he King's Birthday
During this month of December, on the 5th to be exact, Thailand's revered Monarch, His Majesty King Bhumibol, will celebrate his 76th Birthday. It will be a day of national celebration, rejoicing, prayers and thanksgiving for such is the high esteem the Thai people hold for their King. And who is this man -- His Majesty King Bhumibol, Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty of Thailand?
As a European (and honored to write this tribute), I first saw King Bhumibol just 5 years ago. Not in person, of course, but his likeness. It was on Thai bank notes which I had purchased in my home country prior to making my first visit to Thailand. Since then I've spent a lot of time in this country learning something of it, its people and its ruling King.
King Bhumibol was born on 5 December 1927 in Massachusetts, U.S.A. At that time his father and mother, Prince and Princess Mahidol of Songkhla (who was to become the Princess Mother), were both taking medical related degrees at Harvard University and Summons College respectively. As it happened, the young Prince Bhumibol was not born for Kingship -- he was the youngest of his parents' three children so, as "baby of the family" his elder brother and sister as well as mother and father welcomed him. At this time it was elder brother, Prince Ananda, who was destined to carry the heavy mantle of Kingship.
Sadly, young Prince Bhumibol's father, Prince Mahidol, prematurely passed away. That left his mother, Princess Mahidol of Songkhla to raise the young family. She transferred her family to Switzerland where they lived while the children furthered their education.
And thus it happened, in 1935, the young Prince's elder brother became H.M. King Ananda, Rama VIII, of Thailand. This was after the abdication of his uncle, King Prajadhipok. In some ways the situation was comparable to the succession to the British Crown of King George VI after the abdication of Edward VIII. So, when Prince Bhumibol was approximately 8 years old his elder brother ascended the Thai Throne while the younger Prince continued his upbringing in Switzerland. By this time, Prince Bhumibol was already multilingual and was showing great aptitude for, and displaying, other talents such as the enjoyment of music, nature and the environment and was a budding photographer -- now a lifetime's passion!
The Prince, fast growing up, became fascinated by "what makes things work" and was studying engineering at a Swiss University when in 1946, an event happened which changed the course of the Prince's life and that of his nation, Thailand. His elder brother, King Ananda, died in tragic circumstances and the Royal Robes of Kingship fell to the young, inexperienced shoulders of Prince Bhumibol. The Prince was 18 years of age when he became His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, of the King of Thailand.
It was important, and eminently sensible, that the new King finished his formal education and so his Coronation was delayed some four years to allow this to happen. An engineering degree was superceded by a political sciences major and, in other areas too, the new King had been busy. One year prior to his Coronation, King Bhumibol had become engaged to Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kittiyakara daughter of a Thai diplomat and herself of Royal Blood. On the 28th April 1950 the Royal Couple married and, one week later on the 5th May, King Bhumibol was crowned Monarch of the Kingdom of Thailand with full pomp and ceremony.
Now, some 53 years after his coronation, H.M. King Bhumibol, Rama IX of Thailand is the longest serving Monarch in the world. And, it can be suggested, probably the Monarch most respected by his subjects.
King Bhumibol has carried the mantle of Kingship humanity. He is a Monarch not only of the Thai people but for the Thai people. He knows their needs and wants -- and has the perception to understand that they are not always the same. As a Constitutional Monarch King Bhumibol has only three "rights": the right to encourage, the right to warn, and the right to be consulted. Within these parameters H.M. The King has led, helped and guided his people of Thailand -- be they military generals, governing politicians or rural farmers -- to a better understanding of each other and to a more wholesome future for all. Of course, there have been upsets and blights, both political and natural, but thanks to the King's gentle--handed diplomacy, or firm warning when needed and, especially, his love of his people and nation, good order and sustainable growth are the hallmarks of Thailand today.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, is well regarded by his subjects as "The Light of Thailand." That as a young Prince not expecting ever to be monarch, the King has displayed a most remarkable wisdom and talent for this most onerous of "jobs." May he reign long and may we, at the Hua Hin Tourist Information wish him a
Wonderful, Healthy and Happy Birthday on the 5th December.
Also see the Chakri Dynasty Kingdom of Thailand
As a European (and honored to write this tribute), I first saw King Bhumibol just 5 years ago. Not in person, of course, but his likeness. It was on Thai bank notes which I had purchased in my home country prior to making my first visit to Thailand. Since then I've spent a lot of time in this country learning something of it, its people and its ruling King.
King Bhumibol was born on 5 December 1927 in Massachusetts, U.S.A. At that time his father and mother, Prince and Princess Mahidol of Songkhla (who was to become the Princess Mother), were both taking medical related degrees at Harvard University and Summons College respectively. As it happened, the young Prince Bhumibol was not born for Kingship -- he was the youngest of his parents' three children so, as "baby of the family" his elder brother and sister as well as mother and father welcomed him. At this time it was elder brother, Prince Ananda, who was destined to carry the heavy mantle of Kingship.
