His Majesty King Bhumibol
Adulyadej is the 9th king of Thailand's Chakri Dynasty. It was during December of
1927, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, that King Bhumibol was born. During that
time his father, H.R.H. Prince Mahidol of Songkhla was studying medicine at Harvard
University.H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej ascended the
throne in 1946 and is currently the longest reigning monarch of Thailand. As a
constitutional monarch, H.M. King Bhumibol maintains neutrality at times of crisis.
In 1949, His Majesty and Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara
were engaged and on April 29, 1950 they were married in Thailand. Shortly thereafter
on May 28, 1950, H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej was formally crowned. H.M. the King
and Queen have three daughters and one son.
The Thai people have a traditional and sincere reverance
for the Royal Family. For the most part, H.M. King Bhumibol's popularity mirrors his
deep interest in his people's welfare. He is very involved and devoted to every
aspect of Thai life. H.M. King Bhumibol and H.M. Queen Sirikit, his wife, devote
much of their time to inspect and improve the welfare of the people of Thailand.
In 1995-1996, Thailand celebrated H.M. King Bhumibol's 50th
anniversary on his ascension to the throne. This Golden Jubilee was celebrated with
many major events and royal ceremonies throughtout all of Thailand, as many rejoiced in
this very special occasion.
In 1999, Thailand celebrated H.M. King Bhumibol's 72nd
Birthday. This event, the
Amazing River of Kings, was one of the most spectacular with many festivals along the
river of Siam throughout the year. |