A Royal Spectacle

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By: leelefever on June 15, 2006 - 8:37am

A Royal Spectacle, originally uploaded by LeeLeFever_TwinF.

Thailand is currently in the midst of an event that is somewhat incomprehensible to Americans like us. The Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej is celebrating 60 years on the throne (making him the world's longest serving monarch) and this event has the Thai people entranced. A couple of nights ago, the King welcomed royalty from over 25 countries to his palace for a gala and it seemed that every Thai TV in the country tuned in for the event. As we learned the next day, it was extremely rare for the people to see their beloved King, even on TV. As one restaurant manager explained to us "everyone is just so happy for the King". The event even took precedence over the World Cup. More on BBC News

The reason I say it is incomprehensible to us is that we have never known an enduring personal symbol of our country. Seeing the incredible love, dedication and almost religious devotion to the King, it makes us realize how important his role is for national unity and stability. He is, to an astounding degree, the symbol of Thai success, morality and stability. It makes us wonder what it would be like to have American royalty. Would the country be so divided? Would the American equivalent of the Thai King be a positive influence, or a joke?


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WONDER NOT...FREEDOM RINGS
By: Anonymous (not verified) on June 15, 2006 - 12:15pm
                                                                                     RED WAS NOT OUR COAT TO WEAR                                                                                                     SO WE BID ABYE TO ROYAL CARES                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               IN PLACE WE CHANGED, WE FLEX, WE GROW                                                                               FREEDOM'S BEST FOR ALL TO SHOW                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE, TO GUIDE OUR PATHS                                                                                FREEDOM'S WILL TO LAST AND LAST!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

I am afraid that the
By: Mom (not verified) on June 15, 2006 - 5:12pm
I am afraid that the American piblic would never be faithful to anyone. Our press would be sure that it would never happen. Or is their press controlled by the government? They like to sell papers and TV time you know. Everyone loves to beleive the worse about everyone. I sound negative don't I?
The King
By: Tanya (not verified) on June 17, 2006 - 3:50am
Yes, Thai royalty is so revered that there are many special parades and celebrations throughout the year. Also, some daily routines include the national anthem which is played on loudspeakers throughout the country at 6 pm nightly. It is quite interesting to be rushing to the BTS subway in Bangkok and suddenly see everyone stop dead in their tracks because the anthem starts playing. School kids sing the national anthem each morning as well. On the local news each night, you can see what the Queen and princesses did that day. Furthermore, if you go watch a movie in Bangkok, the entire audience must stand as the national anthem is played with a video/photo montage of the king before you watch the movie.