It is another important role in the life of Pong Weerasak Khopkhate, a royal court news announcer under the Public Relations Department (NBT), who was assigned to announce the news of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, Princess Rajasarin Siripatcharawatcharawatcharatrida, passing away.
Recently, Weerasak opened up to Thairath TV about his feelings when tasked with announcing this news, saying that his emotions sank deeply upon hearing the news. Once he knew what his duty was, his feelings began to plunge, but he had to adjust because he was assigned the responsibility. He said, “We must perform our duties in the best possible way, ensuring the work is perfect and pays the highest respects to the royal dignity. This is what I always keep in mind.”
“Therefore, when the time comes, we are saddened like all Thai people, but we must consider how to serve as a bridge in communicating this significant loss concerning the institution we love and honor, so that the public receives the information as we do. This is the duty we must perform to the best of our ability, nothing more.”
When asked if reading about Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s royal duties from the beginning until her passing caused emotional swings, Weerasak said, “We are all saddened. After the Royal Household Bureau’s announcement, many people paid homage to her royal grace and bid her farewell to heaven. Some said they wished such an event had never happened, with some even posting on social media, ‘Please just take me away; I don’t want to see my face anymore.’”
Asked whether this role was stressful, he replied, “Yes, it is stressful, but once assigned, we try to do our best. Part of us grieves, but we do whatever it takes to complete the duty without faltering midway. Also, we feel sorrow because we see that Her Royal Highness followed the footsteps of the royal lineage.”
“We have seen King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit work side by side for decades. We have witnessed King Rama X continuing and expanding their legacy. We have seen Princess Bajrakitiyabha follow in those footsteps with many royal duties, all done for the benefit and happiness of her subjects.”
“We recognize this dedication. When reading royal court news, we see many royal duties performed by her, but ultimately, it’s all for the welfare of her people.”
When asked about his impressions of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, Weerasak said, “While reading various royal news reports, which included her royal duties and sometimes released her recorded voice, I gained insights and a work ethic that inspired me. I took these as a model for my own work.”
“Once, at a meeting with young people involved in her royal projects, she spoke about the role of duty. I still remember clearly. She said everyone has their own role. Speaking on behalf of herself to the visitors, she said, ‘Sometimes, I wear a military uniform and perform my duties firmly. Sometimes, when meeting the people, I talk and ask about their lives, like an elder sibling chatting with younger ones.’”
“She added that sometimes she wore high heels to royal ceremonies, but in all roles, everyone must perform their duties to the best of their ability. Hearing this, I thought, ‘This is what we should follow to perform all our duties perfectly, no matter what task we are assigned.’”
When asked how he felt about people saying they see his face only when announcing sad news, Weerasak said, “It’s true. Just look at social media from the first time until now. Many count days, months, and years between such events. We don’t want such losses to happen, but when assigned, we must do our best with strength to ensure the work is completed successfully and flawlessly, honoring her royal dignity as much as we can.”
“As I said, some have said, ‘Please just take me away; I don’t want to see your face again, don’t appear so often.’ It’s a loss, but we feel that we must do our best. We have loyalty and love for the monarchy, just like all Thai people who cherish the royal institution.”
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