The Princess

Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, eldest sister of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died early Wednesday, her death denoting not only the passing of a royal person who has contributed good to many during a long and fruitful life, but focusses the thoughts of many Thais on Buddhist concepts of impermanence.

As a princess who was born and educated abroad, she was first of all older sister to her two younger brothers, Ananda Mahidol and Bhumiphol Adulyadej, both of whom became kings, and witnessed and reflected upon much of Thailand’s history in the 20th century.

Princess Galyani’s passing bears witness to the passing of an era, focusing the thoughts and prayers of the Thai people on His Majesty the King and the future of the kingdom.

The Bangkok Post

2 January 2008

First of all, like all residents of Thailand, I am saddened by the death of the King’s sister, the Princess.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t aware of her death when I met my friend the Dude for a drink at five o’clock this evening.  He was at the bar with two cold beers on the table when I arrived.  We clicked glasses, and he offered the toast, “To the Princess”.

I was puzzled for half a moment, then smiled, thinking that the Dude had been reading my diaries.  “Oh, you mean the Isaan girl from Monday night!”

For a moment both of us were puzzled.  He, of course, thought I was aware of the death of the His Majesty’s sister.  Not knowing about it, I assumed he had read about my sexual adventures on New Year’s Eve.  It may not be a story for the ages, but I thought it was mildly amusing.