PM tells people to not shame those not wearing black
PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-ocha appealed to all Thais not to shame or witch-hunt those who do not don black during the mourning period, saying that they may not be able to afford buying black clothes as the prices are rather high, Thai PBS said yesterday.
“Do not treat those who do not don black as not loving His Majesty the King otherwise we will get into a fight. Enough. Today there are no (political) colors, except the color of loyalty. (I) believe that all come with their hearts. If they are not ready (with black attire), wouldn’t it be better for us to help them,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that those who could not afford black clothes because they are too expensive, just wearing a black ribbon should suffice but they should also refrain from wearing brightly-colored clothes.
The government has tried to help those who cannot afford black clothes by teaching them how to dye clothes black.
At the same time Nuntawan Sakuntanaga. Director General of the Department of Internal Trade, said that there will be “Unite to Mourn” event to sell black garments at a special low price during October 21-24, 2016 at the department’s building on Ratchadapisek Road. Over 80 companies are participating in this event and prices of these black clothes start at 79 baht a piece, Thai News Agency said today.
Meanwhile Thai PBS also quoted the Prime Minister as indicating that activities such as conference, a wedding party, thod kathin ceremony, Loy Krathong and charity events should be exempted provided that they are done in an appropriate manner.
He also called on netizens to exercise caution in their sharing of images or messages in the social media which may be deemed as defamatory to the Monarchy or a national security threat.
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TOP: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha addressing the public yesterday. Photo: Thai PBS
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