Bhumibol Adulyadej
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| King Bhumibol Adulyadej,the Great (Rama IX) | ||
|---|---|---|
| King of Thailand | ||
| Bhumibol_AdulyadejRamaIX.jpg | ||
| Reign | June 9, 1946 - present | |
| Coronation | May 5, 1950 | |
| Born | December 5, 1927 | |
| Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States | ||
| Predecessor | King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) | |
| Heir-Apparent | HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn | |
| Consort | Queen Sirikit | |
| Issue | Princess Ubol Ratana HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn HRH Princess Chulabhorn Walailak | |
| Royal House | Chakri Dynasty | |
| Father | Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkla | |
| Mother | Sangwal, the Princess Mother | |
Bhumibol Adulyadej (Thai: ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช; IPA: [pʰu:mipʰon adunjadeːt]; Royal Institute: Phumiphon Adunyadet; listen ) (born December 5, 1927), officially styled "the Great" (Thai: มหาราช, Maharaja) and also known as Rama IX, is the current King of Thailand. Having reigned since June 9, 1946, Bhumibol is the world's longest-serving current Head of State and the longest-serving monarch in Thai history.<ref name="longestthai">A Royal Occasion speeches. Worldhop.com Journal (1996). Retrieved on 05 July, 2006.</ref>
Although Bhumibol is a constitutional monarch, he has several times made decisive interventions in Thai politics, including the political crisis of 2005-2006. Bhumibol has been widely credited with facilitating Thailand's transition to democracy in the 1990s, although in earlier periods of his reign he supported military regimes. Most recently, he did not oppose the September 2006 coup which overthrew the elected government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Bhumibol uses his great wealth to fund numerous development projects, particularly in rural areas. He is immensely popular in Thailand, and is revered as a semi-divine figure by many Thais. Critics, mostly outside Thailand, attribute this status to the suppression of criticism of the monarchy.<ref name="criticism">Macan-Markar, Marwaan (2006-05-24). MEDIA-THAILAND: A Critic May Now Look at a King. AsiaMediaForum. Retrieved on 2006-08-14.</ref>
Bhumibol was born in the United States and educated primarily in Switzerland. Bhumibol is also an accomplished musician, artist, and sailor. He is one of the wealthiest people in the world and has received many honours.
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[edit] Early life
Bhumibol was born at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts located in the United States, the youngest son of Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkhla and son of King Chulalongkorn, and Mom Sangwal (later Somdej Phra Sri Nakarindhara Boromaratchachonnani). At the time of his birth, he was known in Thailand as Phra Worawongse Ther Phra Ong Chao Bhumibol Adulyadej (พระวรวงศ์เธอ พระองค์เจ้าภูมิพลอดุลยเดช), reflecting the fact that his mother was a commoner.<ref name="commoner">King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand (DOC). Holcim Foundation. Retrieved on 2006-08-13.</ref> Had he been born just a few years earlier, before his uncle King Prajadhipok passed a law allowing children of a prince and a commoner to be called Phra Ong Chao (a prince of a lesser status than Chao Fa), he would have been called Mom Chao (the most junior class of the Thai princes), similar to his older brother and sister.<ref name="chakridynastyranks">The Illustrious Chakri Family. Tudtu. Retrieved on 2006-08-13.</ref>
Bhumibol was brought back to Thailand in 1928, after Prince Mahidol finished his medical study at Harvard University. After primary schooling at the Mater Dei school in Bangkok, he left with the rest of his family in 1933 for Switzerland, where he continued his secondary education at the École Nouvelle de la Suisse romande in Chailly-sur-Lausanne, and received the baccalauréat de lettres (high-school diploma with major in French literature, Latin, and Greek) from the Gymnase classique cantonal of Lausanne. He was studying science at the University of Lausanne when his elder brother, Phra Ong Chao Ananda Mahidol, was crowned King of Thailand. King Ananda Mahidol then elevated his brother and sister to the Chao Fa status, the most senior class of the Thai princes and princesses, in 1935. They came to Thailand briefly in 1938, but returned to Switzerland for further study, where they stayed until 1945.<ref name="kingjubnet">Biography of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Golden Jubilee Network. Kanchanapisek Network (1999). Retrieved on 2006-08-05.</ref>
[edit] Succession and marriage
Bhumibol ascended to the throne following the death of his brother, Ananda Mahidol, on June 9, 1946. Ananda Mahidol's death resulted from a gunshot to the head while he was in his bedroom in the Baromphiman Palace in the Grand Palace, under circumstances that to this day remain a mystery.<ref>Simpson, Keith (1978). Forty Years of Murder: an Autobiography. Chapter 13: The Violent Death of King Ananda of Siam. Retrieved on 23 July, 2006.</ref> Bhumibol then returned to Switzerland in order to complete his education, and his uncle, Rangsit, Prince of Chainat, was appointed Prince Regent. Bhumibol switched over his field of study to law and political science in order to prepare himself more effectively for his new position as ruler.
