The Chinese love Mao. He's on the money, he's on posters in peoples' homes (even I have a painting in my apartment), and his statue stands in various places all over the country. He is looked up to by children and adults alike. There is no question that his name lives on in the hearts and minds of his people.
This all is nothing compared to the love the Thai people have for their king, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The kind taxi driver that drove Caroline and I from the airport to our hostel in Bangkok said, "King good, Government bad," only 5 minutes after we got in his taxi. Apparently he likes the king. The king's picture is proudly displayed all over the town. Large portraits and small pictures can be seen at almost every turn. In fact, the Internet cafe I'm sitting in has several photos of the king on the wall next to pictures of the Buddha. Let's just say that after 5 days in the country I could pick him out of a line up.
At first I was a little confused as to why the Thai people love their king so much. The UK and Denmark have royalty, but they don't seem to revere hi as much as the Thai people. Then it occurred to me. Thailand has had so many coups and governments over the past years. Leaders have come and gone. Politics has changed drastically many times. One such example was in the news only a few weeks ago when protesters closed the Bangkok airport for several days. The one consistent during these troubled times has been the king. He has seen much during his 81 years. According to this article by the BBC, the king's reign has seen 17 military coups and 29 prime ministers. I'm not sure that we've seen that much change in the 230 years that the US has been a country. It's good to know that the Thai people have something they can hold on to during times of upheaval. I hope he is able to see them through the times of crisis that are certain to visit this beautiful country in the future.
At first I was a little confused as to why the Thai people love their king so much. The UK and Denmark have royalty, but they don't seem to revere hi as much as the Thai people. Then it occurred to me. Thailand has had so many coups and governments over the past years. Leaders have come and gone. Politics has changed drastically many times. One such example was in the news only a few weeks ago when protesters closed the Bangkok airport for several days. The one consistent during these troubled times has been the king. He has seen much during his 81 years. According to this article by the BBC, the king's reign has seen 17 military coups and 29 prime ministers. I'm not sure that we've seen that much change in the 230 years that the US has been a country. It's good to know that the Thai people have something they can hold on to during times of upheaval. I hope he is able to see them through the times of crisis that are certain to visit this beautiful country in the future.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteYou are teaching us so much about the world. At work Sara and I are always looking at maps or educational sites to learn more about the places you visit. Thanks for a great trip.
Mom