Our Beloved King

From “Mae Toom Channit”, the Thai Journal, by Lady Srinadh Suriya.

“Flowers from the Heart”

It was by the roadside on the corner of Nakon Panom’s Chayangura and Renoo Nakon Roads, in the afternoon of November 13, 1955, that Mr. Anat Bunnag, Chief Royal Photographer, captured one of the most profound and poignant moments in our history.

This photo speaks for itself.

That morning, after Their royal duties at the Pradhat Panom Waramahawihan Temple, Their Majesties were on the way to the governor’s mansion to retire for the evening. Their subjects, all peasant farmers, having heard of the visit, came out in great number to start lining up the roads early in the morning. They all waited patiently along the route, hoping to catch a glimpse of their beloved young King and his Queen.

The Channit family was no exception. They carried along their 102-year-old matriarch, Mae Toom Channit, on a 700-meter trek from their home to the main road. They thrust 3 pink lotus flowers in her hand and put her in the front row to be closest to Their Majesties’ path.

The blazing sun and intense heat of the day, from morning to noon to afternoon, withered the lotuses--but not the old farmer’s cheerful spirit. Mae Toom enthusiastically looked forward to seeing her King.

As His Majesty walked past, Mae Toom raised her lotuses above her head to show her utmost respect.

The King bent down to the lowest position to acknowledge the old faithful woman’s gesture. His head touched hers, His face lit up with a kind smile, and His hand gently stroke hers--old, rough, and wrinkled.

This description was unnecessary for the picture that needed no descriptions. No one knew what He said to her, but surely she would never forget.

Neither would the young King forget His roadside loyal subject. The old woman’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren shared with others, “After His return to Bangkok, His Majesty, via the Office of the Palace and the Pradhat Panom District, sent a copy of the photo, along with a plaster statue of Himself, to Mae Toom as keepsakes.”

Who knew? His overwhelmingly loving gesture could have extended the old farmer’s life for 3 more years. Mae Toom Channit, one of the luckiest peasants in the reign of Rama IX, passed away peacefully at 105.

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I translated this from a post appeared on a Thai newspaper’s web board on January 20, 2006. However, I regret being unable to secure a permission from Lady Srinadh Suriya. Nor could I inform the original web poster. I can only assume their approval for the translation of this beautiful story to be shared with the world.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to live or be born during the reign of King Rama IX consider ourselves extremely blessed.

There is no other king in the world who has been giving so much of himself to his subjects throughout such long years. He is that one light that lights our way. His unfathomable wisdom guides our living. His thorough knowledge and understanding solve our various problems and numerous crises. He has been our heart, soul, and conscience...

No matter when and where I see it, this 50-plus-year-old photo makes me cry.