PHUKET: Ngeem Damrongkaset is a member of Rawai sea gypsy neighborhood. Now in his 70s, he had a chance to meet His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej when he first visited Phuket in 1959.
“I was about 12 years outdated on the time,” says Mr Ngeem. “I can still image it clearly. Every person in our neighborhood had gathered together and was anxiously waiting to satisfy him. I keep in mind feeling so blessed on that day – it was crucial day of our lives. He was the Father of the Nation, and he came to see us – poor people, who did not also have a place to call house.”
Mr Ngeem remembers the joy of that day with a sense of gratitude.
“Some adults introduced His Majesty with marine creatures they had caught. It was the best we might do, as we could not afford the rest. He accepted all of the presents together with his personal hands. He even drank water which the group members gave him. I do not assume this is something another King would do,” he says.
“His Majesty and Her Royal Highness Queen Sirikit were swish and respectful in all of the issues they did. It really was one of the best day of my life and I actually have by no means felt such joy and veneration in my life,” he provides.
Replicate says he has been shocked and grieved ever since he heard the information of His Majesty’s passing.
“His Majesty labored tirelessly for the nation his complete life. He by no means stopped or took a day without work from his duties. His presence and steerage were an enormous blessing for the whole nation,” he says.
Mr Ngeem was born and raised in the Rawai sea gypsy group. He has by no means been anywhere however the sea, which is the only technique of living for his household and neighborhood.
He attended a neighborhood faculty known as Wat Sawang Arom School, which is positioned inside a temple near the place he grew up.
“All the youngsters in my community went to the same college, as they might not afford to enroll wherever else and have been certain to develop as much as be fishermen anyway,” he says.
Mr Ngeem says he and his fellow community members attempt to observe the example His Majesty set for everyone.
“His Majesty worked exhausting and never complained about it. He helped poor people and enabled them to be self-sufficient. I will attempt to keep on doing good things to honor him and his legacy,” he says.
Although Mr Ngeem is now not in a leadership place in his neighborhood, he says he does what he can to help his community members.
“In my role as an elder of the community, I sometimes see some inappropriate things, and do whatever I can to set issues right when it is in my energy. The best I can do is give advice and let individuals know what is true and what’s mistaken. The rest is up to them,” he says.
Mr Ngeem feels that so much has modified since others from exterior the group have settled within the space.
“Earlier, we was just fishermen, however now the pattern of different types of employment has taken hold. We are who we’re, however there might be nothing I can do if our youthful generation doesn’t want to observe in the identical footsteps. It is their future, in order that they have to be those to resolve,” he says.
“Ultimately, we should observe His Majesty’s recommendation of doing our duty to the most effective of our abilities. He will all the time be in our hearts – our great King, the King of Kings.”