Rush on black shirts as people mourn Princess

HRH PRINCESS GALYANI VADHANA / PROSTHESIS FOUNDATION, EXPRESSIONS OF GRIEF

Rush on black shirts as people mourn Princess

Children's Day toned down, shows put off

POST REPORTERS

Like mourners in Bangkok, people in the provinces are scrambling to buy black and white polo shirts to wear during the mourning period for HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.

Clothing shops across the country reported brisk business selling black and white polo shirts or jackets to government officials and members of the public.

People from all walks of life are wearing black to mourn the death of the Princess, who passed away early on Wednesday.

Chalermsri Buasruang, 48, owner of Champ clothing shop in Nakhon Ratchasima province, said she is selling 200-300 a day.

In Prachin Buri, the price of black polo shirts jumped to almost 300 baht each. Despite the high prices, many customers still want to buy them.

Many shops ordered extra stock after the cabinet asked the public to wear black during the 15-day mourning period for the Princess. Government offices and schools are flying their flags at half-mast for 15 days.

Black polo shirts were also reported to be in high demand in the southern seaside province of Ranong.

Picture frame shops have also become busy as people want framed photos of the late Princess.

In Kalasin, photos of the Princess have sold out, shop owners reported.

In Chiang Mai, provincial authorities yesterday installed a large portrait of the Princess in the downtown area so people can pay their respects.

Thais and foreigners yesterday signed condolence books at Chiang Mai municipal office.

In Chiang Rai, Phra Khuba Ariyachart Ariyajitto, the abbot of Wat Saengkaew Phortiyan, on Wednesday began seven days of meditation in tribute to the Princess.

At least 100 people in Mae Suai district yesterday attended a religious ceremony to make merit.

Second Army commander Lt-Gen Sujit Sitthiprapa yesterday led soldiers to perform bathing rites before the Princess' portrait.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, about 1,000 inmates at Bua Yai district prison observed one minute's silence in front of a large picture of the Princess.

Some broke into tears and vowed to enter the monkhood after completing their jail terms to pay tribute to the late Princess.

In the far South, a merit-making ceremony was held at Narathiwat Ratchanakarin hospital, which is under the patronage of the Princess. The hospital is named after her royal title, Krommaluang Narathiwat Ratchanakarin.

In Yala, people attended a mourning ceremony before the Princess' portrait at the provincial hall and all mosques will hold prayers for her today.

In Surat Thani, all 299 temples will hold religious rites for 100 days in her honour.

The Education Ministry yesterday decided to tone down Children's Day celebrations on Jan 12, cutting back on activities for youngsters. The decision came after the cabinet instructed all state agencies to suspend festive activities during the 15-day mourning period.

Education permanent secretary Jaruayporn Thoranin said the programme will consist mainly of an exhibition and quiz, and the venue will be shifted from Sanam Sua Pa near Dusit Palace to the ministry's compound.

Other postponed activities include a Carabao concert on Jan 12 at Khao Yai, which was rescheduled for Feb 16, an industry source said.