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Stylish Monarch Colors Thai Clothing Styles

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By JOCELYN GECKER, The Associated Press

Published: December 1, 2007

BANGKOK, Thailand - When King Bhumibol Adulyadej checked out of a hospital in a pink blazer, he made a fashion statement that resonated around Thailand.
Pink shirts instantly became this season's must-have item, and crowds are mobbing the shops that sell them. In recent public appearances, Bhumibol has sported a range of pastel sport coats, changing his style after decades in dark suits and setting new trends with each outing.

As the country gears up to celebrate Bhumibol's 80th birthday Wednesday with fireworks and fanfare, many Thais are honoring their beloved monarch by dressing like him.

"Now the T-shirt craze is green," The Nation newspaper said in a front-page headline after the king stepped out in a pale sea green-colored blazer. Days later, when he opted for baby blue, the paper forecast "a run on blue shirts."

Bhumibol, the world's longest serving monarch, enjoys a reverence seldom seen in modern times. Regarded by some as semi-divine, he is known for his lifelong dedication to helping the country's needy. Bhumibol is a constitutional king with no formal political role, but has repeatedly brought calm in times of turbulence and is considered the country's moral authority.

Thais hang his portrait in their homes and shops. Dressing in his honor is nothing new.

Across the country, Thais have donned bright yellow shirts every Monday for the past two years to celebrate Bhumibol's 60th anniversary on the throne in 2006.

Yellow in Buddhist tradition represents Monday, the day of the week Bhumibol was born. It has become a national Monday dress code for civil servants and the color of choice for politicians and TV newscasters. Pink is making inroads for a more pressing reason.

Royal astrologers determined this year that pink was an auspicious color for the king's health. On that advice, a pink royal crest was designed for Bhumibol's 80th birthday.

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