All across the city, people are reporting random acts of kindness done in the memory of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

 

One of the most common has been free rides from motorbike taxis. In the BK office alone, three people have had drivers who wouldn’t accept payment.

 

“I got a free ride on Tuesday,” said Earn Saenmuk, a staff writer. “The driver just said he wanted to do something good for the king and left.”

 

Many others in Bangkok are reporting similar stories. Business development executive Tipsuda Chaichana says she had the same experience on her way to work this morning.

 

“I called him on Sukhumvit 36 to get a ride to the BTS,” she said. “When I got off and offered him the money he simply said, no, it is free. He does the same for everyone.

 

“It is just a small thing but it put a good day ahead of me. I think he really enjoys it too. When he says no, I could see his sparkling and happy eyes.”

 

In return, Tipsuda and her work colleagues are making black ribbons in memory of His Majesty, which she will give away to all of the drivers on her street.

 

Ribbons are one common way which people have used to show solidarity. Freelance writer and designer Panadda Tempaiboonkul has placed a basket in front of her house filled with ribbons for passersby to take.

 

"In my hood [around Baan Kaek junction] there are Indian, Nepalese and Myanmar expats who normally wear vibrant clothes but also want to show their grief, so the demand for black ribbons is high," said Panadda.

 

"On Thursday Oct 13, a fruit vendor came and asked to watch the announcement in my house. She was the first one there to cry so hard, saying she didn't have any black shirt nor money to buy one."

 

Suan Lum is a particular high-spot for public charity. This week, photos went viral of around 30 food trucks gathered in the area to offer free food and water to mourners.

 

Wasan Tanchom runs Len Kai Melette, a Thai omelet food truck which has been dising out free omelets to people in the area. 

 

"Some people aren’t very wealthy, and the food around the Sanam Luang area is getting more expensive," said Wasan. "We wanted to bring good food to them to give them energy to pay respect to our king and send him off for the last time."

 

Others have been doing whatever little they can to cheer up people’s days. One professional photographer, for example, has stationed himself around the Grand Palace, where he’s been providing mourners with free photographs.

 

Going by the professional name Boon A, he took inspiration from one griever who had traveled from Phetchaburi who asked him to take a photo as a keepsake.

 

"There must be many more people like this guy, coming alone and wanting to keep a photography in memory of the Rama 9 reign," wrote Boon A on his Facebook page.

 

Now, he’s stationed in the area with a sign on his back, offering free photographs which people can download from his Facebook page.

 

"I myself usually hesitate to ask others to take a photo for me,” he posted. “So this sign is here to tell them to feel free to do so.”

 

If you’ve experienced any unusual kindness from strangers, please write to us with your story at [email protected] or leave a comment on our Facebook page.