Yesterday was a very special day in Thailand: the king’s birthday, which is also celebrated as Father’s Day.
The king is extremely revered and loved by the Thai people. His is the longest serving monarch in the world, having ascended to the throne in 1946 after the mysterious death of his other brother. He has done much for Thailand in the way of agricultural and medical reform. He’s also a man of many talents, holding patents for inventions call the Sandwich and the Super Sandwich, which make rain clouds. Not to mention the fact that he’s an accomplished jazz musician and has written original compositions. His has three daughters and one son and is 86 this year.
Because the king was born on a Monday, his color is yellow. Across the country, you will see yellow flags with the kings symbol on it. People wear yellow on this day to honor him and there were a number of different designs on yellow t-shirts that I saw for sale at the department stores. In 2007, the king was seen wearing a pink blazer on his birthday and so some people will choose to wear pink instead. There are celebrations across the country, most especially in Bangkok.
In any event, being on the opposite side of the world from my family, I took a moment to reflect on all the things that my dad has done for me throughout my life, from accidentally dropping me in the baby carrier to cheering me on at all of my soccer games to reminding me he is of me for doing Peace Corps. Thanks, dad! Love you and miss you. Happy Thai Father’s Day!