In baby-blue caps and yellow scout scarves, an army of royal volunteers is sprucing up Thailand before this weekend’s coronation — a projection of unity and loyalty to the unassailable crown in a divided kingdom that remains locked in political crisis.
The “Jit Arsa” programme — or Spirit Volunteers — has billowed out across Thailand since it was founded in 2017 by Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn ahead of the cremation of his late father Bhumibol Adulyadej.
From planting mangroves in southern Trang to scrubbing pavements in northern Tak, or hanging miles of orchid garlands in historic Bangkok, the mass mobilisation is coming to a head with the May 4-6 coronation just days away.
The corps, now at least five million strong, has evolved as a way for many Thais to conduct acts of civic service in the new king’s name.
It is also a way for a monarch who spends much of his time overseas to connect with his subjects in a kingdom where royalism leans heavily on ritual, symbols and mass demonstrations of fealty.
Bhumibol, who died in 2016 after a reign spanning seven tumultuous decades, was revered by most Thais, and his image remains omnipresent in many homes and shops.
His 66-year-old heir is not as well known by his subjects, and his three marriages and colourful private life when younger have been the subject of gossip in the past.
For the majority of Thais, Vajiralongkorn’s elaborate three-day coronation will be the first they have witnessed and curiosity is mounting.
The official Spirit Volunteers song blared over loudspeakers at the Bangkok headquarters of Thai Post on a recent day dedicated to a clean-up.
“We work without hoping to gain anything,” the joyful lyrics said.
Staffer Narong Denleemor, 49, said he had taken part in countless volunteer events since the passing of king Bhumibol.
“I can’t explain by words — it’s all in my heart,” he said of his motivation, eyes welling with tears.
Thai Post is one of many institutions — from private companies to state offices — corralling employees into a volunteering frenzy.
In Bangkok, where curiosity is mounting for the first coronation since 1950, state officials have immersed themselves in coronation duties.