Foreign media reports that mourners at the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej numbered in the thousands were incorrect, as millions of people had joined in the tribute to their beloved King, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
“While there have been news reports that thousands of Thais have gathered to mourn the loss of King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Royal Palace, the actual number is far greater than what was reported,” the statement said.
The statement said some big foreign media outlets have been reporting erroneous or false information and accusations of a manipulative and provocative nature.
People waiting at Siriraj Hospital on Friday afternoon show banknotes that feature the King's image. (Bangkok Post file photo)
The ministry said millions of Thais across the nation gathered together to mourn the loss of the revered King. Hundreds of thousands lined up along the route of the procession from Siriraj Hospital to the Grand Palace, while the rest of the nation solemnly watched the live broadcast.
Many waited all night on the street pavements to secure a spot where they could pay a final tribute to the beloved King, who was a uniting force and spiritual pillar of the Thai people, the Nation’s Heart and Soul who had worked tirelessly for the people and the country, the statement said.
The government was doing its best facilitate the continuous flow of people from all over the country who were arriving in Bangkok to pay their tributes. The number of arrivals was expected to be in the millions.
“This is highly inappropriate, especially during this period of national mourning. Such practices are not only unethical but also unprofessional, insensitive to the feelings of the Thai people and offensive towards Thai cultural traditions,” said the statement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs deplored such actions as they reflected the prejudice of the authors and agencies, and requests that they refrain from such practice, it said.
A huge crowd waits at Sanam Luang to view the procession of the King's body from Sirifaj Hospital to the Grand Palace on Friday afternoon. (Bangkok Post file photo)
