His feelings that night are revealed in the painting “Explode from Inside” featuring the revered monarch in full regalia and a royal headdress in a sombre grey tone. The “9 to 10” signifies the passage from the reign of King Rama IX to his son King Rama X. His first painting after the passing of King Bhumibol is also named after one of the monarch’s 23 working principles. It recounts the last incarnation of the Buddha as King Mahajanaka, who ruled the kingdom of Mithila, before being born again as Siddhartha. As King Mahajanaka, he valiantly faces challenges and troubles of every kind – from sinking ships to bloody succession feuds – and survives them all through his remarkable perseverance.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 11, 2017 18:00 UTC