From around the city come increasing reports in media and social media of citizens shaming others who are not wearing black and white clothing to mourn the late king.
Junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha is trying to defuse the tense situation by stating that people should support each other.
He understands that black and white clothes are quickly selling out around the city and that not everyone can afford to shop for new clothes, even if they want to buy and wear black and white garments to mourn the passing of the country’s King, reported Bangkok Post.
Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd noted that this is a hard time for Thai people and that they should remain peaceful. He noted that those who can not afford to dress in black and white, but want to show their support for the mourning period, can simply wear black ribbons or bows on shirts, chests or upper arms.
In one story being circulated on social media, a young man in an orange shirt was photographed eating in a humble restaurant. The message attached to the photo says, “Why is he not wearing black? What is his heart made of? He has no conscience.”
The poster apologized later after the young man posted photos showing that he had just returned from paying his respects to the late king.
Others online said they had witnessed in-person attacks on those not dressed in black or white. It was posted that some of the people dressed in colorful clothing begged forgiveness from their attackers, saying that they could not afford to buy clothes for the mourning period.
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