Third Day of Mourning in Thailand.

@The Nation

Thailand, known as the Land of Smiles, has become more the Land of Surprises these days. This is definitively the "End of an Era". It was predicted to be so undoubtedly. But it becomes more real after the passing of the King. 

Today, October 15, is the third day of mourning. Early this morning, as I was having breakfast on my enclosed balcony, I heard the distant noise of the cannons in honor to the defunct King of Thailand. They set the pace for today's two main surprises. 

A country in black and white.

There were, even more people all dressed in black today. Messages kept on coming encouraging people to wear mourning colors either in white or black. White is a more Buddhist way for a funeral. Most everybody adopts a black attire in daily life. But the surprise was to find out that shops had started to sell black garments a little bit everywhere. I could not help thinking that the royal funeral was somehow profitable to some. But for Thai people, I am sure that this idea was not an issue. Later on, in the afternoon, I also saw that an entire floor of a department store was selling all kind of black attire with a 50% discount.

People buying a black garment at a shopping mall stall.

I do not know many other countries where this would happen spontaneously like here. It is heart-breaking to realize how much the Thais stand together to unveil their divine love for King Bhumibol. 

A new period of regency.

People were surprised on Thursday to hear Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn say that he needed

Excerpt from an article in the Bangkok Post.

some time before accepting becoming the new King Rama X. So, it was only half a surprise to learn that a Regent had been appointed according to the Thai Constitution.

Consequently, Thailand has now a Regent. He is Prem Tinsulanonda, a well-known political figure in the country as he was the president of the late King's Privy Council. At 96, he was the palace main advisor, a former general, and a former Premier too.

He will remain as the Regent for an undetermined period of time until the new monarch is officially appointed. 

Front page photo in The Nation.

Photos in the Bangkok Post.