Most of the mourners come and go but some keep coming back to bid farewell to the much-beloved King.

Prasert Samalabha is one of those who are seen often times near the Grand Palace, looking sombre and grieving the great loss.

His presence near the palace’s perimeter wall appeared in a post by a Facebook user and professional photographer, Saguan Wongwitoonwid.

In the caption, the photographer described Prasert as an elderly man who came to Sanam Luang and stand at the very same spot every day in the early hours to pay homage to the King. The post was shared extensively on social media.

It was found out later that the subject of Saguan’s heart-rending photograph was Prasert, a former permanent secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). He was among the high-ranking state officials who had worked closely with the previous King.

He told The Sunday Nation: “I have come to pay homage since the very first week of the King’s departure. I got inside the Grand Palace three times and stood here to pay homage 25 times.

“Standing here, I always think about him. Always have, always will, except when I am really not well.”

The 77-year-old mourner said he had surveyed the entire area and found the spot near Wiman Thewes Gate to be the best and so he had made it his private mourning place.

He recounted his experience of working very closely with King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty in the attempt to resolve a water crisis and the traffic issue. The most important thing he said he learned from the esteemed King was kindness.

“After 20 years serving the King, I can say that I was never reprimanded. He only kindly gave suggestions or taught me how to work,” the former BMA permanent secretary said. “And I took that from him as a leader. I did the same to people under my supervision and it actually yielded the most effective results.”

Another thing Prasert said he had learned from the King was consideration for the public.

“People had always been anxious about issues. We have to explain to them what we are doing and when it will be finished,” he said. “This gives them hope. And it is what dispels their anxiety.”

He admitted that when he was working with the King, he did not quite understand what mental suffering meant, though it was a very important issue.

Prasert said King Bhumibol gave a lot of importance to people’s thoughts and anxiety, especially those who had suffered because of floods. The late King cared about and always tried to find a way to compensate flood victims.

The passing of the King has obviously been a difficult time in his life.

Prasert said he still found it hard to come to terms with the King’s demise. He said he continues to come to his mourning spot because from there he can see where the late King’s body is resting and, it seems to him like the late monarch is still around.

“From here, I told him about my intention. I told him not to worry about the disharmony of the people in society because everyone will work it out. And I believe he got my message,” he said.

Before leaving his mourning spot with his caring son, Prasert said: “As for myself, I pledged to always be a good citizen. If there is anything I can do to help those who are in need, I will. And I will always pray for him.”