TotallyOz Posted December 1, 2007 Posted December 1, 2007 BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- When King Bhumibol Adulyadej checked out of a hospital in a pink blazer, he made a fashion statement that resonated around Thailand. The Thai king's penchant for pink has sparked a craze in the monarchy-obsessed nation. Pink shirts instantly became this season's must-have item, and crowds are mobbing the shops that sell them. In recent public appearances, Bhumibol has sported a range of pastel sport coats, changing his style after decades in dark suits and setting new trends with each outing. As the country gears up to celebrate Bhumibol's 80th birthday Wednesday with fireworks and fanfare, many Thais are honoring their beloved monarch by dressing like him. "Now the T-shirt craze is green," The Nation newspaper said in a front-page headline after the king stepped out in a pale sea green-colored blazer. Days later, when he opted for baby blue, the paper forecast "a run on blue shirts." Bhumibol, the world's longest-serving monarch, enjoys a reverence seldom seen in modern times. Regarded by some as semi-divine, he is known for his lifelong dedication to helping Thailand's needy. Bhumibol is a constitutional king with no formal political role, but has repeatedly brought calm in times of turbulence and is considered the country's moral authority For the full article click there: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/12/0...g.ap/index.html Quote
Guest wowpow Posted December 2, 2007 Posted December 2, 2007 Well when HM appeared leaving the Siriraj hospital wearing a pale pink blazer and aided by a walker, everyone was amazed. He has always previously been a very conservative dresser. Pink sold out in all the shops almost instantly. The Yellow Mondays colour had been very festive but was in danger of being overdone. Then we had Pink - Hurrah! Later that week a series of shocks as HM appeared wearing blue, green and purple - the colours, in Thailand, associated with the day of the week. It's all rather frivolous and jolly. I think everyone will be wearing yellow on his birthday 5th December. One of the lovely things about having a Monarchy is that you get happy holidays on big Royal occasions and this will likely be one of the biggest. Quote
Guest Asmerom Posted December 3, 2007 Posted December 3, 2007 The Nation Have you heard the one about improving the traffic circulation in Bangkok? Maybe its just tittle-tattle but The Sunday Times (UK) says that Thai Authorities say, all traffic will be forced to stop while the National Anthem is played. The Flag Bill will require all drivers to turn off their engines and sit to attention during both the morning and evening flag raising ceremonies. "The anthem lasts only one minute and eight seconds", says General (Retd) Pricha Rochanasena, adding that "motorists will probably already be stuck in a traffic jam." Quote
Gaybutton Posted December 3, 2007 Posted December 3, 2007 The Flag Bill will require all drivers to turn off their engines and sit to attention during both the morning and evening flag raising ceremonies. That will be very interesting. Just how are drivers supposed to know that the Thai National Anthem is being played? I almost never have my car radio on, and that's the only way I would be aware that the anthem is being played. I'm picturing a "farang" driver being fined for failure to stop and turn off his engine because he didn't have his radio on, or if he did then he didn't even recognize the Thai National Anthem in the first place. Until I had come to Thailand a few times, I wouldn't have recognized it. Come to think of it, I also wouldn't recognize the national anthems of Uruguay, Oman, or Burkina Faso. Quote
