Condolences on death of Thai king, in a work context?

October 17, 2016 7:40 AM

I work with some people in Thailand. Do I, and how do I, express sympathy at the recent death of King Bhumibol?

One of my organization's partner institutions is an organization in Thailand. (My organization is in America and is made up primarily of American nationals.) I don't work with our Thai partners often but I need to be in touch with them this week on some work-related details. In my communication, would it be appropriate to express my sympathy at the King's recent death? If so, any suggestions for appropriate language to use?

More details in case relevant: I don't know these folks especially well but communicate with them by email perhaps once per month. Our communications are in English, which they write fluently.

posted by JuliaJellicoe to Work & Money (6 answers total)

Best answer: It would be appreciated if you acknowledged it, definitely. You can say any of the usual things you would say to someone who is grieving. Maybe something like "I have heard about your recent loss and my heart goes out to you and the whole country of Thailand" or something similar.
posted by Shebear at 7:47 AM on October 17, 2016 [9 favorites]

I sent a text worded similarly to Shebear's to a close Thai friend. It is appropriate to express sympathies because he's very widely revered, about 80-90% of Thai people view him positively and only a few people who are already openly involved in political stuff would not be grieving (and even they would think you were being kindly polite). As a foreigner, it'd be pretty crass if you actually did ask or comment on anything socio-political at this point and just do a simple note.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 8:32 AM on October 17, 2016 [3 favorites]

Best answer: My father works with a lot of Thai people. In case you're still looking for wording ideas, here's the text he posted on FB:

"To all my many Thai friends I wish to express my condolences and sympathy over the loss of your beloved King. I know how much you loved and respected him and I truly believe that he fully deserved that love and respect for all he did for your country and its people over his 70 years as king."
posted by ewok_academy at 9:31 AM on October 17, 2016 [4 favorites]

Best answer: Without belabouring the details, since it is basically illegal to say anything negative about the Thai Royal family, the assumption that everyone loved and mourns him is problematic and inaccurate. Additionally, no entire nation feels one way about anything.

Something vague that acknowledges the event might be more appropriate and less problematic. "Condolences to all who grieve the loss of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, so long a leader esteemed by so many, and best wishes for all of Thailand in this period of mourning."

It's a little less absolute and slightly more considered.
posted by DarlingBri at 11:15 AM on October 17, 2016 [7 favorites]

Best answer: I've lived in Thailand for the last 6 years. DarlingBri's suggestion could be a violation of lese majeste laws, if it was spoken or written in Thailand.
posted by Homer42 at 4:11 AM on October 18, 2016 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: I ended up going with "I hope this email finds you as well as can be expected. All of us here at [my organization] would like to offer you and your colleagues our condolences on the recent passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Our thoughts are with you and the whole country of Thailand."

Thanks everyone!
posted by JuliaJellicoe at 10:56 AM on October 20, 2016 [1 favorite]