It was an ordinary day in class until we received an extraordinary announcement: there would be a mass demonstration of Red Shirts beginning the next day, right around the vicinity of our university campus. We were advised to suspend all outdoor plans, especially for the weekend.
That single word – “protest”– has always triggered in me a wave of unease. In my homeland, Bhutan, I have never witnessed such events in my lifetime. The concept of public unrest, so common elsewhere, is alien to me. Thanks to His Majesty the Kings of Bhutan, we have enjoyed a tranquil existence—a rarity in the modern world. I often feel that heaven itself must have been surprised to discover that a small kingdom like ours has been blessed with a king of kings.
The Anxiety of the Unknown 😨
The very mention of protests sent a rush of blood to my head. My focus faltered as my mind imagined the rumble of more than 50,000 marching feet, a scene I had only read about in newspapers. I was unprepared, emotionally and mentally, for such an experience. In my simple view, a protest equated to gambling with human life—a phrase that haunted me more than it should.
News outlets confirmed the gravity of the situation:
“The United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) begins a three-day rally Saturday... a show of strength in light of moves that may strip Yingluck Shinawatra of her caretaker prime ministerial post.” – Bangkok Post
As news broke, my inbox buzzed with alerts. But despite the caution, my friends and I, used to doing our weekend grocery shopping, decided to head to the market that very evening—simply out of routine and a necessity for survival.
A Close Encounter with Authority
On our way to the market, as we waited to cross the road, I noticed an armed policeman monitoring us. His presence instantly stole our ease. The moment the road cleared, we crossed—and that was when he approached.
He asked, “You China?”—a question that we had come to expect in broken English during our stay in Thailand. Calmly, I replied, “No sir, from Bhutan.”
But he appeared unconvinced. He stepped closer. I saw the weapons fastened around his waist. My heart pounded, and my voice failed. I repeated, “Bhutan,” this time joined by my friends.
The Power of a Name
He paused. Then, like a spark igniting recognition, he muttered, “Oh… o… o… Buuu…taan. King Jigme.”
We were quick to affirm, “Yes! King Jigme. King Jigme.”
It was a surreal moment. We clung to those two words as if they were a passport of trust. To our relief, the officer smiled. The interrogation ended, not because of our documents, but because of our King’s name.
I handed over my university ID and a copy of my passport (that I always kept in my bag). He gave them a cursory glance and mumbled “King Jigme” once more—then waved us off in peace.
More Than Just a King
We laughed about it later, even joked that it resembled one of those episodes from Banged Up Abroad. But beneath the laughter was a profound truth: in that moment, “King Jigme” had more power than our papers.
His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, is not just beloved in Bhutan, where he is known as the People’s King. He is also fondly remembered in Thailand, where he was once referred to as Prince Charming. His visit in 2006 to mark the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s reign left a deep impression on the Thai people.
A Humble Tribute
From a place of anxiety and fear, I was brought back to comfort and dignity—all because of His Majesty’s international presence and goodwill.
To our King, I say:
Thank you, Your Majesty, for everything you have given us. You are a true blessing to Bhutan.
Long live our King.
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| His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the Queen Ashi Jetseun Pema Wangchuck |
Great quote by John Maxwell. Loved the picture of your King and Queen.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rachna for reading my post. Yup, we too love our King and the Queen. Thank you for visiting.
DeleteWow...so interesting, as ever, Dumcho.
ReplyDeleteI love to visit your wonderful blog...I always learn so much here.
The picture of your King and Queen is simply amazing...such fabulous colourful costumes!
Hope you are having a super weekend.:)
Thank you Ygraine. The beautiful comments from a faraway people who seems more close encourages me to write and update despite my tight study schedule here. I am grateful for your comments every time. Thank you for the visit.
DeleteAs always very insightful post. Loved it thoroughly!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your regular visits. I am humbled and encouraged.
DeleteSuch a nerve wracking incident... I am happy to hear it went well;-) Take care of yourself ;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment on my blog.. have a great week ahead :-D
Thank you Launna for visiting my page. Thank you for the comments. Yup, now I am already at home. I am doing fine. Have a great weekend too.
DeleteI found you in a comment during the A-Z Challenge and I'm glad I did. Adding you to my blog roll. So sorry you had yo go through that but I'm glad that you are okay and can look back on this experience without negativity. Protests seem so simple in Jamaica. You can just go out and demonstrate though wild demonstrations do get police intervention.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sheena for your words of encouragement. I am humbled. I am doing great these days anyways. Thank you for visiting my page.
DeleteNice post Dumcho! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you madam Rima
Deletenice post !!
ReplyDeleteThank you la.
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