Observing the overwhelming sense of grief of the Thai people from all walks of life during the cremation ceremonies for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, it is an appropriate time for reflection.
Going back a year, although we were aware the monarch had been seriously ill for some time, the news of his passing away still came as a shock.
His longevity on the throne meant that for most Thai citizens he had been their King from the start and few of his subjects had known anything different. He had always been there and in times of trouble was such a reassuring figure. And suddenly he was gone. It was hard to accept and it left the nation in a communal state of emptiness and sorrow.
Here we are one year on. Although it has undoubtedly been a very sad week that has touched everyone's emotions, it has also been a very uplifting experience in many ways as the kingdom and its people pays its final tribute to the late King.
He was indeed a true Soul of the Nation and the ceremonies were a celebration of his life.
Chariots of the gods
The sheer volume of the crowds lining the streets to bid farewell to their beloved late King was so moving and genuine. Tears flowed from grandparents to grandchildren. Many of the mourners had been patiently living and sleeping on the streets for days, regardless of the elements, determined to pay their last respects. There was a palpable deep sense of loss.
Their long wait was worth all the physical discomfort -- the solemn procession they witnessed was something to behold. With the royal chariots in their full splendour, it was an extraordinary blend of pomp and pageantry, elaborate but elegant with the entire proceedings carried out in meticulous fashion as befitting the occasion. Even the horses kept in step with the marching bands which played for hours on end in the heat, a tribute to their stamina. And, thankfully, the monsoon behaved itself on this special day.
Golden oldies
I was particularly impressed by the many volunteers interviewed by the Bangkok Post earlier in the week . Most of them were senior citizens, but despite their age they have been getting up before dawn, spending all day battling the Bangkok heat and rain so they could do their bit for the late King.
The 68-year-old female volunteer, who lives alone in Bangkok, was speaking for many when she recalled: "When King Bhumibol passed away I cried non-stop for three days."
A 74-year-old security guard said he didn't feel tired despite the heat. "It's for my own peace of mind. I'm doing this for the late King."
Then there was the 80-year-old lady, an ex- government employee, commenting on King Bhumibol's knowledge of his kingdom: "He knew every single square foot of Thailand, down to the smallest rivers and towns."
On the map
Indeed, King Bhumibol knew his country's geography better than anyone. In PostScript one year ago I mentioned how working at the Post in the 1970s gave me an early insight of the late King's activities throughout the kingdom.
He became a familiar figure, in the newspaper and on television, striding through fields to inspect agricultural projects, sometimes in the remotest of places. He was truly a working monarch and seemingly never put off by the tropical downpours or blistering heat.
A lasting image that has stayed with me all these years is of King Bhumibol, camera slung around his neck, standing in a field looking closely at assorted maps, chatting with villagers to determine the best way to irrigate a particular piece of land.
You could see he just loved working with the rural poor in every part of the country.
The adoring looks on the villagers' faces spoke a thousand words.
King of cool
The late King was an accomplished musician and we have been hearing many of his compositions this past week. He believed music played an integral role in the wellbeing of the people.
King Bhumibol was particularly fond of jazz, playing mostly alto-sax, and formed his own Au Sau Wansuk Band (AS Friday) which performed live for radio.
He went on to play with many notable American musicians including Benny Goodman, Stan Getz, Lionel Hampton and Benny Carter.
Hampton was so impressed he commented: "He is simply the coolest king in the land."
There is a lovely YouTube clip of King Bhumibol performing a saxophone solo on How High the Moon with Carter.
It's a rare opportunity to witness the late monarch in a moment of relaxation, totally consumed by the music.
Last word
There will never be a full sense of closure, but it is time to move on.
It won't be easy.
Perhaps the 54-year-old volunteer nurse at Sanam Luang had the best advice with this simple message for everyone: "I think the best way for all Thai people to repay King Bhumibol's kindness is to live by his example."
Contact Postscript via email at oldcrutch@gmail.com