Sadly, young Prince Bhumibol's father, Prince Mahidol, prematurely passed away. That left his mother, Princess Mahidol of Songkhla to raise the young family. She transferred her family to Switzerland where they lived while the children furthered their education.
And thus it happened, in 1935, the young Prince's elder brother became H.M. King Ananda, Rama VIII, of Thailand. This was after the abdication of his uncle, King Prajadhipok. In some ways the situation was comparable to the succession to the British Crown of King George VI after the abdication of Edward VIII. So, when Prince Bhumibol was approximately 8 years old his elder brother ascended the Thai Throne while the younger Prince continued his upbringing in Switzerland. By this time, Prince Bhumibol was already multilingual and was showing great aptitude for, and displaying, other talents such as the enjoyment of music, nature and the environment and was a budding photographer -- now a lifetime's passion!
The Prince, fast growing up, became fascinated by "what makes things work" and was studying engineering at a Swiss University when in 1946, an event happened which changed the course of the Prince's life and that of his nation, Thailand. His elder brother, King Ananda, died in tragic circumstances and the Royal Robes of Kingship fell to the young, inexperienced shoulders of Prince Bhumibol. The Prince was 18 years of age when he became His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, of the King of Thailand.
It was important, and eminently sensible, that the new King finished his formal education and so his Coronation was delayed some four years to allow this to happen. An engineering degree was superceded by a political sciences major and, in other areas too, the new King had been busy. One year prior to his Coronation, King Bhumibol had become engaged to Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kittiyakara daughter of a Thai diplomat and herself of Royal Blood. On the 28th April 1950 the Royal Couple married and, one week later on the 5th May, King Bhumibol was crowned Monarch of the Kingdom of Thailand with full pomp and ceremony.
Now, some 53 years after his coronation, H.M. King Bhumibol, Rama IX of Thailand is the longest serving Monarch in the world. And, it can be suggested, probably the Monarch most respected by his subjects.
King Bhumibol has carried the mantle of Kingship humanity. He is a Monarch not only of the Thai people but for the Thai people. He knows their needs and wants -- and has the perception to understand that they are not always the same. As a Constitutional Monarch King Bhumibol has only three "rights": the right to encourage, the right to warn, and the right to be consulted. Within these parameters H.M. The King has led, helped and guided his people of Thailand -- be they military generals, governing politicians or rural farmers -- to a better understanding of each other and to a more wholesome future for all. Of course, there have been upsets and blights, both political and natural, but thanks to the King's gentle--handed diplomacy, or firm warning when needed and, especially, his love of his people and nation, good order and sustainable growth are the hallmarks of Thailand today.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, is well regarded by his subjects as "The Light of Thailand." That as a young Prince not expecting ever to be monarch, the King has displayed a most remarkable wisdom and talent for this most onerous of "jobs." May he reign long and may we, at the Hua Hin Tourist Information wish him a
Wonderful, Healthy and Happy Birthday on the 5th December.
Also see the Chakri Dynasty Kingdom of Thailand
| King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America, on 5 December 1927, youngest son of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Mahidol of Songkla and the Princess Sri Nagarindra, the Princess Mother (formerly Miss Sangwal Talapat), and is the direct grandson of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and Queen Savang. His Majesty the King had one older sister, Her Royal Highness Princess Galayani Vadhana of Naradhivas, and one older brother, His Majesty King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII). His Majesty became King of the Kingdom on Thailand on 9 June 1946. The Coronation Ceremony came later on 5 May 1950. His Majesty continued his education in Switzerland, and returned to Thailand in 1951. While in Switzerland, he met the aristocratic Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara, who has since become HM Queen Sirikit. During that time, Siam had become Thailand, and was still unstable since the change from Absolute Monarchy to Constitutional Monarchy in 1932. The people of Thailand was still in need of a King who can guide the country into prosperity. The Thai Kingship was, and still is, seen as a strong pillar for the Thai people to hold on to, while there is still uncertainty in the political arena, even to this day. More than 60 years on, many can still remember His Majesty's Oath of Succession to the Throne : | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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"We will reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people."
And what the King has said, he has done, and continues to do.
