Thais pay homage to a graceful spirit
People bid farewell to Thanphuying Phoonsuk Banomyong, wife of former premier Pridi, who died on May 12 at the age of 95.
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Thousands crowded the Pridi Banomyong Institute yesterday to honour the life of Thanpuying Phoonsuk, the widow of the elder statesman Pridi Banomyong.
The memorial service included a video message from revered monk Phra Phromkunaporn (Prayuth Payutto) and excerpts from an interview about her life and experiences as her husband led Siam into an era of constitutional monarchy.
Phoonsuk passed away last Saturday of heart failure. She was 95.
The ceremony attracted people from all walks of life and political stripes.
Thai Rak Thai Party members were led by acting leader Chaturon Chaisang and Democrats by Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Political and social activists both for and against the September coup were represented.
Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun and National Legislative Assembly Speaker Meechai Ruchuphan attended as did diplomats and senior members of the Foreign Ministry.
Members of the Free Thai Movement came to bid farewell to the woman who stood by her husband in the political ups and downs that changed the course of Thailand.
Many shed tears as national artists Naovarat Pongpaibul and Angkarn Kalayanaphong read a poem written to commemorate Phoonsuk's life and struggle for peace and justice.
In one excerpt of the interview Phoonsuk identified her happiest moment as the end of the World War II.
"When peace was declared on August 16, 1945 Thailand managed to maintain its independence and achieve full democracy. But, Thai people mostly do not know what the day signifies."
She asks of the November 8, 1947 coup leaders, "Why do you come to this house to change the government? You should change it through the parliament."
Phoonsuk revealed Pridi did not want to live after many associates were killed when his "Democratic Movement" was defeated in the 1949 Grand Palace coup.
An 81-year-old Free Thai Movement member Sampat Puengpradit said Pridi's spirit of democracy had lived on through Phoonsuk.
He hoped those attending yesterday realised the value of democracy.
Another member, 84-year-old Supoj Dantrakul, said Phoonsuk conducted her role in history gracefully and gratefully and departed life the same way.
Subhatra Bhumiprabhas
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation
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