Just an hour ago the banks opened for business and began selling the limited-edition commemorative 60-baht note in celebration of His Majesty the King’s 60th Anniversary on the throne, which is today.

The supplies were quite limited and when I arrived at the branch it seemed unclear whether they actually had any to sell or not.  In characteristic fashion, I was told (or overheard in Thai) that they would check, that they didn’t have any, that they were checking with someone else, and then finally one employee brought one over and told me that she would give me the one she had set aside for her mother because, as she said, “I think you love my King very much.”

From L to R: Cover of the envelope, Inside of envelope, Detail of the bill.

However, I was chastised for not wearing a yellow shirt.  Yellow is the official royal colour in Thailand and there have been a series of official (and knockoff) yellow polo shirts with the royal emblem embroidered on the breast.  People have been encouraged to wear them, or any yellow shirt, to show their respect for the King this weekend.  So on the street today, about 80% of the people are wearing yellow shirts.  I’ll try to get some pictures.

This evening is the final dress rehearsal for the royal barge procession.  I’m going to head down to the river and dry to find a good viewing spot, probably around Thammasat University.  Will post any good pictures that I take.