World can learn from Thai King’s death

Through the media, we have seen how the Thais have been mourning. Citizens are afraid for Thailand’s future and that the political situation will be unstable. So what can the world learn from King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s death?

First, while many Thais believe that he was a unifying national leader in a politically divided country, it should be his teachings and spirit that unify the nation (“Thailand must build on King’s great legacy”; Oct 17).

The loss of a good leader should not lead to a disjointed nation. Men cannot last forever, but their legacy can.

We should learn from a good leader as much as possible, and citizens should inculcate his or her values to make the nation flourish in the long run.

Second, a nation must be forward-looking in nurturing good leaders to take over at any point. To invest in this is equivalent to improving the nation’s future.

Third, tourists are being advised to be more sensitive and to wear respectful, sombre clothing in public places as Thailand embarks on a year of mourning. The lesson for all of us is to be aware of others’ cultures and practices, and to put ourselves in another person’s shoes. No group is superior to another.

The death of each great leader teaches a nation and the world something. We have learnt that a great leader is hard to find, though leaders can be groomed. To ensure stability, we must be forward-looking.

And at an individual level, we must learn to be culturally sensitive.