Travel like the wind – Suchart Choolee
When you step into a Thai home—whether small or large, in the city or countryside—there is always one thing in common: a portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), placed in the most honored spot of the house. This portrait is not there merely because he was a monarch, but because he was, and still is, the heart and soul of the Thai people.
That portrait is not just a photograph. It is filled with memories, loyalty, and an undying love. It is the image parents point to when teaching their children, saying, “This is the Father of the Nation.” It reminds us, each time we see it, of the values he stood for: sufficiency, selflessness, and tireless diligence.
On October 13, 2016, when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away, the entire nation fell silent. The sound of sorrow echoed through every heart. It was the day Thailand lost its heartbeat, and a day when we all truly realized the depth of our love, devotion, and gratitude for our King.
In times of crisis, King Rama IX stood as a pillar of strength, a guiding light in the darkness. Tirelessly, he dedicated his life to the betterment of his people—traveling across the country, without distinction between class or region, to bring hope and solutions to the most remote corners of the land. His gentle smile, his rain-soaked figure working in the fields, are images that inspired millions to rise and do their part for the nation.
He journeyed into forests, across rice fields, and to isolated villages—not for himself, but for a drop of rainwater, for the smile of a single child, or for the flickering hope of a villager who had lost all.
Though he is no longer with us in the physical world, his portrait still hangs in every home. More importantly, he lives on in the hearts of the people. His silent presence continues to speak to us, every day, reminding us through his life and example that perseverance, sufficiency, and compassion are the foundations of a meaningful life.
Even as the nation faces change, confusion, or moral uncertainty, the memory of King Rama IX remains unwavering. The faith and love the people hold for him endure—not only in the portraits hanging on our walls, but deep within the collective soul of the Thai people.
“The picture in every home” is not just decoration. It is alive—with purpose, with hope, with ideals. It is a priceless treasure that never fades, a source of inspiration that never dies, and it will remain with Thailand for all time to come.
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