Thousands of Thais pay homage to dead king
BANGKOK: A huge crowd of Thais gathered on Saturday outside Bangkok’s Grand Palace to sing the royal anthem in honour of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died on October 13 after seven decades on the throne.
The government has declared a year of mourning for the 88-year old king, who was seen as a father figure for generations of people and though a constitutional monarch a calming influence over the country’s often turbulent politics.
People dressed in black travelled by bus, boat and on foot to Sanam Luang, a tree-lined open space that has been used for royal cremations outside the river-side Grand Palace, bringing the area to gridlock. Police said more than 150000 were in Sanam Luang and side streets.
The royal anthem, known as Sansoen Phra Barami, is played before the screening of every cinema show in Thailand, when the audience stands to honour the king as pictures of his life and work are shown on the screen.
Saturday’s singing was recorded for use in cinemas, organisers said.
“Since he went to Heaven we want all Thais to demonstrate their love and sing this song to show before film screenings,” said Prince Chatri Chalerm Yukol, the movie director. Since the king died, people from across Thailand have flocked to the Grand Palace to pay homage to the only king most of them have ever known. He is lying in state there.
Buddhist monks have been chanting prayers beside his coffin in an imposing throne hall, and they will chant for 100 days as part of the funeral rites.
“I wanted to be here to pay respects to His Majesty,” said Haysri Watanakulpipat, 47, who said she drove overnight from the eastern province of Prachinburi.
The military government has not set a date for the royal cremation but it is expected in about a year. The government has said Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will ascend the thrown soon but he had requested that his succession be delayed for an unspecified period, so he can grieve with the people.
The government has moved to quash uncertainty surrounding the succession and to reassure the country the king’s death will not derail plans for a return to democratic rule, which include a general election in late next year.
It has stressed business and government should carry on as normal and tourism should not be affected. – Reuters