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| His Majesty the King has been the guiding light during his more than 60 years as King of Thailand, making him currently the longest reigning monarch in the world. He has seen 26 Prime Ministers come and go, and is currently with the 27th Prime Minister of Thailand. These two dozens or so prime ministers represented different political parties, different thinking, different view points, so it can be said that His Majesty has seen them all, as he went through so many changes, disruptions, political turmoils and more. As a constitutional monarch, he is above politics. His main focus has thus been trying to better the livelihood of the Thai people, especially in the rural area, and far-reaching corners of the kingdom. He has also played the perfect diplomat between two warring sides of the different governments and political opponents during the many political upheavals in the recent Thai history. With all the political turmoils, the King has stood by the Thai people, and act as a strong pillar of righteousness and guiding light for the people to hold on to. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Constitutional Monarchy A constitutional monarch is above politics. He lives under the law of the kingdom, but cannot be involved in politics. In fact, all royals with the ranks of Mom Chao (Serene Highnesses) up cannot be involved in politics, nor have any voting rights, including not being able to join political parties nor become politicians. In addition, the royals should not show their slant towards any particular political parties. His Majesty King Bhumibol has acted righteously in all of the political events of Thailand from past to present. He has only become involved during extreme situations involving bloodshed, and then only as a mediator between two or more factions, trying to get to a solution of calm and peace. Lately, many has forgotten the role of the King, and tried to drag his good name into the political mess. The King continues to stand tall, and has not involved himself. He neither denies nor accepts any misconceptions thrown out at him, as the modern Thai people continues to show their ignorance in not knowing what a constitutional king can or cannot do. Even political individuals have also forgotten this, and tries to drag the King’s good name to their sides, only with the sole intention of trying to win over the voice of the people. Many descendants of the different royal houses (rankings of Mom Rajawongse down) have also become involved in the different sides, and have since drag the King’s name with them as well. They are in fact not counted as royals, but as citizens of the kingdom, who are descendants of royalty, but now have rights to vote and make known their political views. Even they have forgotten the role of a constitutional monarch, as well as how their fathers (Mom Chaos), as royals, were expected to act in the good name of the Thai Royal Family. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The King and His People His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is undoubtedly his people’s King; the Father of the Land. When he moved back to Thailand for good in 1951, he began his visits to his people almost straight away. He is the first Thai King, and Thai individual, to see every single corners of his kingdom. He has visited far-reaching places. Where there were no roads, he used helicopters; where there were no place for helicopters to land, he went by jeeps, horses, as well as on foot. It is said that he is the only individual in Thailand, past and present, and most probably the future, to see every single square inch of his land. With his visits, he brought medical teams as well as surveyors to plan the connection of all towns and villages, a route to prosperity. He helped with irrigation problems as the majority of the Thai people were farmers, depending solely on their crops for their income. He has also eradicated the opium growing culture of many hilltribes of the north, and proposed substitutions with valuable crops. During the time of natural crisis, the King has always been the first person to be on the scene. Only until recently that the King has not been able to travel to the affected places due to health problems, nevertheless, his team has continued to visit and help out according to the King’s instructions. In addition, he has continued to contribute personal funds quick and fast to the needy, as seen most recently with the flooding disaster around the Kingdom in late 2010, when the King’s team was the first to act the fastest, while government team became the slowest, especially with all the bureaucracies they had to go through before help could be dispatch to the flooding victims. With the continual disputes within the political world, the Thai people are becoming more and more dependent on the King to guide them through everyday lives; a source of simple strength needed to lead a happy life in this ancient Kingdom. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Thai Concept of Kingship A King is the Father of the Land. It’s quite a simple concept, really. A father is expected to look after his children and give them the basic needs to live on, and provide good basic education for them, as foundation to make a living when they are grown up. The good children will then look after their father in old age, so that he will have a comfortable life after he retires. His older and wiser children were to form a group that would continue their father’s work, to better the lives of the younger children and bring peace and prosperity to the family and their home. The King, though, is father to over 60 million children, and growing. He has looked after his millions of children quite well, as witnessed by his actions through his visits, his projects, and his personal funds, all for the betterment of his country. I have to say that he has been the hardest working monarch in the world, as his subjects were not as healthy as others, nor were living in good conditions. But, the Thai people were happy back then, as they had simpler lives, and had the very basic needs. The ones that were quite