As always, Bangkok is our base in Southeast Asia. Now we are getting acclimatized here before the trip to Cambodia. This is our eighth visit to the city. Once again, we find a situation different from the other ones. We survived here the great flood, several terrorist attacks, military presence on the streets and certain restrictions on tourism. Today, the city and the country are in mourning.
The King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX is dead. Because of the great respect and devotion enjoyed by the king in his nation, we begin our blog entries with his short biography and photos of the streets of Bangkok, showing his achievements and the nation’s during this reign.
A lot of people wear signs of mourning - black bows or bands on the shoulders.
The king was born on December 5, 1927 in Cambridge, he died October 13, 2016 in Bangkok. He reigned in Thailand in the years 1946-2016. Its ceremonial name is: "His Magnificence, the Great Lord, the strength of the Earth, Incomparable Power, Mahidol's son, descendant of Lord Vishnu, the Great King of Siam, his kingship, Great Protection".
The King Bhumibol grew up in Switzerland. In 1950 he returned to the country. Initially he played a small role due to the modest constitutional powers and authoritarian character of the military rule. In 1973 and 1992, however, he has helped resolve conflicts and carry out the transformation to a fully democratic system, earning the respect of the subjects and authority in the world. Criticism of the king and majesty insult is punishable by a prison sentence for 3 to 15 years. In 1987, widespread referendum gave him the nickname "the Great". His only son is Vajiralongkorn. From August 21, 1982 was the longest time a sitting head of state in the world. After his death was announced annual national mourning.
