04 NOVEMBER 2016 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Volunteers stir vats of clothes being dyed black at Krungthai Tractor. About 150 volunteers are working at Krungthai Tractor in Bangkok to dye clothes black for people in mourning following the death of Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand. The government declared a one year mourning period, during which Thais are encouraged to wear black and a 30 day mourning period during which Thais are very strongly encouraged to wear black. Furthermore, black is mandatory for official mourning functions, including visits to the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang, the public ceremonial ground across the street from the Palace. The expectation to wear black created a shortage of black clothes in many markets and Thailand's poor couldn't afford what black clothes were still available. Community groups have started dyeing clothes for people who either can't find or can't afford black clothes. The clothes dyeing volunteers at Krungthai Tractor were organized by Thai actress Chompoo Araya A. Hargate and Thai fashion blogger Chavaporn Laohapongchana.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
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