I have often traveled to various project sites of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
But I never paid attention to the details.
I was more interested in sightseeing, taking pictures, and enjoying myself.
That was all.
But this time was different.
This time, I was guided by love.
The love that His Majesty the King had for his people.
From the picture on horseback,
which has been seen frequently recently,
and the hill tribe coin that someone shared,
I wanted to know where that place was.
What was the significance of that coin?
So I started researching and found out that
that place was not just a footprint that His Majesty left on the dry land.
But his compassion also remained in the hearts of the people there to this day.
But the stories in the media were not enough for me.
So I decided to travel there myself.
The Pha Mi House, located on the Pha Mi Cliff, is situated a short distance from Chiang Rai city.
It takes about an hour to travel.
Historically, the villagers here migrated from Xishuangbanna.
Originally settled in Ban Pha Daek, Doi Tung.
They have moved to the Pha Mi cliff house.
The initial residential area was too close to the border.
It was also a route for opium caravans that were transported across the border.
A relentless pursuit ensued.
During armed conflicts, bullets frequently hit the village.
This has led to a sense of fear and insecurity among the Akha people.
The limited space in that area.
The area is almost inaccessible, with walking as the only means of transportation.
There are no roads, no paths to travel, no desire to move or escape.
Due to the lack of other employment opportunities, they were forced to cultivate opium for a living.
To be used as a medicine.
On the top of Pha Mi Mountain, the mountain is covered with dry yellow cogongrass.
Until dawn broke one day...
In the year 1970 of the Buddhist Era.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX) visited this place.
We initially believed that Doi Pha Hom was located far from Chiang Rai city.
In reality, it is not far from the city center. Just take the Phahonyothin Road towards Mae Sai.
The entrance to the village is just a short distance from the main road, making it quite convenient.
However, these things came after the arrival of the King.
Nearly fifty years ago, His Majesty graced us with his presence.
At the Pha Mi house, we encountered a great deal of friendliness.
The village was bustling with activity that day due to the Pha Mi Cup football competition.
We ourselves did not expect to meet or talk to anyone.
To truly understand a place, one must experience it firsthand, immersing oneself in its authentic atmosphere.
Though only traces remain in the air that has long since passed.
I still want to feel….
Note: The provided text is empty. Please provide the text you want me to translate.
Below are the orange trees, lychee trees, and coffee trees.
We also included printed pictures of Prince from the internet.
Each angle is almost identical.
The difference lies in the lush greenery, which is absent in the old photograph.
As I walked around taking pictures, I thought to myself...
It would be nice to talk to someone.
Who can we meet in this picture?
We showed the picture to three or four young men.
who was sitting by the roadside watching
The young men then led us to...
They are adorable. They don't just give directions.
They took us to the house of Father Luang Sa-Jeah.
In the photograph, the individual in the civil servant attire who is supporting the king beside the horse is…
At the house of Father Luang Sa-Jeah
An elderly woman wearing traditional hill tribe clothing walked out and asked, "Who are you looking for?"
We said we were going to see Father Luang Sajaeh.
The aunt invited us to sit down.
After a while, Father Luang Sajae walked out.
We both raised our hands to pay respect to the King.
We then clarified that we were not journalists.
Not affiliated with any media outlets.
We are just ordinary people.
And we came here suddenly.
Just because of old pictures from the internet.
We came here to follow in the footsteps of…
Fearing the King's reprimand, they were startled by the sudden arrival of a stranger at their home.
Despite this, the king smiled kindly and sat down, recounting stories for us to hear...
" The King arrived here by helicopter.
And landed right in the middle of the mountaintop over there.
The Father pointed to see.
Note:
The area where the football match is taking place.
In the first instance, Father Luang Sajaeh and his younger brother, Uncle Chakae, ...
A person who leads and supports the royal horse.
Bring His Majesty up to Doi Pha Mi.
Upon reaching the summit
The King inquired about the well-being of the villagers.
He even sat down to talk without any airs.
And Father Luang Sajae also mentioned the problems that are worrying him.
There are frequent exchanges of gunfire, with bullets often landing in the village.
Everyone feels scared, unsafe, and wants to move somewhere else, but they don't know where to go.
The other issue is accessibility, as there are no roads leading to the area, requiring travel by foot.
