Over the last few days Thailand has stopped to celebrate the 82nd birthday of HRH King Bhumibhol, the longest reigning monarch in the world. The official birthday was on Saturday 5th December 2009 but the celebrations kicked off Friday evening with a huge concert in the national stadium in Bangkok. This was broadcast live on all TV stations and was led by the Prime Minister, Mr Abhisit, and his colleaugues from the world of politics and the great and the good and lots of ordinary Thais, clothed in pink. Could you imagine Gordon Brown and his colleagues leading a chorus of the National Anthem and other patriotic songs in honour of Elizabeth II?
The King is revered here. It is an irrelevance that the law makes criticism of the monarchy a serious offence. A law to the same effect in the UK wouldn't change anything and there would probably be an uprising if it was implemented. Of course it is self-evident that you can not legislate to change how people feel. So the law here doesn't make the King more revered. This is simply down to the role King Bhumibhol has played over the years in Thai society and as a result the King is adored. I have never heard a Thai person utter a bad word about the King though I have heard criticisms of others. So congratulations, Your Majesty, and long may you reign.
Saturday was marked by more events, marches, processions, fireworks and bright lights. Most public buildings and many private ones are draped with portraits of the King and other offerings and items in his honour. A lot of people wore pink including myself as a mark of respect and I was aware of people smiling approvingly at me.
What a brilliant touch to make Father's Day the same day! So us guys also feel a bit like a king especially us fathers! I got breakfast in bed and a very nice photo of me holding Benedict. The celebrations have proven to be so popular that Mr Abhisit has called for them to continue for a further two days.
The King really is one of the reasons that sets Thailand apart, why it is so different from so many places. There are other reasons, as I am learning from my experience as a teacher, but the King and the love ordinary Thais have towards this man is the starting point. It was jolly nice to have Monday off work as well. So, once more, long live the King!
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