Stand up for the King (part 1)
A Thai man faces possible criminal conviction for failing to stand up when the royal anthem was played at a cinema in Bangkok. In theory he could be found guilty of lese majeste under the Criminal Code, but it’s more likely that a lesser charge may be brought. Although the event happened last September, charges [...]
Chakri Day
Today is Chakri Day in Thailand and as it falls on a Sunday this year, tomorrow is a public holiday in lieu. April 6th marks the founding day of the royal Chakri Dynasty of which the present Thai monarch, Bhumibol Adulyadej, is the ninth king (Rama IX).
On Chakri Day, the king and other members of [...]
Haze and Smog in Chiang Mai and the North
In the last week or so, Chiang Mai and the north of Thailand have been experiencing the usual hazy weather they get at this time of the year. The haze and smog in Chiang Mai is nowhere near as bad as it was last year, but it is still enough of a problem for the [...]
Thailand Mourns Death of Princess
View the Royal Funeral Arrangements for November 2008 >>
In the early hours of Wednesday January 2nd, Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana lost her battle with abdominal cancer. Aged 84, Princess Galyani was the older sister of Thailand’s current monarch, King Bhumibol. Born in London on May 6th 1923, Princess Galyani had spells living in [...]
Happy Birthday to the King of Thailand
Areas of Bangkok have been turned into a mass of yellow as thousands of Thai people have lined the streets to catch a glimpse of King Bhumibol on his 80th birthday. Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Sanam Luang and the vicinity of the Grand Palace have drawn huge crowds as Thais celebrate the occasion with the man who [...]
Countdown to the King’s 80th Birthday
Ahead of his 80th birthday on Wednesday 5th December, Thailand’s King Bhumibol has presided over a military parade in his honour. The Thai king has suffered ill-health recently and it was with relief and delight that thousands of onlookers greeted the monarch at the Trooping of the Colour parade in Bangkok. The troops swore their [...]
King Bhumibol Leaves Hospital
Thousands of well-wishers gathered along the route from Siriraj hospital in Bangkok to celebrate the Thai king being released from hospital following his recent illness.
Many have kept a vigil close to the hospital and over a million people signed get-well books wishing the king a speedy recovery. The king was admitted to hospital 3 [...]