PHAYAO - A group of screen printers in this northern province are offering their skills for free, printing a golden image of the late King Bhumibol’s funeral pyre on people's T-shirts in tribute to the beloved monarch.
The volunteers, who came together as the “Ruamphon Khon Hug Chiangkham-Phusang’’ group, provided screen printing services free of charge in front of Chiang Kham district hall on Monday and Tuesday this week.
By Tuesday, people were queueing to have their black or white T-shirts printed with the number 9 on the front in Thai script, and image of the crematorium for King Rama IX and a message of respect to the late king on the back.
The service was free but many people donated money to help pay for printing materials so more people could benefit.
A screen print of the royal funeral pyre on a black T-shirt, with a message of respect for the late king. (Photo by Saiarun Pinaduang)
Suriyan Wanna, 31, owner of Wan Silk Screen in Chiang Kham district, said he and his friends have been offering the free service in Chiang Kham and Phusang districts this month, as a tribute to the late king.
They had earlier agreed to provide free screen printing for people wanting to wear shirts with a suitable message mourning the late king, and had then sold T-shirts to raise the funds to buy the needed materials.
He and his friends were delighted so many people were taking advantage of the service.
After Tuesday, people could still bring their T-shirts to his house, where he would continue to print them for free.
“My friends and I are skilled at screen printing. So we came together to perform this volunteer service, to pay tribute to the late king. We are proud to do it,’’ said Mr Suriyan.
Pawintra Norisa, a teacher at Joko School in Chiang Kham district, said she brought 12 black T-shirts to the district hall to have them printed so she and her family would have a special momento emblazoned with the late King’s number, 9, and a special message.
Songkran Masook, one of the volunteers, said he was happy to be able to do a good deed in the name of the beloved late king.
