Editorial | Preparing for theDigital Age Dr Pichet Durongkaveroj

That day has finally arrived – the day His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej will be cremated, the saddest day for the Thai people for the loss of a great monarch we love and respect.

Since October 13, 2016, Thailand has not been the same. Despite tears of sadness and loss, what we have seen is nationwide unity – with hundreds of thousands of people flocking to the Grand Palace to pay their last respects to HM the late King Bhumibol, hundreds of volunteers offering food and service throughout the year, thousands of people creating dok mai chan, and a number of architects, artists and craftsmen creating the grandest ever royal crematorium.

In this issue, we honour our King by featuring a special section on his work and life and displaying photos that show the elements of the royal cremation – from the royal crematoria, or Phra Merumat, and the royal pyre to mythical creatures, angels and gods that reflect the image of heaven for the King. What we show you in this magazine is just a few pieces of the jigsaw; the whole process of the making will be showcased in the special exhibition in Sanam Luang in November and I encourage all of you to go and be inspired by the fact that, though the late King has gone, he remains in the heart of the Thai people, for now and forever.

As usual, Elite+ devotes itself to creating great interviews and content for our readers. This issue, we are pleased to talk to Dr Pichet Durongkaveroj, minister of digital economy and society, about his vision, policies and views on Thailand as the country goes through a period of major changes and critical development on the digital highway. We also sat down with Kriengsak Tantiphipop, my good friend and CEO of The Emporium and The EmQuartier Shopping Complex, who explains how innovation will become embedded in all aspects of life in the future.

Though we are in deep sadness, I hope you will be inspired by all of the stories featured in Elite+. The passing of HM King Bhumibol reminds me that when a person dies, only legacy remains. His death reminds us to live each day with a purpose to create value for ourselves and others.

Warm regards,
Arthorn Techatada
Executive Editor