Sea of yellow at Siriraj

It was quite by chance that I had to attend a meeting at Siriraj Hospital today.  And I am very glad that I did.

I have been out of the country for a few weeks but had been following the news about His Majesty the King's admittance to hospital.  And I had seen the photographs on the Nation Web-site of various groups of cutely dressed school kids praying for and paying their respects to His Majesty.  But it hadn't prepared me for the sheer volume of people who were gathered at the Hospital today. 

Almost all dressed in yellow shirts, sitting or praying together as families or groups of friends, in the pretty garden which contains the statue of HRH Prince Mahidol, next to the building in which His Majesty is recuperating.  People smiled at me, the fat farang wearinng a yellow polo shirt.  There was a buzz among some people that His Majesty may leave the hospital soon.  But the overall atmosphere was one of meditation and prayer, filled with hope and love.  And I feel sure that so many people have similarly gathered at the Hospital every day since His Majesty arrived.

Some farangs may struggle to understand the universal wearing of yellow in Thailand.  And certainly in my own country, the institution of the Monarchy is not revered and respected as much as I think it should be.  But in my eyes today, I saw a very honest and humble expression of love and respect for His Majesty the King of Thailand and I was genuinely moved by it. 

Like so many countries, Thailand has its ups and downs, but through everything the people are unified in their love for His Majesty King and I think the country is a better place for it.

Like so many farang in Thailand, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt wish that His Majesty makes a full and speedy recovery.

Song Prajarern!