Siriraj

Last Thursday, we went to Siriraj, where H.M. the King is recovering from a stroke. He's been here since October 13th. According to the news, he's recuperating and will be discharged soon.

We were actually at the hospital because Mai's mom had a knee replaced (it went well, and she's recovering). While waiting for her to come out of surgery, we wandered around the hospital grounds.

The monarchy has such an overwhelming emotional grip on people... Hoards of yellow-clad well-wishers were in the courtyard, signing the get-well books, singing, and praying. People surrounded television reporters, waving pictures of the King. Hundreds of policemen loitered about, homeless people camped on the lawn, and a blind saxophonist belted out H.M.'s compositions. Officials passed out free food and drinks.

Visitor numbers surged toward the end of the week as it was announced that the King's sister H.R.H. Princess Galayani Vadhana is not doing well. She's 84, suffers from cancer, and has been at Siriraj since June. It's quite sad and worrying. Can't help but feel nervous about what the future holds for the socio-psychological state of the nation.