Bhumibol Adulyadej: Difference between revisions

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|imgw = 210px
|imgw = 210px
|caption = King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2010
|caption = King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2010
|succession = [[King of Thailand]]
|succession = King of Thailand
|reign = {{nowrap|9 June 1946 – present}}<br>{{Age in years and days|1946|6|9}}
|reign = {{nowrap|9 June 1946 – present}}
|coronation = 5 May 1950
| religion = Theravada Buddhism
|predecessor = [[Ananda Mahidol]] <small>(Rama VIII)</small>
|suc-type = Heir apparent
|successor = [[Vajiralongkorn|Maha Vajiralongkorn]]
| reg-type =[[Prime Minister of Thailand|Prime&nbsp;Ministers]]
| regent ={{List collapsed|title=''See list''|1=[[Pridi Banomyong]]<br />[[Thawal Thamrong Navaswadhi]]<br />[[Khuang Abhaiwongse]]<br />[[Plaek Pibulsonggram]]<br />[[Thanom Kittikachorn]]<br />[[Sarit Thanarat]]<br />[[Sanya Dharmasakti]]<br />[[Seni Pramoj|M.R. Seni Pramoj]]<br />[[Kukrit Pramoj|M.R. Kukrit Pramoj]]<br />[[Tanin Kraivixien]]<br />[[Kriangsak Chomanan]]<br />[[Prem Tinsulanonda]]<br />[[Chatichai Choonhavan]]<br />[[Anand Panyarachun]]<br />[[Suchinda Kraprayoon]]<br />[[Chuan Leekpai]]<br />[[Banharn Silpa-archa]]<br />[[Chavalit Yongchaiyudh]]<br />[[Thaksin Shinawatra]]<br />[[Surayud Chulanont]]<br />[[Samak Sundaravej]]<br />[[Somchai Wongsawat]]<br />[[Abhisit Vejjajiva]]<br />[[Yingluck Shinawatra]]}}
|spouse = [[Sirikit|Sirikit Kitiyakara]]<br/>(Since 28 April 1950)
|issue = [[Ubolratana Rajakanya|Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya]]<br />[[Vajiralongkorn|''HRH'' The Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn]]<br/>[[Sirindhorn|''HRH'' The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn]]<br/>[[Chulabhorn Walailak|''HRH'' The Princess Chulabhorn Walailak]]
|house = House of Mahidol<br/>[[Chakri Dynasty]]
|father = [[Mahidol Adulyadej|Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkla]]
|mother = [[Srinagarindra]]
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1927|12|5|df=y}}
| birth_place = {{nowrap|[[Cambridge, Massachusetts|Cambridge]], [[Massachusetts]], [[US]]}}
| death_date =
| death_place =
|date of burial =
|place of burial =
| religion = [[Theravada Buddhism]]
| signature = King Rama IX Signature.svg
| signature = King Rama IX Signature.svg
| signature_alt =
| signature_alt =
}}
}}


'''Bhumibol Adulyadej''' ([[Royal Thai General System of Transcription|RTGS]]: '''Phumiphon Adunyadet'''; {{lang-th|ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช}}, {{IPA-th|pʰūː.mí.pʰōn ʔà.dūn.jā.dèːt|pron|Bhumibol Adulyadej.ogg}}; [[#Titles and styles|see full title below]]; born 5 December 1927) is the current [[Monarchy of Thailand|Monarch of Thailand]]. He is known as '''[[Rama (Kings of Thailand)|Rama IX]]'''. Having reigned since 9 June 1946, he is the world's [[Current reigning monarchs by length of reign|longest-serving]] current [[head of state]] and the [[List of longest reigning monarchs of all time|longest-reigning]] monarch in [[History of Thailand|Thai history]].<ref name=longestthai>{{cite web |year=1996 |url=http://www.worldhop.com/Journals/J5/ROYAL.HTM |title=A Royal Occasion speeches |publisher=Worldhop | work = Journal |accessdate=5 July 2006 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060512194220/http://www.worldhop.com/Journals/J5/ROYAL.HTM |archivedate=12 May 2006}}</ref>
'''Bhumibol Adulyadej''' ([[Royal Thai General System of Transcription|RTGS]]: '''Phumiphon Adunyadet'''; {{lang-th|ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช}}, {{IPA-th|pʰūː.mí.pʰōn ʔà.dūn.jā.dèːt|pron|Bhumibol Adulyadej.ogg}}; [[#Titles and styles|see full title below]]; born 5 December 1927) is the current Monarch of Thailand. He is known as '''Rama IX'''. Having reigned since 9 June 1946, he is the world's longest-serving current head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history.<ref name=longestthai>{{cite web |year=1996 |url=http://www.worldhop.com/Journals/J5/ROYAL.HTM |title=A Royal Occasion speeches |publisher=Worldhop | work = Journal |accessdate=5 July 2006 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060512194220/http://www.worldhop.com/Journals/J5/ROYAL.HTM |archivedate=12 May 2006}}</ref>


Although Bhumibol is legally a [[constitutional monarchy|constitutional monarch]], he has made several decisive interventions in the [[Politics of Thailand|Thai political sphere]]. He was credited with facilitating Thailand's [[History of Thailand since 1973#Democracy|transition to democracy]] in the 1990s, although he has supported numerous military regimes, including [[Sarit Dhanarajata|Sarit Dhanarajata's]] during the 1960s and the [[Council for Democratic Reform|Council for National Security]] in 2006–8. During his long reign, he has authorized over 15 coups, 16 constitutions, and 27 changes of prime ministers.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/15/thailand-bhumibol-stockmarket-sickness |work=The Guardian |location=London  | title=Fears for Thai monarch set stockmarket tumbling for second day | date=15 October 2009 | accessdate=13 April 2010 | first= Ben | last= Doherty}}</ref> He has also used his influence to stop military coups, including attempts in 1981 and 1985. Bhumibol is advised by a hand-picked [[Privy Council (Thailand)|Privy Council]].
===Scouting===
 
Bhumibol, who serves as head of [[The National Scout Organization of Thailand]], was presented the [[Bronze Wolf]] award on 20 June 2006, the highest award of the [[World Organization of the Scout Movement]], for his support and development of [[Scouting]] in Thailand by [[Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden|Carl XVI Gustaf]], King of Sweden and Honorary President of the World Scout Foundation.  The presentation took place at Chitralada Palace in Thailand and was witnessed by Chairman of the [[World Scout Committee]] [[Herman Hui]].
Bhumibol is respected<ref>{{Citation |first=Thanet |last=Aphornsuvan |title=Bhumibol Adulyadej |work=Southeast Asia: A Historical Encyclopedia, From Angkor Wat to East Timor |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2004 |page=232 |url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=QKgraWbb7yoC&pg=PA232&dq=bhumibol+respected&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ZM1YT9PICsrU0QXKuOjHDQ&ved=0CEUQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=bhumibol%20respected&f=false}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |first1=Kongphu |last1=Nimanandh |first2=Tim G. |last2=Andrews |title=Socio-cultural context |work=The Changing Face of Management in Thailand |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=2009 |page=73 |url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=FIDKY-RFDTMC&pg=PA73&dq=bhumibol+respected&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ZM1YT9PICsrU0QXKuOjHDQ&ved=0CD4Q6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=bhumibol%20respected&f=false}}</ref> and revered by many Thais.<ref name=revered>{{Cite document | place = UK | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7128935.stm | contribution = Why Thailand's king is so revered |publisher=BBC | title = News | date = 5 December 2007 | accessdate =3 February 2010}}</ref> He is, by law passed by the Thai parliament, considered "inviolable" and [[Lèse majesté in Thailand|lèse majesté]], i.e. offence against the dignity of the monarch, may be punished.<ref name=revered /> In 1957, the overthrow of the government was justified with allegations of lese majeste.<ref>{{cite book |author=Handley, Paul M. |title=The King Never Smiles |publisher=Yale University Press |year=2006 |pages=136–137 |isbn=0-300-10682-3}}</ref><ref name=Thak1979>{{cite book |author=Thak Chaloemtiarana |title=Thailand: The Politics of Despotic Paternalism |publisher=Social Science Association of Thailand |year=1979 |page=98}}</ref> Bhumibol however invited public criticism in a 2005 speech.<ref name="wrong">{{cite web |date=5 December 2005 |url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2005/12/05/headlines/data/headlines_19334288.html|title=Royal Birthday Address: 'King Can Do Wrong'|publisher=National Media|accessdate=26 September 2007}}</ref>
 
Bhumibol is credited with a social-economic theory of [[Localism in Thailand|self-sufficiency]]. His personal wealth is tremendous: [[Forbes]] estimated Bhumibol's personal fortune, including property managed by the [[Crown Property Bureau]] which is considered national property,<ref>{{citation | url = http://www.mfa.go.th/web/200.php?id=20551 | title = Declaration on Crown Property and Royal Assets | publisher = Ministry of Foreign Affairs | date = 22 August 2008 | place = TH}}.</ref> to be US$30 billion in 2010, and he has been consistently placed at number one of the magazine's list of "The World's Richest Royals".<ref name=forbes09>{{cite news| url=http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/17/monarchs-wealth-scandal-business-billionaires-richest-royals.html | work=Forbes | first=Tatiana | last=Serafin | title= The World's Richest Royals | date= 17 June 2009}}</ref><ref>Tatiana Serafin, “[http://www.forbes.com/2010/07/07/richest-royals-wealth-monarch-wedding-divorce-billionaire_2.html The world’s richest royals]”, Forbes, 7 July 2010.</ref> The Crown Property Bureau spends money on public welfare such as youth development, however it does not pay taxes and its finances are reported only to Bhumibol.<ref>[http://www.crownproperty.or.th/en/social.php?c=1 The Crown Property Bureau – Youth Development] {{WebCite|url=http://www.webcitation.org/1312942356977725|date=10 August 2011}}<!--DashBotWC--></ref> <!--and conservation programs.<ref>[http://www.crownproperty.or.th/en/social.php?c=5 The Crown Property Bureau – Conservation programs]</ref>--> Bhumibol himself has made donations to numerous development projects in Thailand, in areas including agriculture, environment, public health, occupational promotion, water resources, communications and public welfare.<ref>[http://www.hasekamp.net/king.htm Some information about HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej] {{WebCite|url=http://www.webcitation.org/1312942386392887|date=10 August 2011}}<!--DashBotWC--></ref> Commemoration of Bhumibol's contributions to Thailand are ubiquitous in the Thai media.<ref name="ChannelNewsAsia">Channel News Asia, [http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southeastasia/view/1074777/1/.html Thais celebrate Queen's birthday as govt investigates monarchy threat], 12 August</ref>
 
==Early life==
[[File:Mom Sangwal and children.JPG|thumb|230px|Bhumibol (centre) with his [[Srinagarindra|mother]] and siblings [[Ananda Mahidol]] (left) and [[Galyani Vadhana]] (right).]]
He was born at the Mount Auburn Hospital in [[Cambridge, Massachusetts]], in the United States on 5 December 1927.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kanchanapisek.or.th/biography/index.en.html |title=Biography of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej}}</ref> He was the younger son of HRH Prince [[Mahidol Adulyadej]] and [[Thai royal and noble titles#Mom (wife)|Mom]] [[Srinagarindra|Sangwan]] (later HRH Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother: Somdet Phra Si Nakharinthra Boromaratchachonnani). His name, Bhumibol Adulyadej, means "Strength of the Land, Incomparable Power".<ref>{{cite book |author=Wimuttanon, Suvit (ed.) |title=Amazing Thailand (special collector's edition)|publisher=World Class Publishing |year=2001 |page=33 |isbn=974-91020-3-7}}</ref> His father was enrolled in the Public Health program at [[Harvard University]], hence his unusual place of birth for a monarch.
 
