 The death of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej was met with shock and grief by Thais in Singapore, with at least one woman cutting short her holiday to return home.
At Golden Mile Complex, a popular gathering point for the Thai community in Singapore, there was a quiet tension in the air, with many Thais in shock as they took in the news of King Bhumibol's death. Then, a wail cut through the air - it was Darunee Thitchan, who was leaving the mall after buying a plane ticket home. Ms Darunee, 51, was in tears as she told reporters that she bought the ticket as soon as she heard news of the king's death. The Chiangmai native had been in Singapore for two weeks before deciding to cut short her holiday. Another tourist, Karnjana Juntafun, 27, was also visibly emotional when she spoke to Channel NewsAsia. Ms Karnjana said she had been in denial after seeing the initial reports. "I know, but I did not believe it... he is like a father to us. He was already the king when I was a baby." King Bhumibol, who died at the age of 88, was the world's longest-reigning monarch and the only king that most Thais have known. Food stall assistant Noom, 41, told Channel NewsAsia that he was grief-stricken when he heard the news. "I was too shocked for words. He is a father to all Thais. I am sure every Thai is feeling as I am now." Stall proprietor Isaree Harnmontree, who has been living in Singapore for the last 16 years, offered another explanation for why some seemed reticent and unwilling to express their views on the king's death. "In Thailand, you're not allowed to talk about this," said the 41-year-old, referring to the kingdom's lese majeste laws. "I am very worried for the future of the country now. No one can replace the King, and no one can unite the people." |
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