Journey to Peace Village

It's hard for me as an American to understand the Thai people's devotion to their king. His image is ever present in Thailand. Most homes and businesses have at least one picture of the king prominently displayed. Criticism of the Monarch, King Bhumibol, is punishable by jail time. Anything which impinges the dignity of the king is also strongly rejected. In fact, the musical "The King and I" is banned in Thailand because it treats the king too lightly and comically. He and his wife Queen Sirikit have four children and are considered the pinnacle of Thai society.
Instead of being a distant and detached figure in the manner of many Western monarchs, the King is looked on as a father figure by the Thai people. To criticize the king is seen as an insult not only to him, but also to an integral part of any Thai person. It is much the same as it would be to insult Jesus to a Christian. The figure of the king has become a part of what every Thai person idealizes as the best part of themselves.
King Bhuminbol for his part, has ties to the U.S., being born in Massachusetts when his father was studying medicine at Harvard University. His father worked tirelessly to improve and modernize health care in Thailand. King Bhuminbol and his family have themselves been involved in many projects to improve life for the poor and disenfranchised in Thai society. This is another reason why he is so beloved by the Thai people.
It is also interesting to note that King Bhuminbol has reigned since 1946. He is longest monarch in the world and is the longest reigning king in the history of Thailand.
I bought a pin with a heart on it and Thai script. I didn't know what it said until the hotel manager, Khun Tipp translated it for me. It says "We love the King!" I wear it proudly now.
Long Live the King! Long Live the Thai people!

Labels: culture and society, Thai royalty, Thailand