Bangkok is flooded, what is on the Thai King's mind? - A Public Relation lesson for the Khmer King?

King worried about people, not palaces, Army chief says

October 27, 2011
The Nation

What Does the Khmer King Do? King Norodom Sihamoni’s Donation to Flood-Affected Victims in Kandal Province

AKP Phnom Penh, October 26, 2011 –

His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, gave donation to flood-affected victims in Kandal province on Oct. 24.

The donation was made through by Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Kong Sam Ol, Minister of the Royal Palace and high representative of King Sihamoni.

As many as 350 families who received the donation are from Dang Kom village, Kampong Os commune, Ponhea Leu district.

The donation included rice, rice seed, noodle, drinking water, can fish, scarves, sarongs, pants, etc. and some money.

Article in Khmer by CHEY Phum Pul
Article in English by Théng

His Majesty the King does not want the government to be overly concerned about the Royal Palace because he believes the water should flow "naturally", according to Army chief Prayuth Chanocha.

Prayuth, who has been in liaison with palace authorities on how to defend royal residence which is high on the government's antiflood plan, said the message from His Majesty was that the monarch did not want "anything special" to be done regarding the palace.

"His Majesty is very worried about the Thai people. He always has been and always will be. That's him. He doesn't want anything special, and he said the water must be allowed to flow naturally," the Army chief said.

Thai King has organised a Kathen for a Cambodian pagoda

Picture of Thai king, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Everyday.com
4th November, 2008
Translated from Khmer by Khmerization

The Thai embassy in Cambodia, representing the Thai king, on 1st November has organised a Kathen (a religious fund raising event) for Wat Prek Russey in Kandal province. Mr Chhun Syrun, governor of Kandal province, presided over the Kathen festival. On top of the donations from the Thai king, Thai officials and the Thai embassy, there were Khmer officials who have made donations to the Kathen festival as well. The Thai ambassador said that the Thai king wish to see progress in Buddhism, not only in Thailand but in neighbouring countries such as Cambodia as well.

This Kathen has raised 2 million riels ($US250) in Khmer currency, $US10,620 in US dollars and 200,000 baht ($US5,000) in Thai currency.

Kathen is the most important religious money raising event in Cambodia. This year’s Kathen started from the 15th of October to the 12th of November. During this time, all the Buddhist faithful will contribute money and donate goods to support the monks and for the maintenance and the development of the pagoda complex.