He came to Thailand in 1928, after Prince Mahidol obtained a certificate from Harvard. He briefly attended [[Mater Dei Institute|Mater Dei]] school in [[Bangkok]] but in 1933 his mother took the family to Switzerland, where he continued his education at the [[Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande]] in [[Lausanne]]. He received the ''[[baccalauréat]] des lettres'' (high-school diploma with major in [[French literature]], [[Latin]], and Greek) from the Gymnase Classique Cantonal of [[Lausanne]], and by 1945 had begun studying science at the [[University of Lausanne]], when World War II ended and the family returned to Thailand.<ref name="kingjubnet">{{cite web |year=1999 |url=http://www.kanchanapisek.or.th/biography/hmk.en.html |title=Biography of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej |work=The Golden Jubilee Network |publisher=Kanchanapisek Network |accessdate=5 August 2006}}</ref>
 
==Succession and marriage==
{{Thai Royal Family}}
[[File:Bhumbol and Sirikit.jpg|thumb|left|230px|Bhumibol and [[Sirikit]] after their wedding.]]
Bhumibol ascended the throne following the death by gunshot wound of his brother, King [[Ananda Mahidol]], on 9 June 1946, in mysterious circumstances.<ref>Handley, Paul M (2006). [[The King Never Smiles]]. Yale University Press, pp. 78–9. ISBN 0-300-10682-3.</ref>  Bhumibol returned to Switzerland in order to complete his education, and his uncle, [[Rangsit, Prince of Chainat]], was appointed Prince Regent. Bhumibol then switched over his field of study to law and [[political science]].
 
While finishing his degree in Switzerland, Bhumibol visited Paris frequently. It was in Paris that he first met [[Mom Rajawongse]] [[Sirikit]] Kitiyakara, daughter of the Thai ambassador to France.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bhirom Bhakdi|first= Soravij | url= http://www.soravij.com/queens.html |title=Queens of the Chakri Dynasty |accessdate=1 August 2006}}</ref>
 
On 4 October 1948, while Bhumibol was driving a [[Fiat Topolino]] on the [[Geneva]]-[[Lausanne]] road, he [[rear-end collision|collided with the rear]] of a braking truck 10&nbsp;km outside of Lausanne. He hurt his back and incurred cuts on his face that [[enucleation of the eye|cost him the sight of his right eye]].<ref name="BKP">{{cite web | date = 5 December 2005 |url=http://www.bangkokpost.net/60yrsthrone/60yrsthrone/index.html |title=The Making of a Monarch | publisher = Bangkok Post |accessdate=12 July 2006}}</ref><ref>Handley, Paul M (2006). [[The King Never Smiles]]. Yale University Press, p. 104.  ISBN 0-300-10682-3.</ref> While he was hospitalised in Lausanne, Sirikit visited him frequently. She met his mother, who asked her to continue her studies nearby so that Bhumibol could get to know her better. Bhumibol selected for her a boarding school in Lausanne, [[Riante Rive]]. A quiet engagement in Lausanne followed on 19 July 1949, and the couple were married on 28 April 1950, just a week before his coronation.
 
Bhumibol and his wife Queen Sirikit have four children:
 
* (Formerly HRH) Princess [[Ubol Ratana]], born 5 April 1951&nbsp;in Lausanne, Switzerland;
* HRH The Crown Prince [[Maha Vajiralongkorn]], born 28 July 1952;
* HRH The Princess [[Maha Chakri Sirindhorn]], born 2 April 1955;
* HRH The Princess [[Chulabhorn Walailak]], born 4 July 1957.
 
One of Bhumibol's grandchildren, [[Bhumi Jensen]], was killed in the [[tsunami]] caused by the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake]]. He was the autistic son of Princess Ubol Ratana.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://soravij.com/poomjensen.html | title= Khun Poom Jensen, Son of Princess Ubolratana |publisher=Soravij.com|accessdate=24 November 2007}}</ref>
 
==Coronation and titles==
[[File:Bhumbol coronation 1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Bhumibol at his coronation at the [[Grand Palace]].]]
[[File:ATrelations0018a-1.jpg|thumb|right|Bhumibol addresses a [[Joint session of the United States Congress|joint session]] of the [[United States Congress]] in 1960]]
Bhumibol was crowned King of Thailand on 5 May 1950 at the Royal Palace in Bangkok where he pledged that he would "reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people" ("เราจะครองแผ่นดินโดยธรรม เพื่อประโยชน์สุขแห่งมหาชนชาวสยาม").<ref name="oath">{{cite web |url=http://www.2bangkok.com/news05t.shtml |title=Royal Power Controversy |publisher=2Bangkok.com |accessdate=4 January 2007}}</ref>  Notable elements associated with the coronation included the [[Bahadrabith Throne]] beneath the Great White Umbrella of State; and he was presented with the royal regalia and utensils.<ref name="regalia_utensils">[http://www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com/royal-regalia_utensils.html  Royal Regalia and Royal Utensils of Siam] + images</ref>
 
In 1950 on Coronation Day, Bhumibol's consort was made Queen ([[Thai royal and noble titles#Somdej Phra Boromarajini|Somdej Phra Boromarajini]]). The date of his coronation is celebrated each 5 May in Thailand as [[Coronation Day]], a public holiday. On 9 June 2006, Bhumibol celebrated his 60th anniversary as the King of Thailand, becoming the longest reigning monarch in Thai history.
 
Following the death of his grandmother Queen [[Savang Vadhana]], Bhumibol entered a 15-day [[Bhikkhu|monkhood]] (22 October 1956{{spaced ndash}}5 November 1956) at [[Wat Bowonniwet]], as is customary for Buddhist males on the death of elder relatives.<ref name="monkhood">{{cite web |year=2006 |url=http://www.thailandtraveltours.com/thailand-thai-monarchy-thailandthaimonarchy.htm |title=Thailand Monarchy |publisher=Thailand Travel and Tours |accessdate=26 September 2007}}</ref> During this time, Sirikit was appointed his regent. She was later appointed Queen Regent ([[Thai royal and noble titles#Somdej Phra Boromarajininat|Somdej Phra Boromarajininat]]) in recognition of this.
 
Although Bhumibol is sometimes referred to as King Rama IX in English, Thais refer to him as '''Nai Luang''' or '''Phra Chao Yu Hua''' (ในหลวง or พระเจ้าอยู่หัว: both mean "the King" or "Lord Upon our Heads"). He is also called '''Chao Chiwit''' ("Lord of Life").<ref>Head, Jonathan. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7128935.stm Why Thailand's king is so revered], ''BBC News'', 5 December 2007. Accessed 11 May 2008.</ref>
Formally, he would be referred to as '''Phrabat Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua''' (พระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัว) or, in legal documents, '''Phrabat Somdej Phra Paraminthara Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej''' (พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช), and in English as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. He signs his name as ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช ป.ร. (Bhumibol Adulyadej Por Ror; this is the Thai equivalent of Bhumibol Adulyadej R[ex]).
 
==Role in Thai politics==
===Plaek Pibulsonggram era===
[[File:PPS.JPG|thumb|left|200px|Marshal and Mrs. Pibulsonggram with [[Eleanor Roosevelt]]]]
In the early years of his reign, during the government of military dictator [[Plaek Pibulsonggram]], Bhumibol had no real power and was little more than a ceremonial figure under the military-dominated government. In August 1957, 6 months after parliamentary elections, General [[Sarit Dhanarajata]] accused the government of Field Marshal [[Plaek Pibulsonggram|Pibulsonggram]] of [[Lèse majesté in Thailand|lèse majesté]] due to its conduct of the 2,500th anniversary celebration of [[Buddhism]].<ref name="Handley2006">{{cite book |author=Handley, Paul M. |title=The King Never Smiles |publisher=Yale University Press |year=2006 |pages=129–130, 136–137 |isbn=0-300-10682-3}}</ref><ref name="Thak1979" /> On 16 September 1957, Pibulsonggram went to Bhumibol to seek support for his government.<ref>{{cite book |author=Suwannathat-Pian, Kobkua |title=Thailand's Durable Premier |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1995 |page=30 |isbn=967-65-3053-0}}</ref>  Bhumibol told the Field Marshal to resign to avoid a coup; Pibulsonggram refused. That evening, Sarit Dhanarajata seized power, and two hours later Bhumibol imposed martial law throughout the Kingdom.<ref name="martialgaz">{{cite journal|date= 16 September 1957|title=The Proclamation Imposing Martial Law throughout the Kingdom|journal=The Government Gazette of Thailand|volume=74|issue=76}}</ref> Bhumibol issued a Proclamation appointing Sarit as "Military Defender of the Capital" without anyone countersigning this Proclamation. It included the following statements:<ref>{{cite journal|date= 16 September 1957|title=The Proclamation Appointing the Military Defender|journal=The Government Gazette of Thailand|volume=74|issue=76|url=http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2500/A/076/1.PDF}}</ref>
 
{{cquote|Whereas it appears that the public administration of the government under the premiership of Field Marshal P. Phibunsonggram is untrustworthy, and that it could not maintain the public order, the military, led by Field Marshal Sarit Dhanarajata, has successfully taken over the public administration and now acts as the Military Defender of the Capital. I, hereby, appoint Field Marshal Sarit Dhanarajata as the Military Defender of the Capital, and command that all the citizens shall remain calm while all the public servants shall serve the orders issued by Field Marshal Sarit Dhanarajat. This Proclamation shall come into force immediately. Done this 16th Day of September, Buddhist Era 2500 (1957).}}
 
===Sarit Dhanarajata era===
During Sarit's dictatorship, the monarchy was revitalised. Bhumibol attended public ceremonies, toured the provinces and patronised development projects. Under Sarit, the practice of crawling in front of royalty during audiences, banned by King [[Chulalongkorn]], was revived in certain situations and the royal-sponsored [[Thammayut Nikaya]] order was revitalised. For the first time since the absolute monarchy was overthrown, a king was conveyed up the [[Chao Phraya River]] in a [[Thailand's Royal Barge Procession|Royal Barge Procession]] to offer robes at temples.<ref>{{cite web |last=Evans |first=Dr. Grant |coauthors=citing Christine Gray |year=1998 |url=http://www.laosnet.org/fa-ngum/ewans.htm |title=The Politics of Ritual and Remembrance: Laos since 1975 |publisher=Laosnet.org |accessdate=5 July 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Evans, Dr. Grant |title=The Politics of Ritual and Remembrance: Laos since 1975 |publisher=University of Hawaii Press |year=1998 |pages=89–113 |isbn=0-8248-2054-1}}</ref>
 
Other disused ceremonies from the classical period of the [[Chakri dynasty]], such as the royally-patronised ploughing ceremony (Thai: พิธีพืชมงคล), were also revived.<ref>{{cite web |last=Klinkajorn |first=Karin |url=http://www.international.icomos.org/xian2005/papers/2-18.pdf |title=Creativity and Settings of Monuments and Sites in Thailand: Conflicts and Resolution |format=PDF|publisher=International Council on Monuments and Sites |accessdate=5 July 2006}}</ref>  Bhumibol's birthday (5 December) was declared the [[national day]], replacing the previous national day, the anniversary of the [[Siamese Revolution of 1932]] (24 June).<ref>[http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2503/D/043/1452.PDF ประกาศสำนักนายกรัฐมนตรี เรื่อง ให้ถือวันพระราชสมภพ เป็นวันเฉลิมฉลองของชาติไทย], ราชกิจจานุเบกษา เล่ม 77 ตอน 43 24 พฤษภาคม 2503 หน้า 1452</ref> Upon Sarit's death in 8 December 1963, an unprecedented 21 days of mourning were declared in the palace. A royal five-tier umbrella shaded his body while it lay in state. Long-time royal adviser Phraya Srivisarn Vacha later noted that no Prime Minister ever had such an intimate relationship with Bhumibol as Sarit.<ref>Thongthong Chandrangsu, A Constitutional Legal Aspect of the King's Prerogatives (M.A. thesis) Chulalongkorn University, 1986, page 160</ref>
 
Contemporary thinkers differ in their views about the relationship between Bhumibol and Sarit. Paul Handley, writer of ''[[The King Never Smiles]]'' views Sarit as Bhumibol's tool, whereas political scientist Thak Chaloemtiarana asserts that Sarit used Bhumibol in order to build his own credibility.<ref>ใจ อึ๊งภากรณ์, [http://www.prachatai.com/05web/th/home/page2.php?mod=mod_ptcms&ContentID=6366&SystemModuleKey=HilightNews&System_Session_Language=Thai บทความ รศ.ใจ อึ๊งภากรณ์ วิจารณ์ : The King Never Smiles], 14 ธันวาคม 2549</ref><ref>ทักษ์ เฉลิมเตียรณ, การเมืองระบบพ่อขุนอุปถัมภ์แบบเผด็จการ, สำนักพิมพ์มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์ 2525</ref>
 
===Thanom Kittikachorn era and short democratic phase===
{{BLP unsourced section|date=February 2012}}
Field Marshal [[Thanom Kittikachorn]] was appointed premier a day after Sarit's death in 1963. He continued most of Sarit's policies for a decade. In October 1973 after massive protests and the deaths of a large number of pro-democracy demonstrators, Bhumibol opened the gates of the [[Chitralada Palace]] to fleeing protesters, and held an audience with student leaders. Bhumibol subsequently appointed the [[Thammasat University]] Rector [[Sanya Dharmasakti]] as the new Prime Minister, replacing Thanom. Thanom subsequently moved to the United States and [[Singapore]]. A succession of civilian governments followed, but the return of Field Marshal Thanom and his ordination as a novice monk at [[Wat Bowonniwet]] in 1976 led to renewed conflict, culminating in the [[6 October 1976 Massacre]] at Thammasat University by royalist paramilitary forces.
 
