Yesterday Thailand showed its respect for the King with an emotional celebration of the revered monarch’s 80th birthday. The highlight of the day was the early evening’s majestic motorcade to his Bangkok Palace. Millions of his adoring subjects lined the broad avenues decorated with celestial light displays. The King and Queen sat in the back of the royal limousine and waved to the masses with parental warmth.

The only times I’ve witnessed such outpourings of emotion have been at the funeral processions for JFK and Princess Diana. The first on TV as an 11 year-old brought the nation to a standstill and the latter as an adult after a trans-Atlantic flight to see the motorway from Heathrow devoid of cars as England watched the people’s princess return to Kensington Palace one last time.

Thailand luckily existed on the other end of the emotional spectrum

Pure magnetic joy.

And the King reflected this love in his show of strength.

He spoke about the need for national unity. ”We can say that if Thais have a lack of awareness for the country, unity, we all may face calamity.
Therefore, I ask all soldiers and all Thais in every circle to contemplate whether the country deserves your protection. If you think so, please consciously stay honest, minimise prejudices and strengthen kindness and unity. Thailand is able to remain sovereign because we all realise our Thainess. Our duty must be to protect our independence and security. History has proved our souls are one. No one can split us, and we live in harmony.”

His health has been troubled in recent years, but he bravely walked unassisted to re-assure Thais that their father was in good shape. 

Courage.

Majesty.

Love.

The proof of his dynastic rights.

Long live the King.

My wife and I went outside to light candles.

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So that we will see him on his 90th Birthday.

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