People in Hua Hin were delighted when they learned that King Bhumibol Adulyadej had been discharged from hospital and that he was staying at Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin. This for about a year between August 2013 to 2014 and again in May 2015. The king returned to hospital for the last time on May 31, 2015.
From mid-year of 2016, the square in front of the 100th Year Centennial Hall Siriraj Hospital saw throngs of people praying for the good health of the king. However, the prayers gave way to weeping on October 13th that year when news of the king’s passing broke. On the lawn of the 100th Year Siriraj Centennial Hall lies a landmark statue of Prince Mahidol, the father of the late king who was a doctor. Since King Bhumibol’s passing, the statue has been converted into a symbol of remembrance of the late king. Anyone standing and facing the statue can also get a glimpse of two others inside the hall: one of King Bhumibol and one of his mother, Princess Srinagarindra. On October 13th 2018 the square was again crowded with people in yellow shirts who joined an alms giving rite to make merit for the beloved King. Many people had stayed overnight at the hospital, arriving about 11 pm Friday, while others arrived early on Saturday morning. They brought rice and dried food to give to monks in a rite held to remember the King on the second anniversary on his passing. In Hua Hin the crowds showing their remembrance of the King began with a walk from downtown Pone Kingpeth Park to Wang Klai Kangwon Palace. As the focus of ceremonial activities to mark the second anniversary of King’s passing, Phetchakasim Road in front of the Palace was the gathering place for the yellow shirted crowds with the theme of “Candle light in memory of His Majesty the King”. Photo credits to Patrick Jacobs and the Phetchanuri and Cha-Am Municipalities.