lost, and lived away from developed areas were looked after by the King, and they were then slowly but surely connected to the civilization that make up the Kingdom. He has tried to improve education by setting up schools in rural, unreachable areas, and provided funds for their continuations. It is so much a single person can do for the 60 million subjects. It could have been quite easy for the government, the supposedly wiser and mature children, to continue these projects, as the basic foundation have been laid. With sound education, the Thai subjects could have moved to a better life working in jobs that were provided by the government and the private sector. The subjects would have been happy, with better lives, and no quarrels in politics. The subjects, in turn, will come to look after their King as a child to a father. Unfortunately, the King does not get to retire. And, it seems no one is looking after him when he has entered old age. A Father is also expected to be the pillar of strength for his children. Indeed, the King has certainly been a very strong pillar. With the cumbersome bickering between political parties, unending it seems, since Thailand changed from absolute monarchy to a constitutional one, with what is called the system of democracy introduced to the land. This constance bickering has not benefited the country much, though Bangkok has seen huge developments in terms of infrastructures and much else, the rural areas are still in need of catching up, where some far-reaching areas are still without electricity. So, the King travelled again and again, and tried to bring developments to these areas. Personal funds can never be enough without the government’s additional monetary help. So, with the King going it alone, the underdeveloped parts will be slow to see their light-of-day. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Thai people, especially the rural Thais, need someone who really cares just to be there as a comfort among chaos. The King has been just that. Photos of the King and Queen adorn the walls of most homes in Thailand, for that reason. When they feel bad, they look up to the King’s photo for comforting thoughts. When they are happy, they look up to the King’s photo to thank him for having been their King. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Royal Family of Thailand | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was born Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara on 12 August 1932, daughter of His Serene Highness Prince Nakkhatra Mongkol of Chandaburi and Mom Luang Bua Kitiyakara. The Royal marriage between Their Majesties the King and Queen took place on 28 April 1950 and Her Majesty was conferred the title of Somdetch Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Baromma Rajini, official title of the Queens of Thailand. In part of 1956, Her Majesty became Region of the Kingdom while His Majesty went into the monkhood, for which She was conferred the title of Somdetch Phra Nang Chao Sirikit Phra Baromma Rajini Nath, or Sirikit the Region Queen. The Queen is completely devoted to His Majesty the King. She oversees many of the King's projects as well as introducing her own programmes to benefit the Thai people especially in the rural areas through her SUPPORT Foundation. The promotion of Thai silk by Her Majesty was a particularly important one, and has since become famous throughout the world. The year 2004 saw Her Majesty turning 72 - or 6th cycle birthday, which in Thailand is very auspicious. The Thai people jointly celebrated with activities throughout the year. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn HRH the Crown Prince of Thailand was born on 28 July 1952, the only son of the King and Queen. His Royal Highness was invested the title of Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Thailand on 28 December 1972. He received his education at Kings Mead and Millfield Schools in Great Britain, and at the King's School and the Royal Military College at Duntroon, Australia. He also received the Degree of Bachelor of Laws from Sukhothai Thammatirat University, Thailand. Since he was young, he was inclined towards the life in the military, and has since shown himself to be a great Military Man. After his father, he has immersed himself in activities in promotion of the general welfare and economic betterment of his people as well as activities in promotion of public health through the Crown Prince Hospital and the Maha Vajiralongkorn Foundation. He has also represented his father on numerous State Visits abroad, far too many to list in just a page. The Crown Prince is a much loved figure in Thailand, and will continue to be so for many years to come. The Crown Prince has been married to HRH Princess Sri Rasmi  , The Royal Consort, since 10 February 2004. The Crown Prince has 2 daughters and 5 sons, namely:HRH Princess Bajra Kitiyabha (7 December 1978) HSH Mom Chao (Prince) Chudhavajra (29 August 1979) HSH Mom Chao (Prince) Vajaresra (27 May 1981) HSH Mom Chao (Prince) Chakrivajra (26 February 1983) HSH Mom Chao (Prince) Vajravira (14 June 1985) HRH Princess Siriwanwaree Nareeratana (8 January 1987) HRH Prince Teepangkara Rasmichoti (29 April 2005) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was born Princess Sirindhorn Debaratanasuda on 2 April 1955, the third child of Their Majesties the King and Queen. She was created the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on 5 December 1977 (a royal rank equal to that of a crown prince, but is not a crown princess) for her tireless work in all sectors for the people. She follows her father's every footstep, and is a most beloved princess of the kingdom. Her work is far too numerous to list here - a new website will need to be created just to list everything. She has set up many foundations, all for the betterment of the rural areas, notably the Sai Jai Thai Foundation. For a closer look of the Princess, please visit her website The Golden Jubilee Network | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn HRH Princess Chulabhorn is the youngest daughter of Their Majesties the King and Queen, born on 4 July 1957. She achieved a Bachelor of