Nakhon ratchasima: An elderly couple from Nakhon Ratchasima, despite living in poverty, have demonstrated their steadfast loyalty to the Thai monarchy by using their savings to purchase a portrait of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha. The portrait, which they placed above their bed, serves as a tribute to the Princess following her passing and reflects their gratitude for her kindness.
According to Thai News Agency, the couple, Mr. Mai, aged 73, and his wife Mrs. Sa-ard, 63, live in a small, dilapidated tin shack with a wooden frame that leaks when it rains. Without electricity, the couple has been collecting and selling scrap for over nine years, earning less than 2,000 baht a month. Despite their hardships, they managed to save 120 baht to buy the portrait of Princess Bajrakitiyabha. After acquiring it, Mrs. Sa-ard transported the portrait on her old motorcycle with a sidecar, while Mr. Mai hugged the portrait lovingly as they brought it to their bedroom.
In a separate touching story, a massage shop in Udon Thani shared images and memories of serving Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha. The shop owner, Ms. Sasirorn, also known as "Pee Noi," had the honor of massaging the Princess's face on 50 occasions. The shop now serves as a small museum, preserving the photograph of the Princess and the equipment used during her visits.
Ms. Sasirorn recounted that she was initially shocked and overjoyed when contacted to provide her services to the Princess. She prepared thoroughly for the royal visits, including learning the proper way to show respect. During the visits, the Princess was described as humble and approachable, engaging in conversations about Ms. Sasirorn's life and work. On one occasion, the Princess sang along to a song, helping to ease Ms. Sasirorn's nervousness.
Despite her intention to offer her services for free as a sign of respect, the Princess insisted on paying a small fee, which Ms. Sasirorn cherishes as a "lucky charm." Although it has been over a decade since the last royal visit in 2012, the equipment used during those times remains preserved in the shop. Ms. Sasirorn expressed her gratitude, stating that she never imagined receiving such a prestigious opportunity.