On The Thai King Being 'Beloved'

Actually, it's frighteningly like a cult of personality.  His picture, sometimes with his wife, is absolutely everywhere in Thailand–the sides of buildings, billboards, keychains, shopping bags–you can't turn your head without seeing his face morosely staring back at you.  In fact, you can buy solid yellow polo shirts with the monarchy logo in more or less all of the clothing stores in Thailand.  Why?  Because one day of the week, I forget which, everyone wears one to show their support for the king.  Seriously.  And some overachievers even wear them on undesignated days.  I suppose it at least makes attire choices easy.  But still.  If you're planning on visiting Thailand soon, take a good book since everything will most likely shut down should the king's illness turn fatal.