The king has been king for 60 years. He’s currently 84, so that means he became King shortly after graduating with a degree from Harvard Univ. The king’s face is on every denomination of currency. This would suggest that it will be an expensive transition someday when he passes.
There are huge pictures of the King, and to a lesser extent, the Queen, all over every city. Huge Gateways, like overpasses, carry his picture, as do many many shrines. He is in failing health, and there was some speculation that he might pass during my visit (no coincidence here).
Twon nights ago, I was standing atop the highest building in Bangkok, on the 78th floor. On the expressway below, traffic was stopped, and about a 1 mile stretch was completely empty…until an entourage of about 8 cars, with lights flashing, appeared. It was the Royal family, or at least a subset of it.
I learned that the Royal family is generally seen at night. They sleep during the day, because they are out so late…Not because they are party animals. Rather, it has been the Royal families tradition to “no sleep until their country has gone to bed”. It is the ultimate act of respect, a value that pulses through all of Thailand. This kind of commitment to the people of Thailand is one reason they are revered.
Though the King plays the same role as the UK’s Queen, the impact of the royal family is huge. Most any project that is of great consequence to the country is sponsored as a Royal project. Royal projects work. About 10 years ago, a Royal project was to go out into the poorer provinces and dig small ponds for tribal communities so that they could grow fish…as and example.
The successor to the King is up in the air. There is 1 son and 3 daughters. The son is not popular at all. One daughter stepped down from her royal standing years ago in order to pursue a career as an actress. She is now in her 60’s. Another daughter is Harvard educated, an MD. One of the 4 children died, but I can’t remember which one.
On my last day in Thailand, I visited the National Museum, which would be equivalent, in purpose, to our Smithsonian. IT is a series of poorly maintained, un-air conditioned Wat Temple buildings with salvaged items from 10 – 15 centuries ago. It is a Royal project to engage the people of Thailand in the preservation of their arts and culture. On the day that I visited. I was probably one of 10 visitors at the multi-building museum.
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