Chiang Mai Orality Network

The world’s attention has been drawn to the passing of a Great Monarch: Queen Elizabeth.  However, her reign was just 88 more days than King Bumiphol of Thailand and so it seemed fitting to remember his reign as well.

The United Kingdom was shocked today by the loss of a beloved monarch, Queen Elizabeth. She reigned just 88 more days than King Bumiphol of Thailand, making both of them the longest reigning monarchs of their respective countries. Both represented the quintessence of duty and selfless service and both are sorely missed. It also marks the passing of an era with both being members of the “Great Generation” who started their reigns after WWII and then amazingly lived through five successive generations: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Y (millennials), Z and now Alpha. Queen Elizabeth was a true believer in Jesus Christ and expressed her faith on many occasions, “”For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.” The passing of Queen Elizabeth should remind all Christians to pray first and foremost as Paul exhorted Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2.

“Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority” (1 Tim 2:1-2)

Thus, as believers we need to also pray according to these verses for their successors who are very similar in age: King Charles (73) and King Vajiralongkorn (70).