Journey to Peace Village

Today I arrived in Ayuthaya, the old royal city. This place is fantastic! I'm going to extend my booking one more day. Everywhere there are old palaces and temples. Today I visited a temple that commemorates I Thai King who fought in a battle that ensured peace in Thailand for 200 years. Right in the middle of my visit, I found myself surrounded by soldiers. This particular temple is dedicated to soldiers and there were about a hundred there to learn all about the site. Many took pictures, others took notes. Then a flood of school children came and they were very friendly. They wanted to know my name and nickname (most Thais have a nicknamed based on some characteristic). I was embarassed to say my nickname is Bulldozer so I wouldn't own up to it.

I've seen something here I haven't seen much of in Asia--wildlife (except for fish). I saw a small squirrel type animal climbing around at the shrine and I've seen a lot of wild birds, including some ducks and geese. The shrine was very serene and I was able to sit by the water and relax, something I haven't really done since I left the States.

I'll post pics when I can, but the USB port isn't working here.

Labels: Thai culture, Thai history, Thai royalty

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