Collectively Mourns Princess’ Death

Collectively Mourns Princess’ Death

The cult of celebrity among HM King Bhumimbol’s family and his people is, believe it or not, stronger than the Germans’ love for Barack Obama. This past weekend, Thais from across the country flooded into Bangkok for the funeral procession of the King’s big sister, Princess Galyani Vadhana.

The ceremony has been in the planning stages since the Princess died back in January. Gilded platforms held by stern soldiers carried royal and religious figures and the princess’ urn through the streets of Bangkok, where hundreds of thousands of citizens, all dressed in black, stood and either dabbed their eyes quietly or openly sobbed to express their heartfelt love for the Princess. Many of the attendees camped out at the site in order to get a seat with a good view. Seems they love the royals as much as we loved the Dave Matthews Band in the late 90s.

The event also served as a heck of a headache for those who actually traveled to Bangkok in hopes of seeing some of the palace and temple grounds set beside the Chao Phraya River. These sites are usually open to visitors but were closed off for the events.

And this ornate ceremony is only the beginning. The princess’ remains will be moved several more times so various family members can pay their respects and perform the expected religious rites. And, as usual, every newspaper in TV channel will chronicle the royal family’s movement for 120 million pairs of fascinated Thai eyes.