===Prem Tinsulanond era===
The ensuing chaos was used as a pretext for a military coup. The junta submitted three names to the king to choose from to become the next Premier: Deputy President of the king's [[Privy Council]] [[Prakob Hutasingh]], right-wing Bangkok Governor [[Thamnoon Thien-ngern]], and conservative Supreme Court judge [[Tanin Kraivixien]].<ref name="nationgracious">{{cite web |date=2 February 2007 |url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/webblog/view_blog.php?uid=492&bid=1817%20His%20Gracious%20Majesty |title=His Gracious Majesty |publisher=The Nation |accessdate=25 September 2007}}</ref> Bhumibol chose Tanin as the most suitable. However, Tanin proved to be very right-wing himself, causing student protesters to flee to join the communists in the jungle. Tanin was himself overthrown in a military coup in October 1977 led by General [[Kriangsak Chomanan]]. Kriangsak was succeeded in 1980 by the popular Army Commander-in-Chief, General [[Prem Tinsulanond]], later the [[Privy Council (Thailand)|Privy Council]] President.
 
Bhumibol's refusal to endorse [[Manoonkrit Roopkachorn#Attempted coup of 1981|military coups in 1981 (the April Fool's Day coup)]] and [[Manoonkrit Roopkachorn#Attempted coup of 1985|1985 (the Share Rebellion)]] ultimately led to the victory of forces loyal to the government, despite some violence – including in 1981, the seizure of Bangkok by rebel forces. The coups led many to believe that Bhumibol had misjudged Thai society and that his credibility as an impartial mediator between various political and military factions had been compromised.<ref>Michael Schmicker, Asian Wall Street Journal,  23 December 1982</ref><ref>สุลักษณ์ ศิวรักษ์, "ลอกคราบสังคมไทย", กรุงเทพฯ: หนังสือไทย, 2528</ref><ref>Anonymous, "The Chakri Dynasty and Thai Politics, 1782–1982", cited in {{cite book |author=Handley, Paul M. |title=The King Never Smiles |publisher=Yale University Press |year=2006 |page=298 |isbn=0-300-10682-3}}</ref>
 
===Crisis of 1992===
[[File:Black May Thailand.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Royal intervention on the night of 20 May. Chamlong Srimuang (left) and Suchinda Kraprayoon (middle) submit to the King (seated).]]
{{Main|Black May (1992) }}
In 1992, Bhumibol played a key role in Thailand's transition to a democratic system. A coup on 23 February 1991 returned Thailand back under military dictatorship. After a general election in 1992, the majority parties invited General [[Suchinda Kraprayoon]], a leader of the coup group, to be the Prime Minister. This caused much dissent, which escalated into demonstrations that led to a large number of deaths when the military was brought in to control the protesters. The situation became increasingly critical as police and military forces clashed with the protesters. Violence and riot spread out in many areas of the capital with rumours of a rift among the armed forces.<ref name="bloodymay">{{cite web |year=2000|url=http://www.seameo.org/vl/92may/92may1.htm |title=Development Without Harmony |publisher=Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization |accessdate=26 September 2007}}</ref>
 
Amidst the fear of civil war, Bhumibol intervened. He summoned Suchinda and the leader of the pro-democracy movement, retired Major General [[Chamlong Srimuang]], to a televised audience, urged them to find a peaceful resolution. At the height of the crisis, the sight of both men appearing together on their knees (in accordance with royal protocol) made a strong impression on the nation, and led to Suchinda's resignation soon afterwards.
 
It was one of the few occasions in which Bhumibol directly and publicly intervened in a political conflict. A general election was held shortly afterward, leading to a civilian government.<ref name="srimuang">{{cite web |year=2000|url=http://www.rmaf.org.ph/Awardees/Biography/BiographySrimuangCha.htm |title=BIOGRAPHY of Chamlong Srimuang |work=The 1992 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service|publisher=Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation |accessdate=26 September 2007}}</ref>
 
[[File:Vladimir Putin in Thailand 21-22 October 2003-10.jpg|thumb|200px|With then [[President of Russia|President]] [[Vladimir Putin]] in Bangkok on 22 October 2003.]]
 
===2003 War on Drugs===
In his 4 December 2002 speech on the eve of his birthday, King Bhumibol spoke about the rise in drug use, the high social costs and deaths caused by drugs, and called for a "War on Drugs."<ref>The Royal Jubilee Network, [http://kanchanapisek.or.th/speeches/2002/1204.th.html พระราชดำรัส พระราชทานแก่คณะบุคคลต่างๆ ที่เข้าเฝ้าฯ ถวายชัยมงคล ในโอกาสวันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษา ณ ศาลาดุสิดาลัย สวนจิตรลดา พระราชวังดุสิตฯ วันพุธที่ ๔ ธันวาคม พ.ศ. ๒๕๔๕ (ฉบับไม่เป็นทางการ)]</ref>  Privy Councillor General Phichit Kunlawanit called on the Thaksin Shinawatra government to use its majority in parliament to establish a special court to deal with drug dealers, stating that “if we execute 60,000 the land will rise and our descendants will escape bad karma”.<ref>Michael K. Connors, [http://sovereignmyth.blogspot.com/2009/09/ambivalent-about-rights.html Ambivalent About Rights: “Accidental” Killing Machines, Democracy and Coups D’etat.], Draft paper presented to Human Rights in Asia Workshop, University of Melbourne, 1–2 October 2009.</ref>
 
On 14 January 2003, Thaksin launched a campaign to rid "every square inch of the country" of drugs.<ref>Anucha Yuwadee, Bangkok Post, 15 January 2003</ref> His War on Drugs campaign consisted of setting provincial arrest and seizure targets including "blacklists", awarding government officials for achieving targets and threatening punishment for those who failed to make the quota, targeting dealers, and "ruthless" implementation. In the first three months, Human Rights Watch reported that 2,275 people were killed, almost double the number normally killed in drug-related violence.<ref name="thaivisa">National News Bureau of Thailand, [http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/378944-academics-call-for-law-to-prosecute-thaksin-in-world-court/ Academics call for law to prosecute Thaksin in World Court], 28 June 2010</ref> Human rights critics claimed a large number were [[extrajudicial execution|extrajudicially executed]].<ref name=NYtimes2003april8>
[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9405E7DF1038F93BA35757C0A9659C8B63 "A Wave of Drug Killings Is Linked to Thai Police"] By Seth Mydans, 8 April 2003 ''New York Times'' [http://www.akha.org/content/drugwar/drugwarsethmydansnyt.html]</ref><ref name=amnesty>[[Amnesty International]] report: [http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/ASA39/008/2003 Thailand: Grave developments – Killings and other abuses]</ref>  The War on Drugs was widely criticized by the international community.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/search/page.arcview.php?clid=2&id=75010&date=4 March 2003 |publisher=The Nation |date=4 March 2003 |title=DRUG-RELATED KILLINGS: Verify the toll, say diplomats}}</ref>
 
According to the Narcotics Control Board, the campaign was effective in reducing drug consumption, especially in schools.<ref>[http://www.mapinc.org/newscsdp/v05/n471/a09.html Thailand: Public Senses War On Drugs Futile] 20 March 2005</ref>  The War on Drugs was one of the most popular policies of the Thaksin government. Bhumibol, in a 2003 birthday speech, praised Thaksin and criticized those who counted only dead drug dealers while ignoring deaths caused by drugs.<ref>{{cite web |title=พระราชดำรัส พระราชทานแก่คณะบุคคลต่างๆ ที่เข้าเฝ้าฯ ถวายชัยมงคล ในโอกาสวันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษา ณ ศาลาดุสิดาลัย สวนจิตรลดา พระราชวังดุสิตฯ วันพฤหัสบดีที่ ๔ ธันวาคม พ.ศ. ๒๕๔๖ (ฉบับไม่เป็นทางการ) |quote=ไอ้การชัยชนะของการปราบไอ้ยา​เสพติดนี่​ ​ดีที่ปราบ​ ​แล้ว​ก็ที่​เขา​ตำ​หนิบอกว่า​ ​เอ้ย​ ​คนตาย​ ​ตั้ง​ ๒,๕๐๐ ​คน​ ​อะ​ไรนั่น​ ​เรื่อง​เล็ก​ ๒,๕๐๐ ​คน​ ​ถ้า​นายกฯ​ ​ไม่​ได้​ทำ​ ​นายกฯ​ ​ไม่​ได้​ทำ​ ​ทุกปี​ ​ๆ​ ​จด​ไว้​นะ​ ​มีมากกว่า​ ๒,๕๐๐ ​คนที่ตาย​ ​ที่ตาย​ทั้ง​คนที่​เสพติด​ ​แล้ว​ก็ขึ้นไป​ ​ฆ่าคน​ ​หรือ​ทำ​อะ​ไร​ ​เผาอะ​ไรต่าง​ ​ๆ​ ​รวม​ทั้ง​เจ้าหน้าที่ที่​ต้อง​ไปปราบปกติ​ ​ก็ตายมากเหมือน​กัน​ ​แต่​ไม่​พูด​เท่า​นั้น​เอง​ ​ไม่​ไปนับ​ ​แต่นี้​เขา​ก็นับไปชี้​ ​ชี้​ ​ชี้นับ​ ​พวกที่ค้า​ ​พวกที่ทำ​ ​ก็ตายเยอะ​เหมือน​กัน​ ​ก่อนนี้​ ​แต่​ไม่​พูด​ถึง​ ​เชื่อว่าพอๆ​ ​กับ​ที่​ได้​จดว่า​ ​มี​ผู้​ที่ตาย​ใน​การสงครามต่อสู้ยา​เสพติด​ ​ที่ทราบว่าคนตาย​ ​เพราะ​ยา​เสพติดนี่​ ​มากมาย​ |publisher=The Golden Jubilee Network |year=2003 |url=http://kanchanapisek.or.th/speeches//1204.th.html}}</ref>
 
{{blockquote|"ไอ้การชัยชนะของการปราบไอ้ยา​เสพติดนี่​ ​ดีที่ปราบ​ ​แล้ว​ก็ที่​เขา​ตำ​หนิบอกว่า​ ​เอ้ย​ ​คนตาย​ ​ตั้ง​ ๒,๕๐๐ ​คน​ ​อะ​ไรนั่น​ ​เรื่อง​เล็ก​ ๒,๕๐๐ ​คน​ ​ถ้า​นายกฯ​ ​ไม่​ได้​ทำ​ ​นายกฯ​ ​ไม่​ได้​ทำ​ ​ทุกปี​ ​ๆ​ ​จด​ไว้​นะ​ ​มีมากกว่า​ ๒,๕๐๐ คนที่ตาย"
 
"Victory in the War on Drugs is good. They may blame the crackdown for more than 2,500 deaths, but this is a small price to pay. If the prime minister failed to curb [the drug trade], over the years the number of deaths would easily surpass this toll.<ref>Asia Sentinel [http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?Itemid=185&id=628&option=com_content&task=view The Long Wait for Justice in Thailand], 10 August 2007</ref> "}}
 
Bhumibol also asked the commander of the police to investigate the killings.<ref>{{th icon}} Royal Jubilee Network, [http://kanchanapisek.or.th/speeches/2003/1204.th.html 2003 Birthday Speech of King Bhumibol Adulyadej]</ref> Police Commander Sant Sarutanond reopened investigations into the deaths, and again claimed that few of the deaths were at the hands of the police.
 
