Back in 2016, after seven decades on the Thai throne, King Rama IX sadly passed away. There was an extended period of mourning, in which 98 year-old General Prem, the former Prime Minister from the 1980s and current head of the Royal Privy Council, served as Regent. After that, the late king's son, Rama X, officially took the throne. It was a very sad time for Thailand, because the late king was so deeply loved and respected by his subjects, and was seen as the "Father of the Nation". After his death, he was officially awarded the title "The Great", along with King Rama I and King Rama V.
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| signing a book of blessings for the new king at Siam Paragon mall |
Thailand was in an official period of mourning for one whole year. Eventually, however, the kingdom must move on. It's been two and a half years since the passing of the great king, and now it's time for a new chapter in Thailand's history.
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| a display inside the metro station |
This week, the new king will have his official coronation ceremony! It really is a generational event, and one which the entire kingdom has been preparing for. It's going to be a beautiful ceremony! Over the past few weeks, water has been collected from every single Thai province to use in the ceremony. This will be the first coronation of a Thai monarch in modern times, and almost in living memory. It's the first time to be photographed and filmed in color. Though I'll just be watching on TV, I can feel the excitement. It's a good feeling to be witnessing history!
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| royal flower displays inside Siam Paragon shopping mall |
After more than half a decade in Thailand, I do feel like the kingdom is my second home. While I don't think I'll ever be able to obtain Thai citizenship, I do feel a close love and attachment for my "second country". Over the past few years, I've come to regard the Thai monarch as "my king". It's a time of change, and I'll be supporting Thailand for whatever the future holds.
Long live the King!
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