Why Did People in Thailand Love King Bhumibol Adulyadej So Much?

Every day at 8 am and 6 pm, the scene in parts of Thailand is one which could be out of the twilight zone. Seemingly out of nowhere, loudspeakers switch on and everyone comes to a standstill, regardless of where they are. In areas all around the country, the national anthem is played and people honor their country and king by standing still for its duration. Tourists are expected to stop what it is they are doing as well and partake in this tradition.

This is one of many ways in which the Thai people demonstrate the respect they have for their monarchy. In addition to this, you will see photographs of the royal family across the Kingdom, including in classrooms, shops, homes, and so on. Another way in which visitors will see locals’ devotion for the king is the color of clothing many Thais wear, specifically on Mondays. Yellow represents the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. He was born on a Monday.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej recently passed in October 2016. His death certainly took a toll on the people, and grief was widespread across the country. Crowds of people gathered outside the hospital and wore pink clothing in the hope that it would bring him good health. The aftermath of his death was a powerful one, as the country declared an official state of mourning for an entire year. To honor this, many people, especially those working for the government, wear black to work, and no celebrations were allowed for a month. Clubs were quiet and even the infamous Khao San Road stayed silent during this period of mourning.

This utmost respect was partly inspired on May 5, 1950, by the king’s speech at the coronation ceremony at the Grand Palace. In it, he promised he would have an unfaltering determination to eliminate hardships from all people living in Thailand, regardless of race and religion. Throughout his reign, he continued to unify and strengthen the country, and he became known as the father of the country.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej played an active role in the lives of the Thai people long before he took the throne. For example, he paid a visit to Sampheng in 1946 with King Ananda Mahidol, Rama VIII. A large community of Thais of Chinese descent lived here, and this area is known as Chinatown today.

In addition to everything he did for the Thai people, King Bhumibol Adulyadej was a very likable man. He won the hearts of the people through his love for music and photography, as well as his many other attributes. In 1946, he finished his first two jazz compositions: “Candlelight Blues” and “Love at Sundown”, which became an instant hit with its incredibly catchy tune and upbeat rhythm. The king composed a total of 48 pieces, and he wrote the lyrics to many of these songs, as well.

He was oftentimes seen and photographed in public with his camera around his neck. He knew how to develop and print his own film, and many of his photographs were featured in magazines and newspapers.

In addition to his passion for the arts, King Bhumibol Adulyadej was undoubtedly a generous man. In 1965, the king’s scholarship fund officially began. He was constantly striving to improve the lives of his people, especially in rural Thailand. During his reign, he established some 3,000 education programs geared towards agriculture, health, and the environment. His focus was not on those who were rich and succeeding in the Kingdom but instead worked to help the poorest and most vulnerable of Thais.

50 days after the death of King Bhumibol, his son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn was proclaimed as Thailand’s new king. He is now the 10th king of the Chakri Dynasty and will be known as Rama X.