Security guards have snazzy uniforms with rich gold braid hanging from their shoulders. They give a smart salute as you walk past, and maybe a smile. Their hats make them look like admirals. City and state police are immaculately turned out. Buddhist congregations have enthusiastic women's clubs, all with gorgeous costumes for the frequent parades. School kids wear their uniforms smartly and an untucked shirt is rare. In the land where paying attention is a great virtue, folks dress as if they're going to be inspected.
For years Thais honored the King by wearing yellow on Tuesdays.
And monks. Saffron, orange, crimson robes identify subgroups, but they are all splendid and impossible to miss.
Even better, Thais dress up their Buddha statues, even the enormous ones, in shades of orange and yellow.
My favorite, though, is dressing buildings. Here young monks unfurl a kilometer of cloth to encircle a ceremonial stupa again and again. Celebrating life with mystery and color, living small.