After the 2006 coup, the military junta appointed a committee led by former Attorney General Kanit Na Nakorn to investigate deaths in the War on Drugs.<ref>[http://bangkokpost.net/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=120634 "Kanit to chair extrajudicial killings probe"] ''[[Bangkok Post]]'', 3 August 2007{{Dead link|date=July 2011}}</ref> The committee found no evidence linking Thaksin or members of his government to any extrajudicial killings. However, critics claimed that the true findings of the committee were suppressed.<ref name=economist24jan08>[http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10566797 "Thailand's drug wars. Back on the offensive"] 24 January 2008 ''[[The Economist]]''</ref>
 
While he was opposition leader, Abhisit Vejjajiva accused Thaksin of [[crimes against humanity]] for the War on Drugs. After he became Prime Minister, Abhisit opened an investigation led by former attorney-general Kampee Kaewcharoen, claiming that a successful probe could lead to prosecution by the [[International Criminal Court]].<ref name="thaivisa" /><ref>Thailand Times, [http://thailandtimes.asia/thailand-news/thaksins-drug-murders-investigated/ Thaksin’s ‘Drug Murders’ investigated], 10 June 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.personalthailand.com/threads/677-Extra-juridical-killing-cases-by-Thaksin-government-investigated-again-in-Thailand Extra-juridical killing cases by Thaksin government investigated again in Thailand]</ref>  As of the August 2011 parliamentary elections, Abhisit's investigation failed to find or publicize any evidence linking Thaksin or members of his Government to any extrajudicial killings.
 
===Crisis of 2005–2006 and the September 2006 coup===
{{Main|Thailand political crisis 2005-2006|Finland Plot|2006 Thailand coup d'état}}
 
====Background to the coup====
{{See also|Thailand political crisis 2005-2006}}
Weeks before the [[Thailand legislative election, April 2006|April 2006 legislative election]], the [[Democrat Party (Thailand)|Democrat Party]]-led opposition and the [[People's Alliance for Democracy]] petitioned Bhumibol to appoint a replacement prime minister and cabinet. Demands for royal intervention met with much criticism from the public. Bhumibol, in a speech on 26 April 2006, responded, "Asking for a Royally-appointed prime minister is undemocratic. It is, pardon me, a mess. It is irrational".<ref name="invalidate">{{cite web |url=http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/04/27/headlines/headlines_30002592.php
|title=HM the King's 26 April speeches |publisher=The Nation |accessdate=5 July 2006}}</ref>
 
After publicly claiming victory in the boycotted [[Thailand legislative election, April 2006|April parliamentary elections]], [[Thaksin Shinawatra]] had a private audience with the king. A few hours later, Thaksin appeared on national television to announce that he would be taking a break from politics.
 
In May 2006, the [[Sondhi Limthongkul]]-owned [[Manager Daily]] newspaper published a series of articles describing the "[[Finland Plot]]", alleging that Thaksin and former members of the [[Communist Party of Thailand]] planned to overthrow the king and seize control of the nation. No evidence was ever produced to verify the existence of such a plot, and Thaksin and his [[Thai Rak Thai]] party vehemently denied the accusations and sued the accusers.
 
In a rare, televised speech to senior judges, Bhumibol requested the judiciary to take action to resolve the political crisis.<ref name="invalidate"/>  On 8 May 2006, the [[Constitutional Court of Thailand|Constitutional Court]] invalidated the results of the April elections and ordered [[Thailand legislative election, October 2006|new elections scheduled for 15 October 2006]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/05/08/headlines/headlines_30003512.php |title=Constitution Court invalidate the April election and order new election |publisher=The Nation |accessdate=5 July 2006}}</ref>  The Criminal Court later jailed the Election Commissioners.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/25/headlines/headlines_30009521.php |title=EC Commissioners arrive at Bangkok Remand Prison |publisher=The Nation |accessdate=25 July 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://bangkokpost.net/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=111195 |title=EC Guilty in Historic Ruling |publisher=Bangkok Post |accessdate=25 July 2006}}</ref>
 
On 14 July 2006, [[Privy Council (Thailand)|Privy Council]] President [[Prem Tinsulanonda]] addressed graduating cadets of the [[Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy]], telling them that the Thai military must serve the King – not the Government.<ref name="chulacmilacademy">{{cite web |last=Tinsulanonda|first=General Prem |date=14 July 2006 |url=http://www.crma.ac.th/speech/speech.html |title=A special lecture to CRMA cadets |publisher=Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy |accessdate=25 September 2007}}</ref>
 
On 20 July, Bhumibol signed a royal decree endorsing new [[Thailand legislative election, October 2006|House elections for 15 October 2006]]. In an unprecedented act, the King wrote a note on the royal decree calling for a clean and fair election. That very day, Bhumibol underwent spinal surgery.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kosajan|first=Worranaree|date=22 July 2006 |url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/22/headlines/headlines_30009317.php |title=King urges fair poll |publisher=The Nation |accessdate=5 April 2007}}</ref>
 
====The coup====
{{See also|2006 Thailand coup}}
In the evening of 19 September, the Thai military overthrew the Thaksin government and seized control of Bangkok in a bloodless coup. The junta, led by the [[Sonthi Boonyaratglin]], Commander of the Army,  called itself the [[Council for Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy]], accused the deposed prime minister and his regime of many crimes, including lèse majesté, and pledged its loyalty to Bhumibol. Martial law was declared, the Constitution repealed and the October elections cancelled.  Protests and political meetings were banned.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,214498,00.html |title=Thai Military Launches Coup to Remove PM Thaksin |agency=Associated Press |publisher=Fox News |accessdate=19 September 2006 | date=19 September 2006}}</ref> On 20 September, Bhumibol endorsed the coup, and ordered civil servants to take orders from Sonthi.
 
The [[2006 Thailand coup d'état#Role and position of the King|King's role in the coup]] was the subject of much speculation among Thai analysts and the international media, although publication of such speculation was banned in Thailand. The King had an audience with [[Privy Council (Thailand)|Privy Council]] President [[Prem Tinsulanonda]] at the same time as the First Special Forces were ordered mobilised.<ref name="Timeline">{{cite web |date=20 September 2006 |url=http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/09/20/headlines/headlines_30014092.php |title=Coup as it unfolds |publisher=The Nation |accessdate=25 September 2007}}</ref> Anti-coup protesters claimed that Prem was a key mastermind of the coup, although the military claimed otherwise and banned any discussion of the topic. In a BBC interview, [[Thitinan Pongsudhirak]] of [[Chulalongkorn University]] noted, "This coup was nothing short of Thaksin versus the King... He is widely seen as having implicitly endorsed the coup." In the same interview, social critic [[Sulak Sivaraksa]] claimed, "Without his involvement, the coup would have been impossible." Sulak added that the King is "very skillful. He never becomes obviously involved. If this coup goes wrong, [[Sonthi Boonyaratglin|Sonthi]] will get the blame, but whatever happens, the King will only get praise."<ref name="kate">{{cite news |last=McGeown|first=Kate |date=21 September 2006 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5367936.stm |title=Thai king remains centre stage|publisher=BBC News |accessdate=25 September 2007}}</ref> On Saturday 23 September 2006, the junta warned they would "urgently retaliate against foreign reporters whose coverage has been deemed insulting to the monarchy."<ref name="abcnews1">{{cite web |date=23 September 2006 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200609/s1747249.htm |title=Thai junta vows action against foreign media|publisher=ABC News |accessdate=25 September 2007}}</ref> The President of Bhumibol's Privy Council, General Prem Tinsulanonda, supported the coup. The junta later appointed Privy Council member General [[Surayud Chulanont]] as Prime Minister.
 
On 20 April 2009, Thaksin claimed in an interview with the [[Financial Times]] that Bhumibol had been briefed by Privy Councillors Prem Tinsulanonda and Surayud Chulanont about their plans to stage the 2006 coup. He claimed that General [[Panlop Pinmanee]], a leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, had told him of the briefing.<ref>The Malaysian Insider, [http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/world/8266-feared-thai-ex-general-warns-of-bloodshed  Feared Thai ex-general warns of bloodshed], 1 September 2008</ref><ref>Financial Times, [http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e8bd988e-2d43-11de-8710-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1 Thaksin claims Thailand's king knew of coup plot], also available at [http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e8bd988e-2d43-11de-8710-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1 this] and [http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e8bd988e-2d43-11de-8710-00144feabdc0.html this] page, 20 April 2009</ref>  The Thai embassy in London denied Thaksin's claims.
 
====After the coup====
The junta appointed a [[Constitutional Court of Thailand|Constitutional Tribunal]] to rule on the alleged poll fraud cases concerning the [[Thai Rak Thai]] and [[Democrat Party (Thailand)|Democrat]] political parties. Guilty rulings would have dissolved both parties, Thailand's largest and oldest, respectively, and banned the parties' leadership from politics for five years. The weeks leading up to the verdicts saw rising political tensions. On 24 May 2007, about a week before the scheduled verdict, Bhumibol gave a rare speech to the Supreme Administrative Court (the President of which is also a member of the Constitutional Tribunal). "You have the responsibility to prevent the country from collapsing," he warned them in the speech, which was shown on all national television channels simultaneously during the evening. “The nation needs political parties.... In my mind, I have a judgment but I cannot say," he said. "Either way the ruling goes, it will be bad for the country, there will be mistakes."<ref name="chinapost1">{{cite web |last=Ahuja|first=Ambika |date=25 May 2007 |url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/international/110557.htm |title=Thai king urges firm, clear verdict in key case |work=China Post |location=Taiwan (ROC) |accessdate=25 September 2007}}</ref><ref name="gulftimes1">{{cite web |date=25 May 2007 |url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/international/110557.htm |title=Thai king against dissolving parties |publisher=Gulf Times |accessdate=25 September 2007}}</ref><ref name="bbcxyz">{{cite news |date=25 May 2007 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6690441.stm  |title=Thai king warns over court ruling |publisher=BBC News|accessdate=25 September 2007}}</ref> The Tribunal later acquitted the Democrat Party but dissolved the Thai Rak Thai party and banned 111 of its executives from politics for five years.
 
The junta-appointed Constitution Drafting Assembly later tried to use the King in a propaganda campaign to increase public support for its widely criticised [[2007 Constitution of Thailand|draft constitution]]. The CDA placed billboards saying, ''"Love the King. Care about the King. Vote in the referendum.'' throughout the [[Isaan|Northeast of Thailand]], where opposition to the junta was greatest.<ref name="reutersusb">{{cite news |last=Schuettler|first=Darren|date=13 August 2007 |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSBKK13776320070813?=undefined&sp=true |title=Academic accused of insulting Thai king in exam paper |publisher=Reuters News |accessdate=24 November 2007}}</ref>
 
====2008 crisis====
{{Main|2008–2010 Thai political crisis}}
The military's constitution passed the referendum, and [[Thai general election, 2007|general election]] was held in December 2007. The [[People's Power Party (Thailand)|People's Power Party]], consisting of many former [[Thai Rak Thai Party]] [[House of Representatives of Thailand|MP]]s and supporters, won the majority and formed a government.<ref>[http://www.ohmpps.go.th/ps_uploads/File/Surayud.pdf สำนักราชเลขาธิการ]</ref>  The [[People's Alliance for Democracy]] (PAD) refused to accept the election results and started protests, eventually [[Siege of Suvarnabhumi Airport|laying siege]] to [[Government House of Thailand|Government House]], [[Don Muang Airport]], and [[Suvarnabhumi Airport]]. Although the PAD claimed they were defending the monarchy, Bhumibol remained silent. However, after a PAD supporter died in a clash with police, Queen Sirikit presided over her cremation. Princess [[Sirindhorn]], when asked at a US press conference whether the PAD was acting on behalf of the monarchy, replied, "I don't think so. They do things for themselves."<ref>''The Economist'', [http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12437715 Fuelling the pyre], 16 October 2008</ref> Questioning and criticism over Bhumibol's role in the crisis increased, particularly from the international press.<ref>ABC News, [http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/11/28/2432369.htm Thai power base useless in bridging social divide], 28 November 2008</ref><ref>IHT, [http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/28/asia/thai.php Thai protesters gird for a crackdown], 28 November 2008</ref><ref>Reuters, [http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssFinancialServicesAndRealEstateNews/idUSBKK2536420081127?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0 Q+A-Thailand's intractable political crisis], 27 November 2008</ref><ref>Asia Times, [http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/JK25Ae01.html More turmoil in beleaguered Bangkok], 25 November 2008</ref><ref>Reuters, [http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssFinancialServicesAndRealEstateNews/idUSBKK8934620081129 Welcome to Bangkok airport – no passport needed], 29 November 2008</ref><ref>The Australian, [http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24731325-25837,00.html Embarrassed citizens plan retaliation], 1 December 2008</ref><ref>MSNBC, [http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/11/26/1689630.aspx THAILAND'S POLITICAL MAZE – A BEGINNERS GUIDE], 26 November 2008</ref> “It is more and more difficult for them to hold the illusion that the monarchy is universally adored,” says a Thai academic.<ref>The Economist, [http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12724800 A right royal mess], 4 December 2008</ref>
 