Science in Organic Chemistry from Kasetsart University, Bangkok, and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Mahidol University, Bangkok. Her numerous positions include Professor of Organic Chemistry at Mahidol University, President of the Chulabhorn Foundation, Chairman of the Working Group on the Chemistry of Natural Products, and Chairman of the Foundation for Promotion Nature Conservation and Environmental Protection. The princess has two daughters, HRH Princess Siribha Chudhabhorn (8 October 1982) HRH Princess Adityadorn Kitigun (6 May 1984) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Toonkramom Ying Ubolratana Rajakanya Toonkramom Ying Ubolratana was born HRH Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya on 5 April 1951, eldest child of Their Majesties the King and Queen. After finishing her education in the United States of America, she relinquished her royal title to marry an American commoner. She has lived most of her life in the United States with her then husband, Peter Jensen, and their three children, Miss Ploypailin Jensen (13 February 1981) Mr. Bhumi (Poom) Jensen (1983-2004) Miss Sirikitiya Jensen (19 March 1985) After her divorce, the princess has moved back to Thailand, and has embarked on many activities for the betterment of the Thai people. One notable project is the "To Be Number One" project which deals directly with the drug problems in the kingdom. In December 2004, the Princess visited Phuket for an official function and a private holiday with her family, and witnessed first hand the Tsunami that devastated the South of Thailand. In the event, she lost her son, Khun Poom, to the waves. She has since set up the Khun Poom Foundation to help autistic children in Thailand. Bhumibol Adulyadej (Royal Institute: Phumiphon Adunyadet; Thai: ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช, pronounced [pʰūːmípʰōn àdūnjádèːt] (  listen); see full title below; born 5 December 1927) is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX (and within the Thai royal family and to close associates simply as Lek[1]). 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.[2] He was admitted to Siriraj Hospital in September 2009 for flu and pneumonia and has been confined there since.[3] Rumors about his ill-health caused Thai financial markets to tumble in October 2009.[4]Although Bhumibol is legally a constitutional monarch, he has made several decisive interventions in Thai politics. He was credited with facilitating Thailand's transition to democracy in the 1990s, although he has supported numerous military regimes, including Sarit Dhanarajata's during the 1960s and the Council for National Security in 2006–8. During his long reign, he has seen over 15 coups, 16 constitutions, and 27 changes of prime ministers.[5] He has also used his influence to stop military coups, including attempts in 1981 and 1985. Bhumibol is revered by many Thais, despite what the Thai government claims are serious threats to overthrow the monarchy.[6] Bhumibol is legally considered “inviolable”, and insults, claims that he is involved in politics, and criticism of him can result in three to fifteen years in jail,[7] though he claimed in his 2005 birthday speech that he would not take lèse majesté seriously.[citation needed] Bhumibol is credited with a social-economic theory of self-sufficiency. His personal wealth is tremendous: Forbes estimated Bhumibol's personal fortune, including property managed by the Crown Property Bureau which is considered the national property,[8] 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".[9][10] He currently holds major shares in several private companies, including, more than 40% in Sammakorn,[11] 30% in SCG,[12] 30% in Thai Insurance PLC[13] and 20% in SCB.[14] The Crown Property Bureau spends money on public welfare like youth development, however it does not pay taxes and its finances are reported to only Bhumibol.[15] Bhumibol himself has made donations to numerous development projects in Thailand, in areas like agriculture, environment, public health, occupational promotion, water resources, communications and public welfare.[16] Commemoration of Bhumibol's contributions to Thailand are ubiquitous in the Thai media.[6] [edit] Early lifeBhumibol came to Thailand in 1928, after Prince Mahidol obtained a certificate in the Public Health programme at Harvard University. He briefly attended 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.[19] [edit] Succession and marriage
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.[21] On 4 October 1948, while Bhumibol was driving a Fiat Topolino on the Geneva-Lausanne road, he collided with the rear of a braking truck 10 km outside of Lausanne. He hurt his back and incurred cuts on his face that cost him the sight of his right eye.[22][23][24] He subsequently wore an ocular prosthetic. 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:
[edit] Coronation and titlesIn 1950 on Coronation Day, Bhumibol's consort was made Queen (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.[2] Following the death of his grandmother Queen Savang Vadhana, Bhumibol entered a 15-day monkhood (22 October 1956 – 5 November 1956) at Wat Bowonniwet, as is customary for Buddhist males on the death of elder relatives.[28] During this time, Sirikit was appointed his regent. She was later appointed Queen Regent (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").[29] 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]). [edit] Role in Thai politics[edit] Plaek Pibulsonggram era
