Sa-ing Harnprakhon's love for and dedication to His Majesty the King knows no bounds, and to prove it, he has just completed an 11-day walk covering 533 kilometres from Denchai district of Phrae province.
Uncle Sa-ing Harnprakhon cannot hide his jubilation as he signs a well-wishing book for His Majesty the King at Siriraj Hospital on Wednesday. (Photo by Apichart Jinakul)
The 63-year-old set out on his journey from his home on Oct 12 with one determined goal in mind. He dedicated his long walk and run for His Majesty, whom he wanted to have a speedy recovery after his operation.
Uncle Sa-ing signed a well-wishing book in front of the King's portrait at the hospital amid cheers of officials, onlookers and people who packed Siriraj Hospital to greet him.
"I'm glad and feel deeply touched today," he said, after accomplishing his remarkable mission.
The man whom everyone calls uncle began his walk with little public acknowledgement, but attention grew along the way and turned the public spotlight squarely on him as he left kilometre after kilometre behind.
Sa-ing Harnprakhon is surrounded by Ruamkatanyu staff to give him safety protection as he left Pathum Thani province for Siriraj Hospital on Wednesday. (Photo by Pongsapat Wongyala)
Locals in Phitsanulok province were surprised and cheered him when they got the answer from him that he was on the road to wish the King well, he recalled.
He said he endured a lot of pain that grew as the days passed, not to mention the scorching heat, rain and pollution from vehicles passing him.
"I felt dejected after the first few days. I couldn't even get up. My legs were in pain. I felt my toes were about to abandon my body," he said.
Officials and supporters waited for his arrival in all provinces he passed through.
He spent Tuesday night at Asia Airport Hotel in Lam Lukka district of Pathum Thani to prepare for the last leg of his gruelling journey.
At 6.45am on Wednesday he left the hotel, hitting Vibhavadi-Rangsit road on his way to the capital with officials from Ruamkatanyu Foundation accompanying him for safety reasons.
"My body is ready today. No pains. I am heading for Siriraj Hospital," he told reporters on his final day.
Nine hours later, he was there.
"Thank you for all the support. That encouraged me to keep going," he said after his long journey from home ended.
Photos by Apichart Jinakul and Pongsapat Wongyala