Imagine putting one carefully-placed foot in front of the other day after day until you’ve walked hundreds of kilometres. That’s exactly what a Thai family of six did. From Chaiya in the southern province of Surat Thani, they committed to walking roughly 600 km to the capital, Bangkok. Their goal? To pay tribute to Queen Mother Sirikit at the Grand Palace.
The idea: show loyalty and thanks for her decades-long public service and the affection the Thai people hold for her.
Who Are the Walkers and What Inspired Them?
The group: a father (62-year-old Sanoe Koedkaew), his son (27-year-old Sitthichai Thongsuwan) and four other members of the family (aged between 25 and 39) all from the same family unit.
Why? Sitthichai said their walk wasn’t just about reaching Bangkok but about setting an example: loyalty, gratitude, and remembrance. He said they wanted to “join the mourning ceremony at the Grand Palace” and despite rain and worn shoes, they were proud of what they were doing.
Notably: Sanoe, the father, is battling cancer yet chose to walk alongside his family on this pilgrimage. That detail brings real emotion to the story.
The Route, Challenges and the Family’s Support System
They began in Chaiya district (Surat Thani) and aimed to cover 30–50 km per day.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start Point | Chaiya, Surat Thani |
| End Point Goal | Grand Palace, Bangkok |
| Distance | About 600 km |
| Daily Target | 30-50 km/day |
| Duration Estimate | 15-20 days |
| They weren’t without help: by the time they reached the Lang Suan district in Chumphon province, the highway police were assisting with traffic control and safety. They even provided proper shoes and umbrellas when the rain started hurting their progress and comfort. | |
| Walking hundreds of kilometres isn’t just physical it’s logistical, emotional, and symbolic. Every kilometre walked becomes a step of devotion. |
What This Walk Means For the Family and For Others
What’s really happening here isn’t just a family walk. It’s a metaphor in motion. Think of it like planting seeds of respect: the family is saying, “We remember, we walk, we honour.”
For younger generations, Sitthichai said this walk was a message: loyalty doesn’t come wrapped in grand displays it can come in boots, walking sticks, shared fatigue.
On a broader scale, it reflects how ordinary people engage with national symbols and figures. It’s grassroots reverence not a parade, but steady footsteps.
And for the father with cancer joining this journey adds layers: love, duty, perhaps closure.
In short: it’s humble. It’s moving. And it reminds us that sometimes the greatest tribute is a long walk taken with a full heart.
Conclusion
When you hear “tribute,” you might think of speeches, flowers, ceremonies. But this family chose miles and footsteps. From the south of Thailand to the heart of Bangkok, they walked 600 kilometres to honour Queen Mother Sirikit. Their journey shows that respect can be simple and strong worn shoes, tired legs, unwavering will. As they approach the Grand Palace, they carry more than their packs: they carry gratitude, example, and the story of what it means to walk for something you believe in.