While finishing his degree in Switzerland, Bhumibol visited Paris frequently. It was in Paris that he first met a first cousin once removed, Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara, daughter of the Thai ambassador to France.<ref>Bhirom Bhakdi, Soravij. Queens of the Chakri Dynasty. Retrieved on 1 August, 2006.</ref> He was 21, and she was 15. Bhumibol became a regular visitor to the ambassador's residence.
On October 4, 1948, while Bhumibol was driving a Fiat Topolino on the Geneva-Lausanne highway, he collided into the rear of a braking truck 10 km outside of Lausanne. He hurt his back and and incurred cuts on his face that cost him sight in his right eye.<ref>A Royal Romance. Srinai Tripod.com. Retrieved on 12 July, 2006.</ref><ref>The Making of a Monarch. Bangkok Post (Dec 5, 2005). Retrieved on 12 July, 2006.</ref><ref>Handley, Paul M. (2006). The King Never Smiles. Yale University Press, Page 104. ISBN 0-300-10682-3.</ref> While he was hospitalized in Lausanne, Sirikit visited him frequently. She met Bhumibol's 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 July 19, 1949, and the couple were married on April 28, 1950, just a week before his coronation.
Bhumibol and his wife Queen Sirikit have four children:
- (Formerly HRH) Princess Ubol Ratana, born April 5, 1951 in Lausanne, Switzerland;
- HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, born July 28, 1952;
- HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, born April 2, 1955;
- HRH Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, born July 4, 1957.
One of Bhumibol's grandchildren, Bhumi Jensen (also known as Khun Poom), was killed in the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. He was the son of Princess Ubol Ratana.
[edit] Coronation and titles
Bhumibol was crowned King of Thailand on May 5, 1950 at the Royal Palace in Bangkok. His ceremonial name, according to the ancient tradition, is:
- พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช มหิตลาธิเบศรามาธิบดี จักรีนฤบดินทร์ สยามินทราธิราช บรมนาถบพิตร (Phrabat Somdej Phra Paramindra Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej Mahitaladhibet Ramadhibodi Chakrinarubodindara Sayamindaradhiraj Boromanatbophit listen )
On the same day, he made his consort Queen (Somdej Phra Boromarajini). The date of his coronation is celebrated each May 5 in Thailand as Coronation Day, a public holiday. On December 5, 1996, Bhumibol celebrated his 50th anniversary as the King of Thailand, becoming the longest reigning monarch in Thai history.<ref name= "longestthai"/>
Following the death of his grandmother Queen Savang Vadhana (สว่างวัฒนา, Sawang Watthana Phra Phanvasa Aiyeekajao), Bhumibol entered a 15-day monkhood (October 22–November 5, 1956) at Wat Bowonniwet, as is customary at the death of elder relatives. During this time, Sirikit was appointed his regent. She was later appointed Queen Regent (Somdej Phra Boromarajininat) in recognition of this.