Driven by fear and hardship.
He therefore decided to move elsewhere.
"The King stood up and looked around."
"Pointing to the spot where the helicopter landed."
"Stay here, you don't need to move."
This location is not too close to the border and will be guarded by soldiers.
The King, with a joyful expression, told us...
From that point until now
And from that first visit.
In less than a month, the road to the village followed.
Father Luang Sajaeh recounted that on that day, there was a sudden loud noise.
They all ran out to look at the clearing where the helicopter had landed, but they saw no one.
Villagers began to panic.
This area is located close to the Burmese border.
Or intruders from the Burmese side or drug dealers
They scrambled to grab whatever they could find to use as weapons.
Only simple tools were available.
Please take whatever you need.
They rushed down to the foot of the mountain.
Upon arrival, a resounding clang echoed through the forest.
The sound of a tractor digging and plowing.
Upon inquiry, it was revealed that....
Constructing a road to Doi Pha Mi to provide villagers with access to transportation.
Received orders from the superior unit....
The villagers all raised their hands in respect.
Aware that the aforementioned superior unit is their Godfather.
Not just the roads
To the Akha people of this land.
"We had a very hard time back then."
"Venturing into town to purchase salt, rice, or other necessities will result in arrest by the police."
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The King told us
"His Majesty has bestowed medals upon every household."
The king showed us the coin.
"This coin has made all of us much more comfortable."
"You can go anywhere, whether it's down the mountain to the market to buy groceries, without fear of being arrested."
"I am now Thai. I am now a citizen of the King."
At this point, Father Luang Sajae's eyes began to well up with tears.
My tears have run dry.
That coin
Translation:
Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.
This is a photograph of the King's profile.
resembling a large baht coin
The back of the coin is engraved with a unique number.
Translation:
We raise our hands in respect before accepting it.
The feeling at that moment was the most profound and moving.
Many uncles and aunts from Pha Mi also joined the conversation.
Uncle and auntie told us that
At that time, there were no trees on the Bear Cliff, only dry, yellow cogongrass.
The King's daughter, Khun Mint, brought us a thick photo album to look at.
The image depicts the King in various locations.
Presented flowers to the King.
Wildflowers gathered from the nearby area.
The elderly woman's face betrayed a hint of disappointment.
Say that
"The fan leads the horse, there is a picture. This one doesn't have a picture at all."
We couldn't help but smile, finding the auntie endearing. Her kindness was truly heartwarming.
Everyone, uncles and aunts alike, said the same thing.
"The King was very humble. He would sit wherever the villagers sat."
"The villagers offered him a taste of their food, and the King accepted without hesitation, demonstrating his lack of prejudice."
"Without any airs, while walking up the mountain, she found some medicinal herbs and ate them in front of the King, then offered some to him. He also ate them."
The revered father, his eyes twinkling with pride, smiled gently.
I smiled, but tears welled up in my eyes.
Father Luang Sajae has become the village headman.
Dress in formal attire to receive the royal procession.
And it still serves to support the king who is on the horse as before.
Your aunt's husband, Uncle Chaka, led the horse.
The aunt proudly pointed to the picture for us to see.
The old man, Uncle Chaka, had once led a horse.
He once held the King's hand beside the horse.
On the second visit in 1971
His Majesty entered and sat in the house of Father Luang Sa-Jhe (which was still the old house at that time).
As they conversed, the King's child crawled around, but His Majesty paid no mind.
At my father's house, I asked.
"Not water, tea," replied Father Luang Sa-Jeah.
Then Mint brought over a hot teapot.
This tea is the same kind that the King drinks.
Our eyes widened with excitement.
Mint said, "This is the same kind of glass that the King drank from back then, the same shape."
Aromatic, delicate, and warm tea.
Not just warming tea, but warming feelings.
As he drank, his eyes welled up.
"They brought a massive bull. Oh my, it's so big! I've never seen a bull this large anywhere."
The royal cow has passed away.
"The King came, the King made everything, the King brought everything."
When the King arrived, he walked quickly.
"His Majesty has visited us three times. He never abandons us."
You came to teach us how to plant coffee and trees.
And then he came to see how we were doing.
Are we good?
The king pointed around.
"The trees we see today are thanks to the efforts of the King."
