This issue of Time Out Bangkok is probably the first in Time Out history that doesn’t bear the publication’s iconic logo on the top of the cover. Instead, the logo was intentionally relocated to the bottom of the page to give way to an image of the Thai flag flying at half-mast to mourn the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol, and to pay respects to the soul of our nation for one last time.
It was my honor to communicate with the headquarters in London why it was necessary to implement this special cover and why this protocol means a lot to all of us at the Bangkok office.
His Majesty, King Bhumibol, was a great man who contributed time, effort and more than his fair share to our small country. He was more than just a king—he was a divine father figure to us all. In his 70-year reign, the King developed 4,447 projects and endless initiatives. These projects were all meant to help people. His people. His words stopped bloodshed and conflict. His teachings enlightened our spirits. And his passing only leaves us with inconsolable grief.
This great man was Thailand’s light, life and guiding force for 70 years. And as his soul now rests in peace, he leaves us his final teaching: nothing lasts forever.
We promise to try our hardest to hold back our tears and move on — like the Father always told us to. Like he would have wanted us to.
With deepest sorrow and much respect,
Top Koaysomboon
Editor, Time Out Bangkok