26 November 2002

‘Tongdaeng’ is a national sensation

The Story of Tongdaeng, penned by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, sold out its first print-run of 100,000 copies within hours of its release.

The 84-page book, written in both English and Thai, offered a unique look into the heart and personal life of the monarch. Some readers noted parables in the descriptions of the King’s relationship to his favourite dog, an adopted stray.

One passage reads: ‘Tongdaeng is a respectful dog with proper manners; she is humble and knows protocol. She would always sit lower than the King.’

The King also touched on an issue he often raised—national pride and self-reliance. Appreciation of Thai dogs, he writes, would ‘reduce the import of expensive ‘luxury pets’ which take a toll on the economy’. Some 320,000 Tongdaeng limited edition polo shirts also quickly sold out.

26 November 2002

‘Tongdaeng’ is a national sensation

The Story of Tongdaeng, penned by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, sold out its first print-run of 100,000 copies within hours of its release.

The 84-page book, written in both English and Thai, offered a unique look into the heart and personal life of the monarch. Some readers noted parables in the descriptions of the King’s relationship to his favourite dog, an adopted stray.

One passage reads: ‘Tongdaeng is a respectful dog with proper manners; she is humble and knows protocol. She would always sit lower than the King.’

The King also touched on an issue he often raised—national pride and self-reliance. Appreciation of Thai dogs, he writes, would ‘reduce the import of expensive ‘luxury pets’ which take a toll on the economy’. Some 320,000 Tongdaeng limited edition polo shirts also quickly sold out.