Although Bhumibol is often referred to as King Rama IX in English, the name "Rama" is never used in Thai. The name is used to approximate "Ratchakal ti Kao" (รัชกาลที่ 9, literally "the Ninth Reign"). More commonly, Thais refer to him as Nai Luang or Phra Chao Yu Hua (ในหลวง or พระเจ้าอยู่หัว: both mean "the King"). 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
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 front for the military-dominated government. In August 1957, 6 months after parliamentary elections, General Sarit Dhanarajata accused the government of Field Marshal Pibulsonggram of lèse majesté due to its conduct of the 2,500th anniversary celebration of Buddhism.<ref>Handley, Paul M. (2006). The King Never Smiles. Yale University Press, Page 129-130, 136-137. ISBN 0-300-10682-3.</ref><ref>Thak Chaloemtiarana (1979). Thailand: The Politics of Despotic Paternalism. Social Science Association of Thailand, Page 98.</ref> On September 16, 1957, Pibulsonggram went to Bhumibol to seek support for his government.<ref>Suwannathat-Pian, Kobkua (1995). Thailand's Durable Premier. Oxford University Press, 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 decreed martial law, named Sarit as "defender of the capital", and allowed Sarit to countersign royal decrees.<ref>Handley, Paul M. (2006). The King Never Smiles. Yale University Press, Page 138. ISBN 0-300-10682-3.</ref>
Under 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 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.<ref>Evans, Dr. Grant; citing Christine Gray (1998). The Politics of Ritual and Remembrance: Laos since 1975. Laosnet.org. Retrieved on 05 July, 2006.</ref><ref>Evans, Dr. Grant (1998). The Politics of Ritual and Remembrance: Laos since 1975. University of Hawaii Press, Pages 89-113. ISBN 0-8248-2054-1.</ref>
Other disused ceremonies from the classical period of the Chakri dynasty, like the royally-patronised ploughing ceremony (Thai: พิธีพืชมงคล), were also revived.<ref>Klinkajorn, Karin. Creativity and Settings of Monuments and Sites in Thailand: Conflicts and Resolution (PDF). International Council on Monuments and Sites. Retrieved on 05 July, 2006.</ref>
During the 1970's, Bhumibol was a key figure in the Village Scouts and Red Gaur. In October 1973 after massive protests and the deaths of a large number of pro-democracy demonstrators led by students, Bhumibol asserted himself politically for the first time by opening the gates of the Chitralada Palace to fleeing students, and holding audiences with their leaders. Bhumibol subsequently appointed the devout Thammasat University Rector Sanya Dharmasakti as the new Prime Minister. A succession of civilian governments followed, but the return of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn from self-imposed exile in 1976 led to renewed conflict. Protests against the ex-dictator escalated and came to a head when two newspapers published doctored photographs depicting Thammasat students hanging the Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn in effigy.<ref>Beemer, Bryce (1997). Explorations in Southeast Asian Studies. Forgetting and Remembering "Hok Tulaa", the October 6 Massacre. University of Hawaii. Retrieved on 05 July, 2006.</ref> With many people believing that lèse majesté had been committed, military and paramilitary forces attacked the University, leading to a bloody massacre.
The ensuing chaos was used as a pretext for a military coup which resulted in the appointment of the ultra-conservative Tanin Kraivixien as Prime Minister. He was replaced in another military coup by General Kriangsak Chomanan in October 1977. Kriangsak was succeeded in 1980 by Army Commander-in-Chief General Prem Tinsulanond, future Privy Council President. The King's refusal to endorse military coups in 1981 and 1985 ultimately led to the victory of forces loyal to the government.
[edit] Crisis of 1992
In 1992, Bhumibol played a key role in Thailand's transition to a democratic system. A coup on February 23, 1991 put Thailand back under military dictatorship. After a general election, held in 1992, the majority parties invited General Suchinda Kraprayoon, a leader of the coup group, to be the Prime Minister. This caused much dissent, and the conflict escalated to demonstrations and then to a large number of deaths when the military was brought in to control the protesters. The situation became increasingly critical as neither side would back down and the violence escalated.
Bhumibol summoned Suchinda and the leader of the pro-democracy movement, Major General Chamlong Srimuang, to a televised audience. 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 public occasions where Bhumibol directly intervened in a political conflict. A general election was held shortly afterward leading to a civilian government.
[edit] Crisis of 2005-2006 and the September 2006 coup
Weeks before the April 2006 legislative election, the anti-Thaksin coalition (including the People's Alliance for Democracy) petitioned Bhumibol to appoint a replacement Prime Minister and Cabinet to resolve the political crisis. However, demands for royal intervention met with much criticism from the public. Bhumibol, in a speech on April 26, 2006, responded, "Asking for a Royally-appointed prime minister is undemocratic. It is, pardon me, a mess. It is irrational".<ref name="invalidate">HM the King's April 26 speeches. The Nation. Retrieved on 2006-07-05.</ref>
After publicly claiming victory in the boycotted April parliamentary elections, Thaksin Shinawatra had a private audience with Bhumibol. A few hours later, Thaksin appeared on national television to announce that he would not accept the Premiership, and would be taking leave 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 overthrow the King and take 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 that the judiciary take action to resolve the political crisis.<ref name="invalidate" /> On May 8, 2006, the Constitutional Court invalidated the results of the April elections and ordered new elections scheduled for 15 October 2006.<ref>Constitution Court invalidate the April election and order new election. The Nation. Retrieved on 2006-07-05.</ref> The Criminal Court later jailed the Election Commissioners.<ref>EC Commissioners arrive at Bangkok Remand Prison. The Nation. Retrieved on 2006-07-25.</ref><ref>EC Guilty in Historic Ruling. Bangkok Post. Retrieved on 2006-07-25.</ref>
