BANGKOK – Residents of the nation’s capital celebrated yet another milestone in their long-standing relationship with their revered monarch, His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej, whose sound and practical advice on royal motorcades was completely ignored for the tenth consecutive year.
“Long Live The King Of Our Hearts,” declared newspaper headlines across the kingdom, as Thais carried images of their beloved head of state, the world’s longest-reigning king, at special events held throughout the city to mark the solemn anniversary of the day they first stopped listening to him on yet another topic.
The “Motorcade Continuation Day” as it has become informally known, saw its inception in 2001, when His Majesty expressed concern for the traffic congestion in the capital city, especially as it was exacerbated by escorted motorcades carrying members of the royal family. His advice to reduce the frequency of these motorcades as well as the excessive security procedures that accompany them was lauded by observers and VIPs alike, and presented as further evidence of the charitable heart of His Majesty.
The practical advice was, as dictated by Thai tradition, thrown in the rubbish bin the very next day as VIPs and members of the royal family continued to block Bangkok traffic at the exact same rate as before, accompanied by the exact same street closure protocols from police.
“Whenever His Majesty speaks, the people listen,” explained Thanit Weeparongsit, a reporter from Daily News. “At least for an hour or so. Then they go back to whatever it is that they were doing.”
“However,” Thanit noted, “Thais always take the time to praise His Majesty and his advice before disregarding it. That’s what makes us different than others.”
Although the ritual praising and ignoring of His Majesty’s excellent advice has been an important part of the special relationship between the monarchy and the people for decades, in recent years it has become an increasingly popular activity, helped along by new media channels such as social online networks.
“Gushing about everything the king advises and then doing the opposite is easier than ever in the digital age,” explained media analyst Poonsak Meechapanit. “The breakout example was when his Sufficiency Economy started making the email rounds in 2003. More Thai people than ever were able to fully read His Majesty’s suggestion to live within one’s means humbly and happily, before rushing out to buy designer handbags and sunglasses on credit.”
Poonsak cited the king’s repeated advice about good water management as another example of the special relationship Thais have with their head of state.
“Whenever His Majesty reminds us about the consequences of poor water management, the newspapers and Facebook just light up with praise for his intelligence and wisdom,” he noted. “Our ability to then continue destroying the nation with blocked drainage channels, corrupt development in flood plains, and political territorialism over environmental ministries is truly unique.”
The Thai people’s capacity for not paying attention to His Majesty goes so far as to incorrectly count the years since the original advice. Despite the advice about royal motorcades coming in 2001, the 10-year anniversary of that advice was scheduled for 2011.
However, facts and logic can’t dampen the festive mood as a kingdom rejoices.
“His Majesty has always looked out for the people, like a caring father,” said Kittipan Duangplerm, one of hundreds of well-wishers gathered at a candle-lighting event at the Royal Plaza on Wednesday. “He’s given us the blueprint for living genuinely Buddhist, humble, and honest lives of peace.”
Asked how she was applying His Majesty’s wise words in her own lifestyle, Kittipan couldn’t think of any examples. However, she felt certain that whatever he had to say next would profoundly change her life.
“Long live the king,” she added.