[edit] Sarit Dhanarajata eraDuring 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 Royal Barge Procession to offer robes at temples.[35][36]Other disused ceremonies from the classical period of the Chakri dynasty, such as the royally-patronised ploughing ceremony (Thai: พิธีพืชมงคล), were also revived.[37] 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).[38] 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.[39] 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.[40][41] [edit] Thanom Kittikachorn eraField Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn was appointed premier a day after Sarit's death in 1963. He continued most of Sarit's policies for a decade. During the 1970s, Bhumibol was a key figure in the Village Scouts and Red Gaur paramilitary organisations. 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.[edit] Prem Tinsulanond eraThe 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 Thanin Kraivixien.[42] Bhumibol chose Thanin as the most suitable. However, Thanin proved to be very right-wing himself, causing student protesters to flee to join the communists in the jungle. Thanin 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 President.Bhumibol's refusal to endorse military coups in 1981 (the April Fool's Day coup) and 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.[43][44][45] [edit] Crisis of 1992
Main article: 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 rumour on the rift among armed forces.[46]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.[47] [edit] Crisis of 2005–2006 and the September 2006 coup[edit] Background to the coup
See also: Thailand political crisis 2005-2006
Weeks before the April 2006 legislative election, the 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".[48]After publicly claiming victory in the boycotted 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.[48] On 8 May 2006, the Constitutional Court invalidated the results of the April elections and ordered new elections scheduled for 15 October 2006.[49] The Criminal Court later jailed the Election Commissioners.[50][51] On 14 July 2006, 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.[52] On 20 July, Bhumibol signed a royal decree endorsing new 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.[53] [edit] The coup
See also: 2006 Thailand coup
 The King's role in the coup was the subject of much speculation among Thai analysts and the international media. The King had an audience with Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda at the same time as the First Special Forces were ordered mobilised.[55] 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 will get the blame, but whatever happens, the King will only get praise."[56] On Saturday 23 September 2006, the junta warned they would "urgently retaliate against foreign reporters whose coverage has been deemed insulting to the monarchy."[57] 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.[58][59] The Thai embassy in London denied Thaksin's claims. [edit] After the coupThe junta appointed a Constitutional Tribunal to rule on the alleged poll fraud cases concerning the Thai Rak Thai and 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.” The actual meaning of Bhumibol's advice was not clear, and interpretations varied. Some observers saw it as suggesting the judges should not make a compromise ruling. Others saw it as a warning against dissolving the two major parties. Bhumibol, who spoke standing but in a weak, rasping voice, was careful not to say where he stood on the merits of the case. "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."[60][61][62] 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 draft constitution. The CDA placed billboards saying, "Love the King. Care about the King. Vote in the referendum. throughout the Northeast of Thailand, where opposition to the junta was greatest.[63] [edit] 2008 crisis
Main article: 2008–2010 Thai political crisis
The military's constitution passed the referendum, and elections were held in December 2007. The People's Power Party, consisting of many former Thai Rak Thai MPs and supporters, won the majority and formed a government.In April 2008, Bhumibol appointed alleged coup plotter Surayud to his Privy Council of personal advisors.[64] The People's Alliance for Democracy reformed and started protests, eventually laying siege to 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."[65] Questioning and criticism over Bhumibol's role in the crisis increased, particularly from the international press.[66][67][68][69][70][71][72] “It is more and more difficult for them to hold the illusion that the monarchy is universally adored,” says a Thai academic.[73] In the weeks leading up to the 2011 general election, Bhumibol appointed Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukphasuk, a leader of the 2006 military coup, to his Privy Council of personal advisors.[74] [edit] Royal powers[edit] Constitutional powers
[edit] Network monarchy and extraconstitutional powers[edit] Royal projects[edit] History Bhumibol has been involved in many social and economic development projects. The nature of his involvement has varied by political regime.[86] 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 reportrayed 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, 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 "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. [edit] Example projects
[edit] Awards [edit] Royal and State Orders received
[edit] OthersThe king was awarded the William J. Donovan Medal, Award of Friendship OSS, New York, U.S.A.presented by the Office of Strategic Services (CIA) on 29 October 1987. [89] 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. In May 2006, UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, presented the United Nations' first and only Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award to Bhumibol.[90] Bhumibol set a world record for receiving the greatest number of honorary university degrees (136) in 1997.[91] Most of his degrees came from Thai universities: for instance, Kasetsart University awarded him ten honorary doctoral degrees at once.[edit] 60th Anniversary celebrations
Main article: 60th anniversary of the accession of Bhumibol Adulyadej
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 royal barge procession on the Chao Phraya River, fireworks displays, art exhibitions, pardoning 25,000 prisoners,[92] 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.[93]
[edit] Private life
