. Somchai was very busy, running around the place for half an hour before having a chance to speak with The Nation.
The restaurant provided free toilet services and water, and allowed people to visit the gallery on its second floor, where paintings of the late King have been exhibited for nine months.
For Somchai, the placement of the Royal Ashes in the nearby temple means he is now even closer to the King. “I’m just overwhelmed,” he said.
Two blocks away, shopkeeper Somdej Ongpathom has sold a decades-high record number of royal flags and portraits. His products were undoubtedly popular among mourners.

“This week alone, I could have sold a couple of hundred royal portraits, especially those of King Rama IX and King Rama X,” the 61-year-old said.
Having the Royal Ashes installed nearby will encourage him to follow the late King’s sufficiency economy philosophy, Somdej said in front of the one-storey shop that has operated for more than 30 years.
Sunee Kerdpuengboonpracha owns a student supply shop near the temple.

While her products were not exactly necessary for mourners, she decided to stay open yesterday. “Back-to-school season is coming soon,” she reasoned. “If I don’t sell these things, my customers may not have anywhere else to go to get things ready for their children’s schooling,”
She said she also provided some free assistance to mourners in need.
“I just want to help others as much as I can, like the King did for us,” she said.
While the roads yesterday were filled with people wearing black, Prapanittha Damrongritthipat instead wore casual grey clothing, relaxing on her Sunday with some friends and playing with her smartphone in the community near Wat Rajabopidh.
She said she prayed until the very last for the late King at Siriraj Hospital, where he passed away on October 13 last year. “The event today may have ceremonial significance, but it’s not the only way to express love for the King,” the 25-year-old student said. “My house is located just a couple of blocks away from the temple, meaning that I can visit there as often as I want to. I don’t think I have to join the massive crowds to show that I’m really loyal to the King. 
“For me, I will continue to do good deeds, live sufficiently and be generous, like the King told us.”