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Published on January 3, 2008

The news spread rapidly by word of mouth and media reports. The news stunned every corner of the country.

"Somdej Phra Phi-nang Sin Prachom laew [The Princess has passed away]," wrote Fumine, a Pantip.com member, on the community website at 6.11am.

Shortly, other members posted in their condolences. Some wrote touching poems to wish the Princess a peaceful journey.

Major news websites also helped to spread the news, featuring the Princess's life and work.

Tuning in to the morning news programmes, audiences found all the newscasters were wearing black.

Some TV channels broadcast shows about the Princess's accomplishments. The Princess also dominated the radio airwaves, with shows broadcasting only items about her.

"It is a great loss for the country. I had goose bumps when I went to wish her a speedy recovery at the hospital," said a radio commentator.

Black was the dominant colour yesterday. Many people wore black to work, including expatriates who were told of her death.

"Our foreign staff are in black after we told them she had expired. Those who did not wear black were unaware of the news," said Kanokchan Pattanapichai, an employee with a multinational company.

"My landlady told me that I should wear black," said journalist Roger Beaumont.

Many people stopped what they were doing and headed for Siriraj Hospital to pay their respects. They knelt before her portrait and some cried as they prayed for her.

Though her body had been moved to the Grand Palace, people still came to the hospital where she was treated for many months.

Responding to the people's wishes, the hospital announced the Princess's portrait would remain there for 100 days. The hospital will also organise an exhibition to honour her.

Many people crowded into Saha Thai Samakhom Pavilion in the afternoon as His Majesty the King granted permission for the public to take part in the bathing rites for the Princess.

There was a very long queue as people lined up to pay their last respects.

Celebrities, students, state officials and office workers stood in the line. At 3.30pm, half an hour before the bathing rites were scheduled to end, the

queue was still long and people continued to swell outside the building.

"It's not certain whether the Royal Household Bureau will extend the time for the bathing rites. Some of you may have to pay your respects at home. It's meaningful all the same," said a TV journalist on TiTV who reported from the pavilion inside the Grand Palace.

A crowd also formed along a route from the hospital to Dusit Throne Hall. People waited to receive an audience with Their Majesties the King and Queen and observed the Princess's procession.

There were reports that vendors selling pink and yellow T-shirts to commemorate the Royal Family had switched to selling black shirts.

Vendors along Sarasin Road started selling black and white outfits for the occasion.

Two days after wishing in the New Year, the capital adopted a subdued mood to mark the passing of the Princess.

 Veena Thoopkrajae

 The Nation