In April 2008, Bhumibol appointed alleged coup plotter General Surayud Chulanont to Privy Council of Thailand.  In the weeks leading up to [[Thai general election, 2011|2011 general election]], Bhumibol appointed [[Air Chief Marshal]] [[Chalit Pukbhasuk]], a leader of the 2006 military coup, to his [[Privy Council of Thailand|Privy Council]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Former Air Force chief Chalit appointed privy councillor |url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/Former-Air-Force-chief-Chalit-appointed-privy-coun-30155735.html |newspaper=The Nation (Thailand) |date=19 May 2011 }}</ref>
 
Bhumibol was admitted to [[Siriraj Hospital]] in September 2009 for [[flu]] and [[pneumonia]].<ref>{{Cite document | place = UK | publisher = Female First | url = http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/royal_family/King+Bhumibol-53750.html | title = King Bhumibol to remain in hospital | date = 12 August 2010 | postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}.</ref>  Rumors about his ill-health caused Thai financial markets to tumble in October 2009.<ref>{{Cite document | url = http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE59F1XF20091016 | title = Why the Thai king's health can panic markets | first = Andrew | last = Marshall | publisher = Reuters | date = Fri 16 Oct 2009 7:29&nbsp;am EDT | postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}.</ref>
 
==Royal powers==
===Constitutional powers===
:''For a historical perspective on how Bhumibol's constitutional powers have changed over time, see the [[Constitutions of Thailand]] article''
Bhumibol retains enormous powers, partly because of his immense popularity and partly because his powers – although clearly defined in the Thai constitution – are often subject to conflicting interpretations. This was highlighted by the controversy surrounding the appointment of [[Jaruvan Maintaka]] as Auditor-General. Jaruvavn had been appointed by The State Audit Commission. However, the Constitutional Court ruled in July 2004 that her appointment was unconstitutional. Jaruvan refused to vacate her office without an explicit order from Bhumibol, on the grounds that she had previously been royally approved. When the Senate elected a replacement for Jaruvan, Bhumibol refused to approve him.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 September 2005 |url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/polcrisis/p25.php |title='My govt serves His Majesty' |publisher=The Nation |accessdate=14 August 2006}}</ref> The Senate declined to vote to override Bhumibol's veto.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 October 2005 |url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/polcrisis/p53.php |title=Senate steers clear of motion on Jaruvan |publisher=The Nation |accessdate=14 August 2006}}</ref> Finally in February 2006 the Audit Commission reinstated Jaruvan when it became clear from a memo from the Office of the King's Principal Private Secretary that King Bhumibol supported her appointment.<!--Senator [[Kaewsan Atibhodi]], a former member of the 1997 Constitution Drafting Committee, noted that under Article Seven of the 1997 Constitution said that: "whenever no provision under this Constitution is applicable to any case, it shall be decided in accordance with the constitutional practice in the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of the State”. Kaewsan interpreted this as giving Bhumibol veto powers over the Senate's appointment of a replacement to Jaruvan: "Whenever [the King] considers [something as being] not beneficial to the people and being unjust, His Majesty has a veto power".<ref>{{cite web |date=7 September 2005 |url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/polcrisis/p20.php |title=Thammasat Debate: Royal powers forum packed |publisher=The Nation |accessdate=5 July 2006}}</ref>-->
 
Bhumibol has vetoed legislation very rarely. In 1976, when the Parliament voted 149–19 to extend democratic elections down to district levels, Bhumibol refused to sign the law.<ref>{{cite book |author=Handley, Paul M. |title=The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej |publisher=Yale University Press |year=2006 |page=233 |isbn=0-300-10682-3}}</ref>  The Parliament refused to vote to overturn the King's veto. In 1954, Bhumibol vetoed parliamentary-approved land reform legislation twice before consenting to sign it.<ref>{{cite book |author=Handley, Paul M. |title=The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej |publisher=Yale University Press |year=2006 |page=126 |isbn=0-300-10682-3}}</ref>  The law limited the maximum land an individual could hold to 50 [[Rai (area)|rai]] ({{convert|80000|m2|sqft}}), at a time when the Crown Property Bureau was the Kingdom's largest land-owner. The law was not enforced as General Sarit soon overthrew the elected government in a coup and repealed the law.
 
Bhumibol has the constitutional prerogative to pardon criminals, although there are several criteria for receiving a pardon, including age and remaining sentence. The 2006 pardoning of several convicted [[paedophiles]], including an Australian rapist and [[child pornography|child pornographer]], caused controversy.<ref>{{cite web |year=2006 |url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30007691 |title=Aussie pedophile free on royal pardon |publisher=The Nation |accessdate=5 July 2006 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060707203217/http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30007691 |archivedate = 7 July 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=McDonald |first=Phillipa |date=30 June 2006 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200606/s1675208.htm |title=Campaigners condemn paedophile's release |publisher=ABC News Online |accessdate=5 July 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bathersby |first=Damien |date=2 July 2006 |url=http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3690777&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=  |title=Royal pardon for child predator |publisher=Sunshine Coast Daily |accessdate=5 July 2006}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> However under the Thailand Constitution, the King has the prerogative to grant a pardon and all laws, Royal Prescripts and Royal Commands relating to State affairs must be countersigned by a Minister unless otherwise provided in this Constitution. The pardon list is created and proposed by the government official, which was under the [[Thaksin Shinawatra|Shinawatra's 2006]] [[Thai government|government]].
 
===Network monarchy and extraconstitutional powers===
[[File:King bhumibol monument.jpg|thumb|right|City decoration in observance of King Bhumibol's birthday in [[Phitsanulok]], Thailand]]
Several academics outside of Thailand, including [[Duncan McCargo]] and [[Federico Ferrara]] have noted the active political involvement of Bhumibol through a "network monarchy," whose most significant proxy is Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanond. McCargo claimed that Bhumibol's deeply conservative network worked behind the scenes to establish political influence in the 1990s, but was deeply threatened by the landslide election victories of Thaksin Shinawatra in 2001 and 2005.<ref>Duncan McCargo, Network monarchy and legitimacy crises in Thailand, The Pacific Review, Volume 18, Issue 4 December 2005</ref> Ferrara claimed, shortly before the Thai Supreme Court delivered its verdict to seize Thaksin Shinawatra's assets, that the judiciary was a well-established part of Bhumibol's network and represented his main avenue to exercise extra-constitutional prerogatives despite having the appearance of being constitutional. He also noted how, in comparison to the Constitutional Court's 2001 acquittal of Thaksin, the judiciary was a much more important part of the "network" than it was in the past.<ref>Federico Ferrara, Thailand Unhinged: unraveling the myth of a Thai-style democracy, Equinox Publishing 2010</ref>
 
The network's ability to exercise power is based partly on Bhumibol's popularity and strict control of Bhumibol's popular image. Bhumibol's popularity was demonstrated following the [[2003 Phnom Penh riots]] in Cambodia, when hundreds of Thai protesters, enraged by rumors that Cambodian rioters had stomped on photographs of Bhumibol, gathered outside the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok. Photographs of the stomping were not published in Thailand, but were available on the internet. The situation was resolved peacefully only when Police General Sant Sarutanonda told the crowd that he had received a call from royal secretary Arsa Sarasin conveying Bhumibol's request for calm. The crowd dispersed.<ref>{{cite web |year=2003 |url=http://www.2bangkok.com/burning.shtml |title=The Burning of the Thai Embassy in Cambodia |publisher=The Nation, 2Bangkok.com |accessdate=5 July 2006}}</ref>
 
==Royal projects==
<!-- This section is linked from '''Bhumibol Adulyadej''' -->
 
===History===
[[File:Bhumibol dam.jpg|thumb|Bhumibol Dam]]
 
{{quote|The development of the country must be fostered in stages. It must start with the construction of infrastructure, that is, the provision of food and basic necessities for the people by methods which are economic, cautious and conforming with principles. Once the foundation is firmly established, progress can be continually, carefully and economically promoted. This approach will prevent incurring mistakes and failures, and lead to the certain and complete achievement of the objectives.|Bhumibol's speech at [[Kasetsart University]] Commencement Ceremony on 19 July 1974.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nesdb.go.th/Md/book/booksuffwork_eng.pdf |title=Sufficiency Economy :implications and applications |publisher=NESDB |accessdate=6 May 2010}}</ref>}}
 
Bhumibol has been involved in many social and economic development projects. The nature of his involvement has varied by political regime.<ref>{{cite web |last=Chitbundid |first=Chanida |year=2003 |url=http://socio.tu.ac.th/For%20Web%20(soc-anth) /2546_ANTH.htm |title=The Royally-initiated Projects: The Making of Royal Hegemony (B.E. 2494–2546) |publisher=Thammasat University |accessdate=6 July 2006}}</ref>
 
The government of [[Plaek Pibulsonggram]] (1951–1957) limited Bhumibol to a ceremonial role. During that period Bhumibol produced some films and operated a radio station from Chitlada Palace using his own personal funds.
 
In the military governments of [[Sarit Dhanarajata]] and his successors (1958–1980), Bhumibol was re-portrayed as the "Development King" and the inspiration of the economic and political goals of the regime. Royally-ordered projects were implemented under the financial and political support of the government, including projects in rural areas and communities under the influence of the [[Communist Party of Thailand]]. Bhumibol's visits to these projects were heavily promoted by the Sarit government and broadcast on the state-controlled media.
 
During the governments of General [[Prem Tinsulanond]] (1981–1987), the relationship between the Thai state and the monarch was at its closest. Prem, later to become President of Bhumibol's [[Privy Council (Thailand)|Privy Council]], officially allocated government budgets and manpower to support royal projects. Most activities in this period involved the development of large scale irrigation projects in rural areas.
 
During the modern period (post-1988), the structured development of the Royal Projects reached its apex. Bhumibol's [[Chaipattana Foundation]] was established, promoting his [[Localism in Thailand|"sufficiency economy"]] theory, an alternative to the export-oriented policies adopted by the period's elected governments. Following the 2006 coup, establishment of a "sufficiency economy" was enshrined in the constitution as being a primary goal of the government, and government financial support for royal projects boomed.
 
===Example projects===
*[[Rama VIII Bridge]].  Suggested by Bhumibol, funded by the government
*[[Huai Ongkod]] land reform project, [[Kanchanaburi]] province.  Suggested by Bhumibol, using government-owned land.
*Royal Medical Team.  Bhumibol's private physicians accompanying him on village tours were encouraged to provide medical care for local residents. In addition, the Royal Household sends letters of support to physicians who volunteer to serve in hospitals in provinces where royal palaces are situated.<ref name="royaldev">{{cite web|url=http://www.rdpb.go.th/rdpb/EN/BRANDSITE/theproject_rdp07_5.aspx|title=The Projects|publisher=Office of the Royal Development Projects Board|accessdate=26 July 2009 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071103191658/http://www.rdpb.go.th/rdpb/EN/BRANDSITE/theproject_rdp07_5.aspx |archivedate = 3 November 2007}}</ref>
 
==Awards==
[[File:Eisenhower Bhumibol.jpg|thumb|right|300px|King Bhumibol Adulyadej, President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], [[Sirikit|Queen Sirikit]] and [[Mamie Eisenhower]] at the White House in June 1960.]]
 
