All stand
(Billboard depicting Thai King and Doi Suthep Temple: Chiang Mai, Thailand)
The King of Thailand is clearly much loved by his people, and by all accounts, he sounds to me like a man of substance and morals. His image, and that of the queen are splashed across the country in every conceivable place; roadsides, temples, homes, restaurants, postage stamps, shops, amulets, murals, the lot. There are even large posters in the zoos. This poster is one of the larger affairs and shows him almost appearing saint like in golden robes, his image imposed next to an aerial view of the temple we were visiting; I can only presume that he has visited this monument and the people here remain proud of the fact.
On one day in Bangkok, the weather was grouchy and we had no desire to do anything too strenuous, so it occurred to us to visit the cinema. We saw a Hollywood film with Thai subtitles (it was The Time Traveller’s wife, in case you’re interested). The film was diverting and interesting, if not slightly confusing, but more interesting to me is the reverential manner in which the audience stood to greet the King. He wasn’t there in person, of course, but a short film is played in between the commercials and the film trailers depicting various pensive shots of the present Thai King to rousing music.
Introduction titles appeared across the screen with words to the effect of, “Please now show your respect for the King of Thailand”. I was confused, especially as Pete had neglected to mention this practice, but I followed suit and stood with everyone else. The film lasts a few minutes and afterwards, everybody sat down again to continue concentration on their popcorn. Apparently once a man did not stand to greet his King and another cinema goer complained and it resulted in a scandal, leading to the seated offender being sued.
