Death Of Thailand King Starts a Year of Mourning for Citizens
The world’s longest reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, passed away October 13 at the strong age of 88 years, ending his 70-year reign.
Adulyadej was revered by the people of Thailand as a demi-god, and his death marks the beginning of a year of mourning for the citizens.
“To people he is their father who watches over his children. To add to that, people believe that he is a descendant of Buddha,” says Ezra Zathen, an eighteen year old girl from Bangkok, Thailand.
The Thai government has provided food, water, and a place to rest for the people who have travelled from all over the country to Bangkok just to pay their respects to Adulyadej.
According to Zathen, the year of mourning means that the people are required to wear black clothing for a full year. Any clubs, bars, and parties have been shut down for a full month.
All comedy or entertainment shows on television are on hiatus for a month, as well. Instead, documentaries about the king are being broadcast on TV. For now, television will be shown in black and white only—no bright colors are permitted.
The crown prince, Maha Vajiralongkorn, asks for time to mourn the death of the beloved king along with the rest of the people of Thailand.
The official announcement declaring Vajiralongkorn successor to the Thai throne has been delayed to allow time for mourning.
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