Bhumibol has received numerous royal and state orders as befitting of his stature. <!--
* {{Flagicon|Cambodia}} Grand Cross of the [[Royal Order of Cambodia]], 1954
* {{Flagicon|Argentina}} Collar of the [[Order of the Liberator San Martin]]
* {{Flagicon|United States}} Chief Commander of [[Legion of Merit]], 1960,<ref>{{cite web |year=1960|url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=11854&st=&st1= Citation Accompanying Legion of Merit, Degree of Chief Commander, Presented to the King of Thailand |title=Dwight D. Eisenhower |work=The American Presidency Project |publisher=University of California – Santa Barbara |accessdate=4 March 2008}}</ref>
* {{Flagicon image|Flag of EIIR.svg}} Recipient of the [[Royal Victorian Chain]], 1960
* {{Flagicon|Portugal}} Grand Collar of the Military [[Order of the Tower and Sword]], 1960
* {{Flagicon|Denmark}} Knight with Collar of the [[Order of the Elephant]], 1960
* {{Flagicon|Norway}} Grand Cross with Collar of The Royal Norwegian [[Order of St. Olav]], 1960
* {{Flagicon|Sweden}} Knight of the [[Order of the Seraphim]], 1960
* {{Flagicon|Italy}} Grand Cross of the [[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic]], 1960
* {{Flagicon|Vatican City}} Knight of the Collar of the [[Order of Pius IX]], 1960
* {{Flagicon|Belgium}} Grand Cross of the [[Order of Leopold (Belgium)|Order of Leopold]], 1960
* {{Flagicon|France}} Grand Cross of the [[Légion d'honneur]], 1960
* {{Flagicon|Luxembourg}} Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau]], 1960
* {{Flagicon|Netherlands}} Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Netherlands Lion]], 1960
* {{Flagicon|Indonesia}} The [[Order of the Star of the Republic of Indonesia]], 1961
* {{Flagicon|Malaysia}} Collar of the [[Order of the Crown of Malaysia|Order of the Crown of the Realm]], 1963
* {{Flagicon|Japan}} Collar of the [[Order of the Chrysanthemum]], 1963
* {{Flagicon|Taiwan}} Grand Cordon of the [[List of orders, decorations and medals of the Republic of China|Order of Brilliant Jade]], 1963
* {{Flagicon|Greece}} Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Redeemer]], 1963
* {{Flagicon|Laos|1952}} Grand Cordon of the [[Order of a Million Elephants and White Parasol]], 1963
* {{Flagicon|Iran|1964}} Collar of the [[Order of Pahlevi]], 1968
* {{Flagicon|Ethiopia}} Knight and Collar of the [[Order of the Queen of Sheba]], 1968
* {{Flagicon|Philippines}} Grand Collar of the [[Order of Sikatuna]], 1968
* {{Flagicon|Germany}} Grand Cross of the [[Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany]], 1984
* {{Flagicon|Nepal}} The [[Order of Nepal]] Pratap Bhaskara sash, 1986
* {{Flagicon|Spain}} Grand Cross Collar of the [[Order of Charles III]], 1987
* {{Flagicon|Brunei}} Royal Family [[Order of the Crown of Brunei]], 1990
* {{Flagicon|Spain}} Knight and Collar of the [[Order of the Golden Fleece]], 2006
 
===Others===
--> In addition, the king was awarded the William J. Donovan Medal, Award of Friendship OSS, New York, U.S.A.presented by the Office of Strategic Services (soon to be CIA) on 29 October 1987.<ref>{{cite web |year=2011 |url=http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/king/awarda_presented.html |title= Thaiways magazine: Awards presented to the king |accessdate=3 June 2011}}</ref>
 
Bhumibol, who serves as head of [[The National Scout Organization of Thailand]], was presented the [[Bronze Wolf]] award on 20 June 2006, the highest award of the [[World Organization of the Scout Movement]], for his support and development of [[Scouting]] in Thailand by [[Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden|Carl XVI Gustaf]], King of Sweden and Honorary President of the World Scout Foundation.  The presentation took place at [[Chitralada Palace]] in Thailand and was witnessed by Chairman of the [[World Scout Committee]] [[Herman Hui]].
 
In May 2006, UN Secretary-General, [[Kofi Annan]], presented the United Nations' first and only Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award to Bhumibol.<ref>{{cite web |year=2006 |url=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=18625&Cr=Thai&Cr1= |title=With new Human Development award, Annan hails Thai King as example for the world |publisher=UN News Center |accessdate=5 July 2006}}</ref>
 
Bhumibol set a world record for receiving the greatest number of honorary university degrees (136) in 1997.<ref>{{cite book |author=Handley, Paul M. |title=The King Never Smiles |publisher=Yale University Press |year=2006 |page=417 |isbn=0-300-10682-3}}</ref>  Most of his degrees came from [[List of universities in Thailand|Thai universities]]: for instance, [[Kasetsart University]] awarded him ten honorary doctoral degrees at once.
 
==60th Anniversary celebrations==
{{Main|60th Anniversary Celebrations of Bhumibol Adulyadej's Accession}}
Also called the Diamond Jubilee, the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty the King's Accession to the Throne were a series of events marking Bhumibol's reign. Events included the [[Thailand's Royal Barge Procession|royal barge procession]] on the Chao Phraya River, fireworks displays, art exhibitions, pardoning 25,000 prisoners,<ref>{{cite news |last=Pinyorat |first=Rungrawee C. |year=2006 |url=http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2006/06/09/millions_of_thai_honor_king |title=Millions of Thai honor king |publisher=Boston.com News, Associated Press |accessdate=5 July 2006 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071013150334/http://boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2006/06/09/millions_of_thai_honor_king |archivedate = 13 October 2007}}</ref> concerts and dance performances.
 
Tied in with the anniversary, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan presented Bhumibol with the [[United Nations Development Programme]]'s first Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award on 26 May 2006. National holidays were on 9 June and 12–13 June 2006. On 9 June, the King and Queen appeared on the balcony of Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall before hundreds of thousands of people. The official royal barge procession on 12 June was attended by the King and Queen and royal visitors from 26 other countries. On 13 June, a state banquet for the royal visitors was held in the newly constructed Rama IX Throne Hall at the Grand Palace, the first official function for the hall.  The Chiang Mai Royal Flora Expo was also held to honour the anniversary.
 
On 16 January 2007, the CDRM officially declared the end of the 60th anniversary celebrations and commenced year-long celebrations of Bhumibol's 80th birthday.<ref name="hmanniv">{{cite web |date=16 February 2007 |url=http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/02/16/headlines/headlines_30027071.php |title=Govt launches commemorative events for HM the King's 80th birthday |publisher=The Nation |accessdate=25 September 2007}}</ref>
 
==Private life==
{{Chakri Kings}}
Bhumibol is a painter, musician, photographer, author and translator. His book ''Phra Mahachanok'' is based on a traditional ''[[Jataka]]'' story of [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] scripture. ''The Story of Thong Daeng'' is the story of his dog [[Thong Daeng]].<ref>HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. ''The Story of Tongdaeng''. Amarin, Bangkok. 2004. ISBN 974-272-917-4</ref>
 
In his youth, Bhumibol was greatly interested in firearms. He kept a carbine, a Sten gun, and two automatic pistols in his bedroom, and he and his elder brother, King [[Ananda Mahidol]], often used the gardens of the palace for target practice.<ref name="KNS">{{cite book |author=Handley, Paul M. |title=The King Never Smiles |publisher=Yale University Press |year=2006 |page=70 |isbn=0-300-10682-3}}</ref>
 
There are two English language books that provide extensive detail – albeit not always verifiable – about Bhumibol's life, especially his early years and then throughout his entire reign. One is ''The Revolutionary King'' by William Stevenson, the other is ''The King Never Smiles'' by Paul M. Handley. A third and earlier work, ''The Devil's Discus'', is also available in Thai and English. All three books are banned in Thailand.
 
Bhumibol's creativity in, among other things, music, art, and invention, was the focus of a 2 minute long documentary created by the government of Abhibisit Vejjajiva that was screened at all branches of the Major Cineplex Group and SF Cinema City, the two largest cinema chains in Thailand.<ref>MCOT, [http://www.mcot.net/content/19232 Commerce Ministry launches film to honour creative King Bhumibol], 10 February 2010</ref>
 
===Health===
Bhumibol suffers from [[lumbar spinal stenosis]], a narrowing of the canal that contains the spinal cord and nerve roots, which results in back and leg pain and numbness in the legs.  He received a microsurgical decompression in July 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bangkokpost.net/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=109508_19114638.html |title=Doctors to Permfom Surgery on Thai king, 78 |publisher=Bangkok Post |accessdate=20 July 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30008905 |title=Doctors to perform surgery to cure lumbar spine stenosis for His Majesty |work=Breaking News |publisher=The Nation |accessdate=20 July 2006}} {{Dead link|date=November 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
 
Bhumibol was taken to Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital on 13 October 2007, complaining he felt weak down his right side; doctors later found out through scans that he had a blood shortage to his brain.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7043205.stm |title=Thailand's king taken to hospital |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=24 November 2007 | date=13 October 2007}}</ref> He was discharged on 7 November 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=1204 |title=Homeward-bound King Bhumibol, in pink, snaps pics of happy, weeping subjects |publisher=MCOT English News, Thai News Agency |accessdate=24 November 2007}}</ref>
 
On 19 September 2009, he was once again admitted to Siriraj Hospital, apparently with the flu and pneumonia. US diplomatic cables from 2009, published by [[Wikileaks]] in 2011, reported that the king is suffering from [[Parkinson's disease]] and depression.<ref>[http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/wikileaks-cables-reveal-scandal-and-disease-in-thai-royal-family/story-e6frg6so-1226080868978 WikiLeaks cables reveal scandal and disease in Thai royal family] The Australian, 24 June 2011</ref> His youngest daughter [[Chulabhorn Walailak|HRH Princess Chulabhorn Walailak]] confirmed in an April 2011 television interview that the king remains in the hospital.<ref>[http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011/04/08/national/His-majesty-the-king-still-works-tirelessly-in-hos-30152799.html His majesty the king 'still works tirelessly' in hospital] The Nation, 8 April 2011</ref>
 
On 17 November 2011, Bhumibol was diagnosed with [[diverticulitis]] while being confined in Siriraj Hospital. He is also forced to remain in [[fast]] until the disease is cured, the Bureau of the Royal Household announced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manager.co.th/Home/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9540000147777 |title=Household Bureau: The King incurs diverticulitis |publisher=Manager Online |accessdate=20 November 2011}}</ref> He received further treatment for the condition in January 2012.
 
===Music===
Bhumibol is an accomplished jazz [[royal musicians|musician]] and composer, particularly for his works on the alto saxophone. He was the first Asian composer awarded honorary membership of the Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts in Vienna at the age of 32.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tang |first=Alisa
|date=13 June 2006 |url=http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2006/06/13/thailands_monarch_is_ruler_jazz_musician/?rss_id=Boston.com+%2F+News|title=Thailand's monarch is ruler, jazz musician |publisher=Boston.com News, Associated Press |accessdate=28 February 2007}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> He used to play jazz music on air on the Or Sor radio station. In his travels, he has played with such jazz legends as [[Benny Goodman]], [[Jack Teagarden]], [[Lionel Hampton]], [[Maynard Ferguson]], and [[Preservation Hall Jazz Band]]. His songs can often be heard at social gatherings and concerts. In 2003, the [[University of North Texas College of Music]] awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Music. The king's abilities as a jazz musician were mentioned by Aunt Jenny ([[Imogene Coca]]) in an episode of ''[[The Brady Bunch]]'' titled "Jan's Aunt Jenny", which originally aired on 21 January 1972.<ref>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0531102/</ref>
 
===Sailing===
Bhumibol is an accomplished sailor and sailboat designer.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 February 2006 |url=http://www.bangkokpost.net/60yrsthrone/art/index.html |title=The Heart for Art |publisher=Bangkok Post |accessdate=20 July 2006}}</ref>  He won a gold medal for sailing in the Fourth [[1967 Southeast Asian Peninsular Games|Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games]] in 1967, together with HRH Princess [[Ubol Ratana]] whom he tied for points.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cummins |first=Peter |month=December |year=2004 |url=http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/111/special.shtml |title=His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great: Monarch of Peace and Unity |publisher=Chiang Mai Mail |accessdate=20 July 2006}}</ref>  This accomplishment is all the more remarkable given Bhumibol's lack of binocular [[depth perception]]. Bhumibol has also sailed the [[Gulf of Thailand]] from [[Hua Hin]] to Toey Harbour in [[Sattahip]], covering {{convert|60|nmi|km}} in a 14-hour journey on the "Vega 1," an OK Class dinghy he built.<ref name="KNS" />
 
Like his father, a former military naval engineer, Bhumibol was an avid boat designer and builder. He produced several small sail-boat designs in the International [[Enterprise (dinghy)|Enterprise]], OK, and [[Moth (dinghy)|Moth]] Classes. His designs in the Moth class include the “Mod,” “Super Mod,” and “Micro Mod.”<ref name="MODS">{{cite web|url=http://www.thai2arab.com/eng/content.php?page=sub&category=4&subcategory=43&id=31 |title=H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej |accessdate=4 March 2008 |publisher=Minsitry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
 