[edit] HealthBhumibol 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.[97][98] 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.[99] He was discharged on 7 November 2007.[100] On 19 September 2009, he was once again admitted to Siriraj Hospital with undisclosed symptoms. It was later revealed that he had the flu and pneumonia. His youngest daughter HRH Princess Chulabhorn Walailak confirmed in an April 2011 television interview that the king remains in the hospital.[101][edit] MusicBhumibol is an accomplished jazz 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.[102] 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.[edit] SailingBhumibol is an accomplished sailor and sailboat designer.[103] He won a gold medal for sailing in the Fourth Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games in 1967, together with HRH Princess Ubol Ratana whom he tied for points.[104] 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 60 nautical miles (110 km) in a 14-hour journey on the "Vega 1," an OK Class dinghy he built.[95] 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, OK, and Moth Classes. His designs in the Moth class include the “Mod,” “Super Mod,” and “Micro Mod.”[105][edit] PatentsBhumibol is the only Thai monarch to hold a patent.[106][107] 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.[108][109][110][edit] WealthEstimates of the post-devaluation (circa 1997–1998) wealth of the royal household range from 10 billion to 20 billion USD.[111] In August 2008, Forbes came out with its 2008 version of The World's Richest Royals. King Bhumibol took first place on the list with an estimated wealth of $35 billion.[112] A few days later the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand issued a statement that the Forbes report erred, attributing wealth owned by the Crown Property Bureau (CPB) solely to Bhumibol.[113] 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.[9] The 2009 estimate was down to $30 billion due to declines in real estate and stocks.[9] 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.[95][114] 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.[115] 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 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.[116] Bhumibol's substantial income from the CPB, estimated to be at least five billion baht in 2004 alone, is exempt from taxes.[116][117] 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 eyes of Bhumibol alone; the annual report is not released to the public.[116] 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.[118] 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.[119] Among other vehicles, Bhumibol owns two custom-built stretch limousines from LCW Automotive Corp.[120] The Golden Jubilee Diamond, the largest faceted diamond in the world, was given to him by businessman Henry Ho.[edit] Lèse majesté[edit] Scope of the lawAlthough Bhumibol is held in great respect by many Thais, he is also protected by lèse majesté laws which allow critics to be jailed for three to fifteen years.[121] 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.[122] Jail terms for Thai citizens committing lèse majesté are usually harsher than for foreigners. Politician Veera Musikapong was jailed and banned from politics for lèse majesté, despite the palace's opinion that the remarks were harmless. Frenchman Lech Tomacz Kisielwicz refused to switch off a reading light on a Thai Airways flight he shared with two Thai princesses and was jailed under lèse majesté for two weeks after his flight landed in Bangkok.[123] He was acquitted after apologizing to the King. Thossaporn Ruethaiprasertsung was arrested and charged with lèse majesté for making photocopies of leaflets with contents allegedly against the monarchy and the Privy Council.[124] In 2009, Daranee "Da Torpedo" Chanchoengsilpakul was sentenced to 18 years in prison without suspension for "intending to insult" Bhumibol and Sirikit at a political protest.[125] She did not actually mention the monarchs in her speech (she criticized, among other things, the "ruling class"), however, the court ruled that the prosecution "brought evidence that makes it possible to interpret that the defendant meant the King and Queen Sirikit."[126] Social critic Sulak Sivaraksa has been charged several times with lèse majesté, but has always been acquitted. Arrests have also occurred for sending text messages (SMSs) criticizing Bhumibol - although Bhumibol was not the recipient of the messages.[127] During the government of Abhisit Vejjajiva, numerous people were charged with insulting Bhumibol using body language. [128] There is controversy over whether criticism of members of Bhumibol's Privy Council also qualifies as criticism of Bhumibol.[129] Police Special Branch Commander Lt-General Theeradech Rodpho-thong refused to file charges of lèse majesté against activists who launched a petition to oust Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, claiming that the law only applied to members of the royal family.[130] Two days later, he was demoted by Police Commander Seripisut Temivavej.[131] During the Songkran 2009 unrest, Thaksin Shinawatra accused the Privy Council President of masterminding the 2006 military coup. Royalists interpreted this as an attack on Bhumibol. The website of Same Sky Books, publishers of Fah Diao Kan magazine, was shut down by the military government after comments on its bulletin board questioned claims made by the Thai media that the entire country was in mourning over the death of Princess Galyani Vadhana.[132] Bhumibol himself stated that he was not above criticism in his 2005 birthday speech. "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 said. "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."[133] Despite this, few have dared to call for the repeal of the law. Any doing so have been accused of disloyalty and could also be charged with lèse majesté.[134] Political scientist Giles Ungpakorn noted that "the lèse majesté laws are not really designed to protect the institution of the monarchy. In the past the laws have been used to protect governments, to protect military coups. This whole [royal] image is created to bolster a conservative elite well beyond the walls of the palace."[135] In 2011 an American citizen, Joe Gordon (Lerpong Wichaikhammat), was arrested on charges he insulted the country's monarchy, in part by posting a link on his blog to a banned book about the ailing king. He is also suspected of translating, from English into Thai, portions of The King Never Smiles – and posting them online along with articles he wrote that allegedly defame the royal family.