Long Live the King

The rest of the world could probably learn a lot from the Thai monarchy. In few other places are the King and his family so respected that it is actually forbidden to criticize them. Imagine if in England people could not vent their frustrations or make satire of the royal family, or if in America it was outlawed for people to criticize George Bush. The Thai King is respected the world other and he plays no small part in holding the country together through both times of prosperity and times of disparity.

The Current King

Serving longer than any other monarch in Thai history, as well as any current head of state in the world, Bhumibol Adulyadej (also referred to as Rama IX), has been the King of Thailand since June 9 1946. If you thought it was cool that Bill Clinton played the saxophone at the Arsenio Hall show, you haven’t seen anything yet.

Not only is the current king an accomplished jazz musician, but he is also a painter, photographer, author, and a sailor and nautical vessel designer. The King is so into music that jazz festivals are held throughout Thailand in honor of his birthday. He possesses a gold medal in sailing, has published a book about his dog and has met the other king, Elvis Presley. He is a well-rounded leader, who has clearly embraced his position and zest for life. Nobody could have predicted that he would have risen to attain the authority and respect that he has. On December 5 the King will reach the grand age of 79 and a year long celebration leading up to his 80th birthday will begin.

His Majesty the King of Thailand has even gone so far as to share his financial success and knowledge with the people of Thailand. This is seen through his many personal projects, including several development ventures in rural parts of the country. He has done wonders for the rural classes.

Thai Devotion to Their King

The King is extremely well received by the public. Thai people show their support of the king in many different ways. Every December, the king holds a birthday speech in Samam Luang Park which attracts thousands of citizens. When Bhumibol celebrated his 60th year, a million people headed to the Marble Palace to hear his address to the nation.

The color of the day the King was born is yellow, and as a result every Monday Thai citizens wear yellow shirts in his honor. This is upheld by most people and it can be quite amazing to see so many people wearing the same colored T-Shirt. Love for the King is not a chore. At the beginning of every movie in every cinema a song plays and patrons pay their respects to the King by standing. At 8am and 6pm every day the national anthem is played and people stop in their tracks while they listen to it. Rather than being forced to do so, the overall feeling is that it is something people actively want to do. They are happy to pay their respects to this great man.

The King and Politics

Since his early years as king, he has seen a coup and martial law in 1957; the overthrowing of the absolute monarchy for the first time in history; massive protests; a bloody massacre in the 1970s; as well as the recent military coup of September 2006. The King’s first political intervention came close to 20 years after taking head of the throne. In 1973, the country witnessed intense protests which led to the deaths of many student members associated with pro-democracy groups. The King opened the gates of Chitralada Palace and allowed the flow of dialogue between various leaders.

His Personal Life

In 1948, a car accident left the King in hospital and resulted in the unfortunate loss of his right eye. While recuperating, he was visited by the daughter of the Thai ambassador to France. Her name was Sirikit and this lady would soon become his wife in 1950, just a week shy of his coronation. Queen, Sirikit is known across the country for her charitable nature and is respected on a Friday by people wearing the color blue. All over the land, numerous aspects of Thai culture are named after her, including the Queen Sirikit Park in Bangkok. From their union, The King and Queen have produced four children who are adored by the general public.

Did You Know?

Although he is the King of Thailand, he was actually born in Cambridge, Massachusetts and received most of his education in Switzerland. He also possesses the largest faceted diamond in the world (the Golden Jubilee), which was presented to him on his 50th year on the throne. It now serves as one of the decorations on his scepter. In 1997, the King also set the world-record for receiving the most honorary university degrees: an incredible 136. He is a truly remarkable character.

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