I first came across this mysterious symbol as i drove out of a shopping mall parking lot in California, i noticed it on the back of another car's window and it greatly aroused my curiosity. Strangely enough, i had just bought a Learning Thai book just an hour before and was now seeing this exotic character on the back window of another person's car in America.
Fast forward 3 months later, a move across the Pacific, and now i am living and working in Thailand where i have come across this symbol almost everywhere i go. I often see it on t-shirts, displayed on the sides of bags, as stickers on store-front windows or even pinned as badges to the front of people's clothing. I learned the literal meaning of the character is the number 9 , but its significance and what it represents here in Thailand is so much more.
On October 13 of last year, the great King Rama 9 of Thailand passed away. After 70 years as the world's longest reigning monarch at the time of his passing, 7 decades of unprecedented love and devotion to the nation and kingdom of Thailand came to an end. The nation has been in a 1-year mourning period since the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Almost every living person in Thailand was born and bred under the reign of King Rama 9 of the Chakri Dynasty. The sadness and grief along with their great love and pride for their nation's father will be on display in full force in the coming week. On Oct 26, 2017 all eyes and ears will be focused on a majestic grand farewell to the great King in a Royal Cremation Ceremony rumored to cost around $90 million.
9 also happens to be the auspicious number that represents 'Progress' as it shares the same sound for the word 'step'. It is extremely suitable for King Bhumibol who became known as the 'Development King' and was famous for his thousands of development projects to benefit the people throughout the nation.
The King maintained a sense of unity throughout history despite the many wars in the surrounding region, despite the political power struggles, and multiple military coups. For the millions of Thais from all walks of life, different age generations, different political ideologies, the 9 unites them all in their love for their great father.
After learning to read basic Thai, i was grateful and happy to come across this t-shirt (see below) on display for sale in a hip shopping mall yesterday. It reads translated as: " I Was Born During The Reign of the 9th ".
It shows a lot about the love and pride for the King Rama 9 and the appreciation to have been fortunate enough to know him as their great father during their lifetimes.
In the days ahead, i will be posting more about the life of King Bhumibol (who was a very skilled photographer and musician). There have been many great exhibitions in Bangkok honoring his life including one showcasing very personal photos that he took during the many decades of his rule. Many are Black and White since color film was not yet available, and yes some selfies before they became known as selfies. =)
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