People across Thailand have started wearing pink shirts in tribute to their beloved 79-year-old king, who checked out of a hospital this week dressed in a blazer and a dress shirt of that color.
For about two years, Thais have shown their respect for King Bhumibol Adulyadej by wearing yellow _ the color that in Buddhist tradition symbolizes Monday, the day of the week the monarch was born.
Many Thais have donned yellow shirts every Monday since 2006, the year of Bhumibol’s 60th anniversary on the throne. The tribute has continued this year to celebrate his 80th birthday on 5 Dec.
But it looks like pink is about to become the new yellow in Thailand. Demand for pink T-shirts is picking up.
Astrologers have determined pink to be an auspicious color for the king’s 80th year. A royal emblem, using pink among other colors, was specially designed for his birthday.
(Photo courtesy: AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong)
