Lopburi: A 71-year-old grandmother from Lopburi recently shared her cherished memory of Her Majesty the Queen Mother and King Rama IX’s visit to the region, revealing a handkerchief imprinted with their footprints.

According to Thai News Agency, Grandma Thongdam Phaiko, who now resides in Lan Sak, Uthai Thani Province, recounted the momentous occasion when she was 21 years old. During the royal visit to Lopburi, she was among the many citizens gathered to greet the King and Queen Mother, escorted by numerous soldiers. In a gesture of respect, she used a handkerchief to place under their feet as they sat. Preserving this memento, she has refrained from washing it to maintain the footprint’s visibility. Grandma Thongdam also reflected on her commitment to living by the principles of self-sufficiency, engaging in community-oriented practices like vegetable gardening and sharing her produce.

The grandmother expressed her sorrow over the recent passing of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, which she described as a significant loss. Despite her desire to pay respects in Bangkok, her physical condition has prevented her from traveling far. Nonetheless, she continues to honor the royal memory by preserving the handkerchief and displaying a photograph to pay her respects, vowing to keep the handkerchief for the rest of her life.

In a related story, volunteer teachers at the Manni hill tribe school in Ban Wang Na Nai, Satun Province, are dedicating their efforts to instill national pride and royal respect among the Manni children. Teacher Nat and Ms. Natthanan Omphian have engaged the children in national flag-raising ceremonies and moments of silence to honor the passing of the Queen Mother. Over the past eight years, Teacher Nat has committed to teaching the children about love for their country and respect for the monarchy, emphasizing the equal treatment of all subjects by the King.