===Patents===
Bhumibol is the only Thai monarch to hold a patent.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 June 2006 |url=http://bangkokker.blogspot.com/|title=Long Live The King! |publisher=Bangkokker |accessdate=17 August 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=9 June 2006 |url=http://sunsite.au.ac.th/thailand/special_event/king9/english/his.html|title=H.M. Biography |publisher=Assumption University |accessdate=17 August 2006}}</ref> He obtained one in 1993 for a waste water aerator named "[[Chai Pattana]]", and several patents on rainmaking since 1955: the "sandwich" rainmaking patent in 1999 and lately the "supersandwich" patent in 2003.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 March 2003 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2940430.stm |title=Thai king's patent to make rain |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=14 August 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=17 June 2006 |url=http://60thcelebrations.com/english/news_detail.php?id=155|title=Weather Modification by Royal Rainmaking Technology |publisher=60th Celebrations |accessdate=14 August 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=9 June 2006 |url=http://www.out-law.com/page-6996|title=Thai King gets rainmaking patent |publisher=60th Celebrations |accessdate=14 August 2006}}</ref>
 
==Wealth==
Estimates of the [[Asian economic crisis|post-devaluation]] (circa 1997–1998) wealth of the royal household range from 10 billion to 20 billion USD.<ref>{{cite news |last=Horn |first=Robert |date= 6 December 1999 |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1206/thai3.moneyman.html |title=The Banker Who Saved A King |publisher=Time Asia |accessdate=5 July 2006}}</ref>
In August 2008, [[Forbes]] came out with its 2008 version of ''[[List of the wealthiest royals|The World's Richest Royals]]''. King Bhumibol took first place on the list with an estimated wealth of $35 billion.<ref>{{cite news |last=Horn |first=Robert |date= 20 August 2008 |url=http://www.forbes.com/2008/08/20/worlds-richest-royals-biz-richroyals08-cz_ts_0820royalintro.html|title=Forbes The world's richest royals|work=Forbes|accessdate=21 August 2008}}</ref> A few days later the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand issued a statement that the Forbes report erred in attributing wealth owned by the [[Crown Property Bureau]] (CPB) solely to Bhumibol.<ref name="around">{{cite web|url=http://www.manager.co.th/Around/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000099637|title=Forbes Says Bhumipol Richest Person In World|date=23 August 2008|publisher=ASTV|language=Thai|accessdate=2 May 2020}}</ref> In the 2009 version of its list, Forbes acknowledged the government's objections, but justified the continued inclusion of the CPB's assets on the ground that Bhumibol was its trustee.<ref name=forbes09/> The 2009 estimate was down to $30 billion due to declines in real estate and stocks.<ref name=forbes09/>
 
The wealth and properties of Bhumibol and the royal family are managed by the Crown Property Bureau and the Privy Purse. The CPB was established by law but is managed independently of the Thai Government and reports only to Bhumibol.<ref name="KNS" /><ref name="FORBES">{{cite news |first=Devon |last=Pendelton |coauthors=Tatiana Serafin |title=The World's Richest Royals |date=30 August 2007 |url=http://www.forbes.com/2007/08/30/worlds-richest-royals-biz-royals07-cx_lk_0830royalintro.html |work=Forbes |accessdate=4 March 2008 }}</ref>
 
Through the CPB, Bhumibol and the royal family own land and equity in many companies and massive amounts of land, including 3,493 acres in Bangkok.<ref>AFP, "King Bhumibol as world's wealthiest royal", 22 August 2008</ref> The CPB is the majority shareholder of [[Siam Cement]] (the largest Thai industrial conglomerate), [[Christiani & Nielsen]] (one of the largest Thai construction firms), [[Deves Insurance]] (which holds a monopoly on government property insurance and contract insurance), [[Siam Commercial Bank]] (one of the largest Thai banks), and [[Shin Corporation]] (a major Thai telecommunications firm, through the CPB's holdings in Siam Commercial Bank). The CPB also rents or leases about 36,000 properties to third parties, including the sites of the [[Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok]], the [[Suan Lum Night Bazaar]], [[Siam Paragon]] and the [[Central World Plaza|Central World Tower]]. The CPB spearheaded a plan to turn Bangkok’s historical [[Rajadamnoen]] Avenue into a shopping street known as the “[[Champs-Élysées]] of Asia” and in 2007, shocked longtime residents of traditional marketplace districts by serving them with eviction notices.<ref name="sentinel">{{cite web |date=1 March 2007 |url=http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=402&Itemid=32 |title=Thailand's Royal Wealth: How Thailand's Royals Manage to Own All the Good Stuff |publisher=Asia Sentinel |accessdate=25 September 2007}}</ref> Bhumibol's substantial income from the CPB, estimated to be at least five billion [[baht]] in 2004 alone, is exempt from taxes.<ref name="sentinel"/><ref name="crownact">{{cite web |year=2007 |url=http://www.crownproperty.or.th/history.php |work=Section 8|title=Royal Assets Structuring Act of 1936 |publisher=The Crown Property Bureau |language=Thai |accessdate=25 September 2007 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070809204241/http://www.crownproperty.or.th/history.php |archivedate = 9 August 2007}} (พระราชบัญญัติ จัดระเบียบทรัพย์สิน ฝ่ายพระมหากษัตริย์)</ref> The CPB receives many state privileges. Although the Ministry of Finance technically runs the CPB, decisions are made solely by Bhumibol. The CPB's annual report is for the eye of Bhumibol alone; the annual report is not released to the public.<ref name="sentinel"/>
 
In addition, Bhumibol has numerous personal investments independent of the CPB. He is personally the majority shareholder of the Thai Insurance Company and Sammakorn, as well as many other companies.<ref>See Stock Exchange of Thailand Report 56-1 for [http://www.set.or.th/dat/finreport/form56/0019F56300320060533533564T.zip TIC] and [http://www.set.or.th/dat/finreport/form56/0349F56310320060432572107T.zip SAMCO]</ref> He currently holds 30% in [[Siam Cement]],<ref>{{Cite document | title = Shareholder services| url = http://www.siamcement.com/th/04investor_governance/04_shareholder_services.php| publisher = The Siam Cement Group| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/1312942296795210| archivedate = 10 August 2011 | unused_data = <!--DashBotWC--> | postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}.</ref> and 20% in the [[Siam Commercial Bank]].<ref>{{Cite document | url = http://www.set.or.th/set/companyholder.do?symbol=SCB&language=th&country=TH| title = ตลาดหลักทรัพย์แห่งประเทศไทย : ข้อมูลรายบริษัท/หลักทรัพย์| trans_title = Company holder| publisher = SET| language = Thai| place = TH| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/1312942326931947| archivedate = 10 August 2011 | unused_data = <!--DashBotWC--> | postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}.</ref>
 
The CPB has a fleet of three aircraft for the use of the royal family, including a [[Boeing 737-800]] and an [[Airbus A319]]. The newer Airbus had been purchased by the Thaksin Shinawatra government for government use, but after the 2006 coup, the junta offered it to the king. The other planes are used by members of the royal family.<ref name="afone">{{cite web |date=21 April 2007 |url=http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/04/21/national/national_30032343.php |title=King's new aircraft arrives, with 'Air Force One' in reserve |publisher=The Nation |accessdate=25 September 2007}}</ref><!-- link did not work on 30 December 2007 -->
 
Among other vehicles, Bhumibol owns two custom-built stretch limousines from [[LCW Automotive Corp]].<ref>Business Wire, [http://finance.yahoo.com/news/A-Limousine-Built-for-a-bw-14750657.html?.v=1 A Limousine Built for a King], 26 April 2009</ref> The [[Golden Jubilee Diamond]], the largest faceted diamond in the world, was given to him by businessman Henry Ho.
 
==Lèse majesté==
{{main|Lèse majesté in Thailand}}
Although Bhumibol is held in great respect by many Thais{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}}, he is also protected by ''[[lèse majesté]]'' laws which allow critics to be jailed for three to fifteen years.<ref name="reuters1">{{cite news |last=Champion |first=Paul |date=25 September 2007 |url=http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=67215&videoChannel=1 |title=Professor in lese majeste row|publisher=Reuters |accessdate=26 September 2007}}</ref> The laws were toughened during the dictatorship of royalist Premier [[Tanin Kraivixien]], such that criticism of any member of the royal family, the royal development projects, the royal institution, the Chakri Dynasty, or any previous Thai King was also banned.
 
During his 2005 birthday speech, Bhumibol invited criticism: "Actually, I must also be criticised. I am not afraid if the criticism concerns what I do wrong, because then I know. Because if you say the king cannot be criticised, it means that the king is not human", he claimed. "If the king can do no wrong, it is akin to looking down upon him because the king is not being treated as a human being. But the king can do wrong."<ref name="wrong">{{cite web |date=5 December 2005 |url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2005/12/05/headlines/data/headlines_19334288.html|title=Royal Birthday Address: 'King Can Do Wrong'|publisher=National Media|accessdate=26 September 2007}}</ref> A widespread barrage of criticisms resulted, followed by a sharp rise in lese majeste prosecutions. Lese majeste cases rose from five or six a year pre-2005 to 478 in 2010.<ref>FT, [http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f3ad24f4-b305-11e0-86b8-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1h67G3sai High time to concede the Thai king can do wrong], 20 July 2011</ref>
 
==Biographies==
American journalist Paul Handley, who spent thirteen years in Thailand, wrote the biography ''[[The King Never Smiles]]''. The [[Thailand Ministry of Information and Communication Technology|Information and Communications Ministry]] banned the book and blocked the book's page on the Yale University Press website in January 2006. In a statement dated 19 January 2006, Thai National Police Chief General [[Kowit Wattana]] said the book has "contents which could affect national security and the good morality of the people."<ref>{{cite web |last=Warrick-Alexander |first=James|date=6 February 2006 |url=http://www.yaledailynews.com/article.asp?AID=31649 |title=Thailand Bars  Univ. Website |publisher=Yale Daily News |accessdate=5 July 2006 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071013142909/http://yaledailynews.com/article.asp?AID=31649 |archivedate = 13 October 2007}}</ref> The book provides a detailed discussion of Bhumibol's role in Thai political history and also analyzes the factors behind Bhumibol's popularity.
 
[[William Stevenson (Canadian writer)|William Stevenson]], who had access to the Royal Court and the Royal Family, wrote the biography ''The Revolutionary King'' in 2001.<ref>{{cite book |author=Stevenson, William |title=The Revolutionary King |publisher=Constable and Robinson |year=2001 |isbn=1-84119-451-4}}</ref> An article in ''Time'' says the idea for the book was suggested by Bhumibol.<ref name="Time magazine">{{cite news |last=McCarthy |first=Terry |date=6 December 1999 |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1206/thai1.king.html |title=The King and Ire |publisher=Time Asia |accessdate=5 July 2006}}</ref> Critics noted that the book displays intimate knowledge about personal aspects of Bhumibol. However, the book has been unofficially banned in Thailand and the Bureau of the Royal Household warned the Thai media about even referring to it in print. An official ban was not possible as it was written with Bhumibol's blessing. The book has been criticised for factual inaccuracies, disrespecting Bhumibol (it refers to him by his personal nickname "Lek"), and proposing a controversial theory explaining the death of King Ananda. Stevenson said, "The king said from the beginning the book would be dangerous for him and for me."<ref name="Time magazine" />
 
==Succession to the throne==
[[File:Royal Flag of King Rama IX.svg|thumb|200px|right|The King's [[Royal Cypher|royal cypher]] and [[Royal Flags of Thailand|personal flag]].]]
Bhumibol's only son, Prince [[Vajiralongkorn]], was given the title "Somdej Phra Boroma Orasadhiraj Chao Fah Maha Vajiralongkorn Sayam Makutrajakuman" (Crown Prince of Siam) on 28 December 1972 and made heir apparent (องค์รัชทายาท) to the throne in accordance with the [[Palace Law on Succession of 1924]].<ref>[http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2515/A/200/1.PDF The Royal Gazette, 28 December 1972]</ref>
 
On 5 December 1977, Princess Sirindhorn was given the title "Siam Boromrajakumari" (Princess Royal of Siam). Her title is often translated by the English-language press as "Crown Princess", although her official English-language title is simply "Princess".<ref>{{cite web |year=2004 |url=http://kanchanapisek.or.th/biography/sirindhorn/index.en.html |title=Biography of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn |publisher=The Golden Jubilee Network |accessdate=5 July 2006}}</ref>
 
Although the [[Constitution of Thailand|constitution]] was later amended to allow the [[Privy Council (Thailand)|Privy Council]] to appoint a princess as successor to the throne, this would only occur in the absence of an heir apparent. This amendment is retained in Section 23 of the [[Constitution of Thailand|1997 "People's Constitution."]] This effectively allowed Princess [[Sirindhorn]] to potentially be second in line to the throne, but did not affect Prince [[Vajiralongkorn]]'s status as heir apparent.
 
