COMMENTARY: New billboards in Seattle proclaim devotion to Thai king

By Eugene Pike
For Northwest Asian Weekly

Billboards say “Long Live the King of Thailand” (Photo by Eugene Pike)

For the first time ever, the Thai community in Seattle and surrounding areas are renting billboards near the Space Needle.

The billboard is at 505 Vine Street. The message is “Long Live the King of Thailand from Thai residents in Seattle.”

The billboard will be displayed until at least Dec 18.

December is a month of joy for Thai people around the world. On the fifth of December, our beloved monarch, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, celebrated his 87th birthday. Dec 5 is also a day to celebrate Father’s Day in Thailand.

Photo by Eugene Pike

King Bhumibol was born in Massachusetts Dec. 5, 1927. The reason that His Majesty was born in the United States is that his parents, Prince and Princess Mahidol of Songkhla were both studying there at the time. At his coronation, more than fifty years ago, this American-born, Swiss-educated young man made a pledge to his people – “We will reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people.”

We want to show our appreciation to our beloved King and his work for the past 60+ years. In every home or Thai restaurant  around Seattle, you will find a picture of King Bhumibol hanging in a place of honor. Now you will see it on a billboard by the Space Needle. (end)

Eugene Pike is a member of the group ”Seattle loves the King of Thailand.”