It's Father's Day in Thailand, and much more

5th December was the birthday of King Bhumibol, Rama IX, the now deceased, much revered king of Thailand.  In his death, this day remains central in the Thai calendar as it is the annual celebration of Father's Day.  So a people remember a man who was their father in life.  

This comes a week after the Loy Krathong Festival.  Both are key to Thai culture.  A short time after, on 16th December, it is the feast of the Seven Martyrs of Thailand.  This is all part of what makes Thailand what it is today, a land much more than just the Land of Smiles.  

What is at the heart of being Thai?  Culture is the cornerstone.  It is about fun and smiles, but it is about much more.  It is about being human within a specific context.  They appreciate kindness, they appreciate humanity, its beauty and goodness.  To the outsider, it may remain shrouded in mystery.  I figure that is being human too, for how can we define or encapsulate what it means to be human, in all our grandeur, in all our wonder and awe?     

No matter who we are, everybody needs a good and loving family.