The epilogue of the world's longest reigning monarch

(Baonghean) - "My place in this world is among my subjects, the Thai people" is the life mission that King Bhumibol Adulyadej once affirmed. For the Thai people, although the beloved king has passed away, his image will live forever in their hearts.

The King of Thailand passed away on October 13 after 70 years on the throne. Photo: Reuters.

Closing an era

October 13, 2016 - the day when tens of millions of people in the Land of Golden Pagodas faced the moment they feared the most, when the Royal Family officially announced that King Bhumibol Adulyadej had breathed his last.

Most Thais today were born during the reign of King Bhumibol, grew up and witnessed him tirelessly dedicating his time, effort and money to helping the less fortunate across the country. They feel grateful that every time the country is in trouble, the head of the royal family is always present, encouraging and uniting the people to overcome obstacles.

In times of great upheaval and even turmoil, the King became a symbol of stability and continuity. In a time of moral decay and social division caused by greed and money-driven politics, he became a model of honesty and unity.

In return for his lifelong devotion, the Thai people have shown their supreme being so much love and respect that it is difficult to imagine a Thailand without King Bhumibol.

Now, not only do they have to overcome the pain of loss, but they also have to face a new reality - as an important era for Thailand comes to an end, giving way to another chapter to begin.

King Bhumibol at his coronation ceremony. Photo: Internet.

When Prince Bhumibol was appointed king, Thailand was still a sleepy nation, ruled by a government with little sympathy for the monarchy.

Lacking government support from the start, facing political storms and the threat of Cold War insurgency, he remained faithful to his self-imposed responsibility in the modern world - to help the weak, to uphold morality even when some people and traditional values ​​could not withstand the power of money.

During the revolution that changed the traditional way of governing, the King of Thailand spent most of the year in rural areas, frequently visiting all regions of the country to meet the people, personally asking and talking to them to understand their wishes and needs, and thereby helping them change their lives.

As Thailand celebrates the King’s 72nd birthday, the international community recognizes him not only as the world’s longest-reigning monarch, but also as the most dedicated and popular king. In 2006, the Thai people joyfully celebrated King Bhumibol’s 60th year on the throne, and the world was amazed and admired by their sincere love and boundless respect for the king.

Many people wonder where the Thai king's inspiration comes from? Where is the source of his boundless love and power? What motivates him to declare that he will rule with integrity for the happiness and benefit of the people?

In fact, in a letter to a friend from his youth, he wrote: “When I was studying in Europe, I did not fully understand what my country was like and how it bothered me. It was not until I learned to love its people through my relationships with them that I gradually felt their precious affection. Through my work here, I understood that my place in this world is among my subjects, the Thai people.”

Alongside the deep bond was the king’s strong sense of responsibility to his people. In his memoirs, King Bhumibol recalled that after his coronation, he returned to Switzerland to continue his studies. On the way to the airport, he heard a man crying, “Please don’t leave the people.” He wrote, “I wanted to shout back: If the people don’t leave me, how can I leave them?”

Twenty years later, the man met the king again and said that it was the king’s sad face that made him cry. The Thai king replied: “That reminded me of my responsibility, and made me come back.”

Thai people grieve over the great loss. Photo: Reuters.

Huge legacy

Mentioning King Bhumibol Adulyadej is to remember a long list of achievements, testament to his lifelong devotion to the people. The great father of the Golden Temple country rests in peace, but what is his real legacy to the country?

Back when Thailand’s healthcare system was still substandard, his initiatives tackled many infectious diseases and saved many patients from social stigma. Many of the king’s charitable organizations supported victims of natural disasters, orphans, and the sick in need.

The King’s Scholarship also provided the resources needed to develop the country. His passion for science has led to many cost-effective technologies to address the problems of drought, flash floods, water pollution, soil erosion, and energy shortages. Thousands of rural development projects across Thailand have helped protect the environment and improve the quality of life for the rural poor.

As a Renaissance man, King Bhumibol will also forever be remembered by the Thai people with hundreds of songs and many books that demonstrate his wisdom in both the arts and philosophy.

In addition, the king's efforts to restore ancient royal rituals and cultural traditions also boosted the country's confidence in a time of turmoil. It is also what makes him a bridge between the past and the present, tradition and modernity, symbolism and reality of Thailand.

However, it is the king's philosophy of life and work that is the bridge that helps the Thai people safely reach the future.

At a time when the world is shaken by ethnic conflicts, rapidly depleting natural resources and erratic climates, the royal principle for the king's development projects is based on indiscriminate love, consideration for the opinions of the people and respect for local culture and terrain.

As Thailand faces the waves of globalization in the economic aspect, the king emphasizes the sufficiency of the economy and the importance of thrift and contentment, so that the country does not overstretch its human and natural resources…

Many world leaders expressed their condolences to Thailand, recalling their good impressions of their King. Photo: Internet.

Indeed, he kept his promise to rule the country with integrity, for the happiness and benefit of the people. He spent his life proving to everyone that any storm can be overcome as long as one does not lose sight of basic values.

Therefore, it is not surprising to know that, for the Thai people, although King Bhumibol has passed on to the other world, his teachings will always be the compass to help them overcome the storm and reach the shore of peace. Even when he is no longer present, the King will still be a beacon in the hearts of the people of this country, and that is the most important royal legacy for them.

Phu Binh