Recent constitutions of Thailand have made the amendment of the [[1924 Palace Law of Succession|Palace Law of Succession]] the sole prerogative of the reigning king. According to Gothom Aryan, former election commissioner, this allows the reigning king, if he so chooses, to appoint his son or any of his daughters to the throne.<ref>{{cite web |last=Aryan |first=Gothan |date=16 September 2004 |url=http://www.idea.int/news/upload/Nepal%20-%20Thai%20monarchy%20paper%20-%20Gothom%20Aryan.pdf |title=Thai Monarchy |format=PDF |publisher=International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance |accessdate=5 July 2006}} presented in Kathmandu, Nepal</ref>
 
==Titles and styles==
{{Infobox Monarch styles
|royal name  = King Bhumibol Adulyadej <br> Rama IX of Thailand
|image  = [[File:King's Standard of Thailand.svg|70px]]
|dipstyle  = His Majesty
|offstyle  = Your Majesty
|altstyle  = ''Sir''}}
 
King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Thai full title is '''"Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Bhumibol Adulyadej Mahitalathibet Ramathibodi Chakkrinaruebodin Sayamminthrathirat Borommanatbophit"''' ({{lang-th|พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช มหิตลาธิเบศรรามาธิบดี จักรีนฤบดินทร สยามินทราธิราช บรมนาถบพิตร}}; {{Audio|Th-King Bhumibol's ceremonial name.ogg|listen}}), which is referred to in the chief legal documents; and in general documents, the title is shorthened to ''"Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Bhumibol Adulyadej Sayamminthrathirat Borommanatbophit"'' or just ''"Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Bhumibol Adulyadej."''
 
The literal translation of the title is as follows:<ref>[http://kanchanapisek.or.th/biography/hmk.en.html Kanchanapisek.or.th] {{en icon}}</ref>
* ''Phra''—a [[pronoun|third person pronoun]] referring to the person with much higher status than the speaker, meaning "excellent" in general. The word is from [[Sanskrit language|Sanskrit]] ''vara'' ("excellent").
* ''Bat''—"foot," from [[Sanskrit language|Sanskrit]] ''pāda.''
* ''Somdet''—"lord," from [[Khmer language|Khmer]] "samdech" ("excellency").
* ''Poraminthara''—"the great," from Sanskrit ''parama'' ("great") + ''[[indra]]'' ("leader")
* ''Maha''—"great," from Sanskrit, "maha"
* ''Bhumibol''—"Strength of the Land," from Sanskrit ''bhumi'' ("land") +''bala'' ("strength")
* ''Adulyadej''—"Incomparable power," from Sanskrit ''atulya'' ("incomparable") +''teja'' ("power")
* ''Mahitalathibet''—"Son of [[Mahidol Adulyadej|Mahidol]]"
* ''Ramathibodi''—"[[Rama]], the [[Avatar]] of God [[Vishnu]] to become the great ruler"; from Sanskrit ''rama'' + ''adhi'' ("great") + ''patī'' ("president")
* ''Chakkrinaruebodin''—"Leader of the People who is from the [[House of Chakri]]", from Sanskrit ''Cakrī'' + ''nari'' ("men") + ''patī'' ("president")
* ''Sayamminthrathirat''—"the Great King of Siam," from Sanskrit ''[[Siam]]'' (former name of Thailand) + ''indra'' + ''ati'' ("great") + ''rāja'' ("king)
* ''Borommanatbophit''— "the Royalty who is the Great Shelter", from Sanskrit ''parama'' ("great") + ''nādha'' ("the one who others can depend on" or "Power/Right") + "pavitra" ("royalty")
 
==Ancestors==
{{ahnentafel top|width=100%}}
<center>{{ahnentafel-compact5
|style=font-size: 90%; line-height: 110%;
|border=1
|boxstyle=padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0;
|boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc;
|boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9;
|boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc;
|boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc;
|boxstyle_5=background-color: #9fe;
|1= 1. '''Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)'''
|2= 2. [[Mahidol Adulyadej]]
|3= 3. [[Srinagarindra]]
|4= 4. [[Chulalongkorn|Chulalongkorn (Rama V)]]
|5= 5. [[Savang Vadhana]]
|6= 6. Chu Chukramol
|7= 7. Kham Chukramol
|8= 8. [[Mongkut|Mongkut (Rama IV)]] (=10.)
|9= 9. [[Debsirindra]]
|10= 10. [[Mongkut|Mongkut (Rama IV)]] (=8.)
|11= 11. [[Piam|Piam Sucharitakul]]
|12= 12. Chum Chukramol
|13= 13.
|14= 14.
|15= 15. Bha
|16= 16. [[Buddha Loetla Nabhalai|Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II)]] (=20.)
|17= 17. [[Sri Suriyendra]] (=21.)
|18= 18. Prince Sririwongse, the Prince Matayapitaksa
|19= 19. Noi Bhamornmontri
|20= 20. [[Buddha Loetla Nabhalai|Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II)]] (=16.)
|21= 21. [[Sri Suriyendra]] (=17.)
|22= 22. Lord Asasamdaeng (Tang Sucharitakul)
|23= 23. Dame Sucharitthamrong (Nag Sucharitakul)
|24= 24.
|25= 25.
|26=
|27=
|28=
|29=
|30=
|31=
}}</center>
{{ahnentafel bottom}}
 
==See also==
{{Portal|Biography}}
*[[Monarchy of Thailand]]
*[[Golden Jubilee Diamond]], the largest faceted diamond in the world, was presented to Bhumibol Adulyadej on the 50th anniversary of his coronation.
*[[Constitutions of Thailand]], describing the evolution of Bhumibol's constitutional rights and responsibilities.
*[[History of Thailand (1932-1973)]]
*[[History of Thailand since 1973]]
*[[Public holidays in Thailand|Public Holidays in Thailand]]
*[[Thai royal and noble titles]]
*[[List of longest reigning monarchs of all time]]
*[[Royal Flags of Thailand]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}
 
==Literature==
* HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. ''The Story of Tongdaeng''. Amarin Book, Bangkok. 2004. ISBN 974-272-917-4
* HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. ''The Story of Mahajanaka''. Amarin Book, Bangkok. 1997. ISBN 974-8364-71-2
* HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. ''The Story of Mahajanaka: Cartoon Edition''. Amarin Book, Bangkok. 1999. ISBN 974-272-074-6
* HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. ''His Majesty the King's Photographs in the Development of the Country''. Photographic Society of Thailand & Thai E, Bangkok. 1992. ISBN 974-88805-0-8
* HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. ''Paintings by his Majesty the King: Special exhibition for the Rattanakosin Bicentennial Celebration at the National Gallery, Chao Fa Road, Bangkok, 1 April – 30 June 1982''. National Gallery, Bangkok. 1982. {{ASIN|B0007CCDMO}}
* HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, Chaturong Pramkaew (Ed.). ''My Country Thailand...land of Everlasting Smile''. Amarin Book, Bangkok. 1995. ISBN 974-8363-53-8
 
==External links==
{{Commons category|Rama IX}}
{{Wikisource|Announcement of the Prime Minister dated 9 June 1946|Announcement on Enthronement of Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej}}
* [http://www.navy.mi.th/sctr/royal_barge_60/eng/ The Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne] – official website for the Diamond Jubilee
* [http://www.bangkokpost.com/king2000/ A Visionary Monarch] – provides a lot of insights on his visions and contributions to the country.
* [http://kanchanapisek.or.th/royal-music/index.en.html Songs composed by Bhumibol]
* [http://kanchanapisek.or.th/index.en.html The Golden Jubilee Network] – has many subjects on Bhumibol, including his projects, speeches, and his royal new year card.
* [http://www.supremeartist.org Supreme Artist] – see works of art created by Bhumibol.
* [http://www.thailink.com/king.htm The King's Birthplace]
* [http://www.thaimain.com/eng/monarchy/ Thai monarchy]
* [http://www.bangkokpost.net/king/home.htm Thailand’s Guiding Light]
* [http://www.worldfreeinternet.net/news/nws62.htm Thailand: How a 700-Year-Old System of Government Functions] – article by David Lamb (LA Times staff writer) on Bhumibol
* [http://www.worldpress.org/Asia/2514.cfm "'The King Never Smiles': L'etat, c'est moi", Sreeram Chaulia, ''worldpress.org'', 4 October 2006]
* Far Eastern Economic Review, “The King’s Conglomerate”, June 1988.  Contains an interview with Chirayu Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Crown Property Bureau
* [http://chiangmaibest.com/king-of-thailand/ King of Thailand]
 
{{S-start}}
{{S-hou|[[Chakri Dynasty|House of Chakri]]|5 December|1927|Living}}
{{S-reg}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Ananda Mahidol]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Chakri Dynasty|King of Thailand]]|years=1946–present}}
{{S-inc|heir=[[Maha Vajiralongkorn]]}}
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{{Monarchs of Thailand}}
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[[Category:Recipients of the Order of the Crown of the Realm]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Order of Pahlevi]]
[[Category:Commanders Crosses of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany]]
[[Category:Knights of the Order of the Royal House of Chakri]]
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[[Category:Recipients of the Olympic Order]]
[[Category:Reigning monarchs]]
[[Category:People from Cambridge, Massachusetts]]
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[[ar:بوميبول أدولياديج]]
[[be:Пхуміпон Адульядэт]]
[[bg:Пхумипхон Адунядет]]
[[br:Rama IX]]
[[ca:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[cs:Pchúmipchon Adundét]]
[[cy:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[da:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[de:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[et:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[el:Μπουμιμπόλ Αντουλγιαντέι]]
[[es:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[eo:Phumiphon Adunjadet]]
[[eu:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[fr:Rama IX]]
[[fr:Rama IX]]
[[gl:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[fr:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[ko:라마 9세]]
[[hi:भूमिबोल अतुल्यतेज]]
[[hr:Rama IX., tajlandski kralj]]
[[id:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[it:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[he:ראמה התשיעי, מלך תאילנד]]
[[jv:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[la:Bhumibol Adulyadej (rex Siamensis)]]
[[lv:Pūmipons Adunjadēts]]
[[lt:Rama IX]]
[[mr:नववा राम, थायलंड]]
[[ms:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[my:ဘူမိဘော အဒူလျာဒက်]]
[[nl:Rama IX]]
[[ja:ラーマ9世]]
[[no:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[nn:Bhumibol Adulyadej av Thailand]]
[[pms:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[pl:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[pt:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[ro:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[ru:Пхумипон Адульядет]]
[[simple:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[sk:Pchúmipchón Adundét]]
[[sr:Рама IX]]
[[sh:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[fi:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[sv:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[tl:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[th:พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช]]
[[tr:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[uk:Пхуміпон Адульядет]]
[[vi:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[wuu:拉玛九世]]
[[yo:Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
[[zh-yue:蒲眉王]]
[[zh:普密蓬·阿杜德]]

Revision as of 19:02, 7 May 2012

Bhumibol Adulyadej
King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2010
King of Thailand
Reign 9 June 1946 – present
Signature
Religion Theravada Buddhism

Bhumibol Adulyadej (RTGS: Phumiphon Adunyadet; Template:Lang-th, Template:IPA-th; see full title below; born 5 December 1927) is the current Monarch of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX. Having reigned since 9 June 1946, he is the world's longest-serving current head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history.[1]

Scouting

Bhumibol, who serves as head of The National Scout Organization of Thailand, was presented the Bronze Wolf award on 20 June 2006, the highest award of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, for his support and development of Scouting in Thailand by Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden and Honorary President of the World Scout Foundation. The presentation took place at Chitralada Palace in Thailand and was witnessed by Chairman of the World Scout Committee Herman Hui.

References

  1. "A Royal Occasion speeches". Journal. Worldhop. 1996. Archived from the original on 12 May 2006. http://web.archive.org/web/20060512194220/http://www.worldhop.com/Journals/J5/ROYAL.HTM. Retrieved 5 July 2006.