"At that time, the Queen had a leg injury."
Despite needing a cane, he still insisted on coming.
Aunt Sareem
"The King has visited three times, and if we include the royal family, then five times."
Translation:
Nearly every member of the royal family has visited Pha Mi. It is truly heartwarming.
The school was formerly known as the Border Patrol Police School No. 45.
Located in Pha Taek Village, taught by Border Patrol Police.
His Majesty the King graciously granted funds from his personal account to construct a school building and teacher's residence.
Subsequently, the Border Patrol Police relocated the school to Ban Pha Mi village.
And is known as the King's Father's School under Royal Patronage 5.
"Without the King, there would be no Ban Pha Mi."
Translation:
Is there anything else I can help you with?
Provide a location, source of income, occupation, excellent coffee varieties, lychee, macadamia, and pets.
The King is life, is breath, is everything for this place.
The three things that His Majesty the King instructed Father Luang Sajae were:
Translation:
Is there anything else I can help you with?
๑. Conserve water resources and avoid deforestation.
3. No violation of laws or involvement in illegal drugs.
King Sa-Jea and all Akha people have pledged to uphold this commitment to this day.
**** King Sajjah was bestowed with the new surname "Phruksaphanthawi" ****
We visited on November 25th.
Mint took us on a tour around the mountain path.
There are no resorts here, not even a single homestay.
Which is being adjusted to accommodate visitors.
Mint said that they will gradually adjust.
Translation:
This mountain tourism must be nature-based tourism.
Living in harmony with nature.
This is a royal land grant.
We, the Akha people, must work together to preserve and protect our culture for future generations.
We are delighted by the innovative ideas of the people here.
The camping ground is truly beautiful.
This place is unadorned, with only a communal hut, restrooms, and a bamboo platform for pitching tents.
Translation:
Mint said that
At night, you can see both the stars in the sky and the stars on the ground.
From the mountaintop, one can see the sprawling city below.
It's a pity we didn't stay overnight there that day.
And Mint also said that the sea of fog on this mountain in the morning is very beautiful and magnificent.
The tent can be pitched on this field. It should be completed by now.
However, there is fun.
A Ferris wheel stands atop the mountain.
A true sky swing.
Translation:
Because it is located at the highest peak of the mountain.
It is a hill tribe swing.
The actual part for the ritual ceremony is located elsewhere.
Mint took us to see
The Lo Chinchang ceremony is held only once a year.
This is the real deal.
In reality, if it is not during a traditional ceremony,
Do not play, or you will anger the spirits. This would be a serious matter for the people of the tribe on the path of Doi Pha Mi.
Exquisitely beautiful beyond words.
Translation:
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The path loops back to Doi Tung, or you can also go to Doi Mae Salong.
Mountains undulate on both sides of the road.
The Burmese mainland is clearly visible from here.
Scenic viewpoints are scattered throughout the route.
Midway between Doi Tung and Doi Pha Mee
Open for tourists to visit the sunset
This is a truly breathtaking spot to witness the sun's descent.
Below is the land of Burma.
The air is fresh and the coffee is delicious at Pha Mi.
I encourage everyone to try it out.
Effortlessly unexpected
From Chiang Rai city, head towards Mae Sai on Phahonyothin Road.
A few hundred meters from the entrance.
Seeing a large bear by the side of the road, that's when you know you've entered the village.
Passing by the King's Father's School under Royal Patronage 5
You will find a coffee shop.
Feel free to ask for directions and travel tips.
That day, we two said goodbye to Father Luang Sajeh.
Translation:
Ms. Mint, the aunt, and the uncle of the aunt from Pha Mi village.
Deeply impressed
A small land surrounded by love.
We have tears, but they are tears of warmth and joy.
We will return again in the future.
"This is a courageous aspiration, aiming to uphold the bright light of justice.
We all know in our hearts, who can love us as much as this.
This is the king in our hearts.
This has brought smiles to the faces of Thai people today.
In the cool shade of the royal umbrella, under the shelter of His Majesty's grace.
No words can express my feelings better than this.
Translation:
Translation:
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Note: As there is no text provided, I am unable to translate anything. Please provide the text you would like me to translate.
Translation:
Paramee Na Prasri
Friday, October 4, 2024 3:04 PM