Phuket –
In a heartfelt display of loyalty and reverence, two members of the Phuket Territorial Defense Volunteer Corps began a solemn pilgrimage on foot from Phuket to Bangkok to pay their final respects to Her Royal Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand, whose passing has deeply touched the nation.
At 5:30 a.m., Volunteer Sergeant Major Ying Prabhakarn Sakulnet, of the Command and Service Company, and Volunteer Corporal Jirasak Samakkan, of Kathu District Volunteer Company 2, set off on their journey from the old Phuket Provincial Hall. Their destination: the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in Bangkok, where the royal funeral rites are being held.
Before departing, the volunteers paid homage at the statue of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), seeking blessings for a safe and meaningful journey.
They then proceeded to the revered monument of Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon—Phuket’s legendary heroines—to offer prayers for protection and success.
The journey, spanning over 800 kilometers, is expected to take several weeks, with the volunteers walking approximately 35 kilometers per day. Their mission is not only a personal tribute but a symbolic act of unity and devotion on behalf of the entire Phuket volunteer corps.
“This pilgrimage reflects our unwavering loyalty and profound gratitude for Her Majesty’s boundless compassion and lifelong dedication to the Thai people,” said one of the volunteers before setting off.
The initiative has drawn admiration from local residents and officials, who view it as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between the monarchy and the people. It also underscores the role of the Territorial Defense Volunteers in upholding national values and serving with honor.
As the volunteers make their way northward, their journey stands as a living testament to the spirit of service, sacrifice, and love for the nation—echoing the legacy of the Queen Mother, fondly remembered as “Mae Luang Khong Phaendin,” the Mother of the Land.
