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    Jen Tse (Danish School of Journalism)
    Love Your Father
    Award of Excellence
    Documentary
     
    When Thais come from near and far to prostrate themselves before a shrine at Bangkok’s Siriraj hospital, they do it for no god, but a living man. On December 5, 2014, the man’s 87th birthday, the fervent worship reached its apex. The streets in the hospital’s proximity were awash with yellow-shirted revelers, transfixed on the upper floors of the building. Only the soldiers, who had cleared paths through the roads, maintained their composure. At the appearance of a tiny, unidentifiable figure in one of the hospital’s top windows, the crowd erupted. Even the soldiers abandoned their positions, craning their necks to catch a glimpse. The yellow shirts overtook the streets and the air fluttered with flags, posters, and handmade signs. Grown men cried, and the tears they shed were genuine. Beloved and revered beyond any other is Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as Rama IX, the king of Thailand. He is the greatest and longest-serving king Thailand has ever known, having reigned for 68 years, and the longest currently-serving monarch in the world. Most Thais have never been alive under another king. As the nation’s overarching father figure, his birthday even coincides with Thailand’s Father’s Day. Thais are taught from early childhood to love their king, and that he is the most important human being on earth. Photographs of him are omnipresent across the nation, in books, movie theatres, parks, shops, banks, and other public and private spaces. Stories of his love and generosity are passed down generations, and his achievements are widely praised. There are constant reminders of his greatness, including nightly broadcasts of news about the monarchy. His 87th birthday celebrations were the largest to date, due to the king's ailing health and old age. Discussing his succession is forbidden, and under Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code, insulting or disrespecting him can result in a 3-15 year jail sentence per c
    Story: Love Your Father
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    A photograph of King Bhumibol Adulyadej is visible through the rear windshield of a car.
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    Story: Love Your Father
    Untitled
    A crowd reacts upon seeing a figure in an upper floor window of Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital, believed to be Thailand's king, on his 87th birthday. Having reigned for 68 years, the beloved and revered Bhumibol Adulyadej is the world's longest currently-serving monarch. The 2014 birthday celebrations were the largest to date, due to his ailing health and old age. Insulting or disrespecting the monarchy can result in a 3-15 year jail sentence per count.
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    Story: Love Your Father
    Untitled
    A woman has her picture taken by a military officer in front of a shrine built in the king's honour at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Scores of Thais visit the hospital on a daily basis to pray for his health.
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    Story: Love Your Father
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    A woman sits before a portrait of the king made from plaited wicker at his birthday pre-celebrations.
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    Story: Love Your Father
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    A life-size portrait of the king is visible on the street through a passing minibus in Bangkok.
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    Story: Love Your Father
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    A noodle shop in Bangkok. Portraits of both King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara hang on the wall.
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    Story: Love Your Father
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    A tailor shop in Bangkok.
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    Story: Love Your Father
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    A barbershop in Bangkok.
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    Story: Love Your Father
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    An office space in Bangkok.
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    Story: Love Your Father
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    A gaming cafe in Bangkok.
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    Story: Love Your Father
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    A Bangkok shopkeeper stands before items for display in a store that sells only royal portraits, royal flags, and national flags.
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    Story: Love Your Father
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    A billboard of the king is visible beneath a large royal flag in Bangkok.
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    Nikon INC. MediaStorm National Geographic Missouri Photo Workshop National Press Photographers Foundation University of Missouri
    Photography at the Summit True/False Film Fest