The nation awakens today to the realisation that the time has come to say goodbye to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX. This week, the five-day royal cremation rites will start on Wednesday and end on Sunday.
King Bhumibol is the only monarch that almost all Thais have known. He was king for 70 years. But of course that is not the story. The longevity of his reign is remarkable but pales in comparison with the manner of that reign.
This is the cause of the national sadness that has enveloped Thailand for the past year. The passing of King Bhumibol stuck in the hearts of every Thai, in the furthest corners of the kingdom and around the globe, wherever Thais live. Some outstanding former kings are rightly called "the great". These include kings Ramkhamhaeng, Naresuan, Narai, Taksin, and of course King Chulalongkorn.
Each made their indelible mark on the Thai people, Siam and Thailand. Yet in addition to being "our" king whom we knew so well, King Bhumibol's significant achievements were singular. His reign was entirely as a constitutional monarch. And it can easily be said that no government during the days of Rama IX was as forthcoming, as accountable, as responsible to the Thai people as our king.
Dignitaries from at least 30 countries have confirmed they will attend the royal cremation ceremony, paying their respects silently to the monarch admired far and wide, while more are expected to join.
The young King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan, who strongly admired King Bhumibol, will be here with his Queen Ashi Jetsun Pema Wangchuck. Among the many notable attendees: Prince Akishino of Japan and his wife Princess Kiko, Prince Andrew of Britain and the queens of Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun had wise and valuable advice for his subjects last week. In a reminder, His Majesty stressed the need for respect throughout the royal ceremonies and the cremation.
He urged mourners who will attend the royal ceremonies to not use their mobile phones to take selfies with the processions in the background, to be silent and not to shout "Long Live the King" during the royal funeral processions, according to government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd.
However, the public is allowed to take ordinary photographs using cameras and cellphones. Professional cameras and their components -- lenses, tripods -- are prohibited.
The death of King Bhumibol places Thailand on the world stage. Born in America and seen around the globe in royal visits, King Rama IX was highly respected abroad. Millions of foreigners will watch the next five days of ceremonies and even one inappropriate and disrespectful action may put the country in a bad light.
The military regime has emphasised security, even to the point where some believe it has gone too far. More than 100,000 police and armed forces members, along with tens of thousands of volunteers, will control and inform the massive crowds.
Drone operators should also be aware that flying drones has been banned at the 76 provincial replicas of the royal crematorium.
Next Sunday marks the end of official mourning for King Rama IX. Plans will start soon for the coronation of the King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.
However, memories of King Bhumibol or his countless sacrifices, acts and achievements will live on.
For this week, the importance of respect to King Bhumibol is everything. The dignified passing of the monarch must not be marred in any manner. Whether attending the ceremonies and rites in person, or looking in via the TV Pool and mass media, the need for respect is uppermost.