[136] "I want President Obama and Hillary Clinton to intervene on on my behalf," he is quoted as saying.[137][edit] Political use of the lèse majesté lawAccusations of lèse majesté are often politically motivated. Premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his political opponent Sondhi Limthongkul both filed charges of lèse majesté against each other during the 2005–2006 political crisis. Thaksin's alleged lèse majesté was one of the stated reasons for the Thai military's 2006 coup.[138][139][140][141] In 2005, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) issued arrest warrants for two Swedish citizens, Abdulrosa Jehngoh and Chipley Putra Jehngoh, claiming that their Manusaya.com website contained content insulting to Bhumibol.[142][143] Chipley Putra Jehngoh also held Malaysian and Thai citizenship and at the time lived in the Middle East. Abdulrosa Jehngoh was granted Swedish citizenship and lives in Sweden. The website was hosted in Canada and was linked to separatist organisation in southern Thailand or more specifically the website 'www.pulo.org' which incited separatist movement.[144] Sondhi, a vocal opposition of Prime Minister Thaksin, often accused Thaksin and his affiliates of lèse majesté. In April 2007, a Bangkok criminal court sentenced Sondhi for defamation for claiming on his Muang Thai Rai Sapda talk show that Thaksin's Deputy Transport Minister, Phumtham Vejjayachai, was linked to the anti-royal Manusaya.com website.[145] In May 2008, Minister Jakrapob Penkair of the People's Power Party resigned due to a lese majeste charge against him for statements during the interview in Bangkok's Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT) on 29 August 2007.[citation needed]. Academics have been investigated for lèse majesté for even questioning the role of the monarchy in Thai society. In 2007, Assistant Professor Boonsong Chaisingkananon of Silpakorn University was investigated for lèse majesté for asking students in an exam if the institution of the monarchy was necessary for Thai society and how it may be reformed to be consistent with the democratic system. The University cooperated with the police investigation, and even turned over students' answer sheets and the marks the professor gave them.[citation needed] Another case of an academic is that of Australian Harry Nicolaides who in 2005 self-published the book "Verisimilitude," which mentioned the "romantic entanglements and intrigues" of members of the nobility. Even though the book sold less than a dozen copies, he was arrested while visiting Thailand and, after pleading guilty, sentenced to 3 years in jail. He was given a royal pardon after spending a month in jail and then deported.[146][edit] Insults to Bhumibol's imageActs deemed insulting to Bhumibol's image are also criminal offences in Thailand. In 2007, Oliver Jufer, a Swiss man, was sentenced to 10 years in jail for daubing black paint on portraits of Bhumibol while drunk.[147] The Thai press was requested not to publish any information about the case. "This is a delicate issue and we don't want the public to know much about it," noted chief prosecutor Manoon Moongpanchon.[148] The man originally pleaded innocent, but eventually pleaded guilty to five acts of lèse majesté. Foreign reporters were barred from the hearing.[149] Saprang Kalayanamitr publicly suspected that Jufer was hired to perform the vandalism and ordered a military investigation.[150] Jufer was pardoned by the king less than a month after his conviction and deported. Suwicha Thakor was arrested and sentenced to 20 years in prison, later commuted to 10, for posting a picture on an internet web board that was deemed insulting to Bhumibol, in violating Article 112 of the Criminal Code and violating the Computer Crime Act of 2007. The CCA was passed by the military junta that followed 2006 coup; Suwicha's conviction was the first time that it had been successfully used to prosecute lèse majesté.[151][152] Other insults to Bhumibol's image that have resulted in arrests for lèse majesté include placing photographs of anybody above photographs of the king on websites and not standing while the Royal Anthem is played at cinemas.[153][154][edit] Internet blocking measuresOn 4 April 2007, the Thai government blocked Thai access to YouTube as a result of a video clip which it deemed insulting to the king.[155][156] Various leaders of the military junta claimed that the clip was an attempt to undermine the monarchy, attack Thailand as a country, and threaten national security.[157] On 28 October 2008, The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) announced plans to spend about 100 million to 500 million baht to build a gateway to block websites with contents defaming the royal institution.[158] "More than 4,800 webpages have been blocked since March last year, an ICT official told AFP, notionally because they contain content deemed insulting to Thailand's deeply-revered royal family."[159] On 29 April 2010, Wipas Raksakulthai was arrested following a post to his Facebook account allegedly insulting Bhumibol.[160] The arrest was reportedly the first lèse majesté charge against a Thai Facebook user.[161] In response, Amnesty International named Wipas Thailand's first prisoner of conscience in nearly three decades.[162][edit] BiographiesAmerican journalist Paul Handley, who spent thirteen years in Thailand, wrote the biography The King Never Smiles. The 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."[163] 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, who had access to the Royal Court and the Royal Family, wrote the biography The Revolutionary King in 2001.[164] An article in Time says the idea for the book was suggested by Bhumibol.[1] 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."[1][edit] Succession to the throne[edit] Titles and styles
 listen (help·info)), 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:[168]
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