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.<ref>Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, A special lecture to CRMA cadets at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy</ref>
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.<ref>The Nation, King endorses election decree, 21 July 2006</ref><ref>The Nation, King urges fair poll, 22 July 2006</ref>
On the evening of September 19, 2006, the Thai military overthrew the government and seized control of Bangkok in a bloodless coup. The junta, led by the Commander of the Army, called itself the Council for Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy and pledged its loyalty to the King. Martial law was declared, the Constitution repealed, and the October elections were cancelled.<ref>Thai commander takes over after coup. Yahoo News. Retrieved on 2006-09-19.</ref><ref>Thai Military Launches Coup to Remove PM Thaksin. Associated Press. Foxnews.com. Retrieved on 2006-09-19.</ref> On 20 September, the King endorsed the coup, and asked the civil servants to take orders from Gen. Sonthi, the leader of the military coup.<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/09/20/thailand.coup.ap/index.html</ref>
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 General Prem Tinsulanonda at the same time the first Special Forces troops were ordered mobilized.<ref name="Timeline">The Nation, Coup as it unfolds, 20 September 2006</ref> In a BBC interview, Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University noted that "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 that "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."<ref>Kate McGeown, Thai king remains centre stage, BBC News, 21 September 2006</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>ABC News, Thai junta vows action against foreign media, 23 September 2006</ref>
[edit] Royal powers
- For a historical perspective on how the monarch's constitutional powers have changed over time, see the Constitutions of Thailand article
Despite Thailand's ongoing transition to a mature parliamentary democracy, 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 a new Auditor-General. The Constitution Court ruled in July 2004 that the appointment of Jaruvan Maintaka to this post by the State Audit Commission was unconstitutional. But Jaruvan refused to leave her position without an explicit order from Bhumibol. When the Senate approved of a replacement for Jaruvan, Bhumibol, in a very rare move, refused to approve the replacement.<ref>‘My govt serves His Majesty’. The Nation (September 09, 2005). Retrieved on 14 August, 2006.</ref> The Senate declined to vote to override his veto.<ref>Senate steers clear of motion on Jaruvan. The Nation (October 11, 2005). Retrieved on 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 Bhumibol supported her position.
This raised the issue of whether Bhumibol was more powerful than the Constitution. Senator Kaewsan Atibhodi, a former member of the 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 Wisut Montriwat to replace Jaruvan: "Whenever [the King] considers [something as being] not beneficial to the people and being unjust, His Majesty has a veto power".<ref>THAMMASAT DEBATE: Royal powers forum packed. The Nation (September 07, 2005). Retrieved on 05 July, 2006.</ref>
Bhumibol has very rarely vetoed legislation in previous circumstances. In 1976, when the Parliament voted 149-19 to extend democratic elections down to local levels, Bhumibol refused to sign the law.<ref>Handley, Paul M. (2006). The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej. Yale University Press. 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>Handley, Paul M. (2006). The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej. Yale University Press. ISBN 0-300-10682-3.</ref> The law limited the maximum land any person could hold at 50 rai (20 acres), at a time when the Crown Property Bureau was the Kingdom's largest land-owner. The law was repealed after power was seized by General Sarit.
Bhumibol's hold over Thai public opinion was demonstrated following the 2003 Phnom Penh riots in Cambodia, when hundreds of Thai protesters, enraged by the burning of the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh, gathered outside the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok, ripped the Cambodian seal out of the front wall, and tried to break into the embassy. The situation was resolved peacefully when Police General Sant Sarutanonda told the crowd that he had received a call from royal secretary Arsa Sarasin conveying Bhumibol's call for calm.<ref>THE BURNING OF THE THAI EMBASSY IN CAMBODIA. The Nation, 2Bangkok.com (2003). Retrieved on 05 July, 2006.</ref>
Bhumibol has the constitutional prerogative to pardon criminals. The 2006 pardon of several convicted paedophiles, including an Australian rapist and child pornographer, has caused controversy.<ref>Aussie pedophile free on royal pardon. The Nation (2006). Retrieved on 05 July, 2006.</ref><ref>McDonald, Phillipa (June 30, 2006). Campaigners condemn paedophile's release. ABC News Online. Retrieved on 05 July, 2006.</ref><ref>Bathersby, Damien (July 02, 2006). Royal pardon for child predator. Sunshine Coast Daily. Retrieved on 05 July, 2006.</ref>
[edit] Royal projects
Bhumibol has been involved in many social and economic development projects, although the nature of his involvement has varied by political regime.<ref>Chitbundid, Chanida (2003). The Royally-initiated Projects: The Making of Royal Hegemony (B.E. 2494-2546). Thammasat University. Retrieved on 06 July, 2006.</ref>
The military regime of Plaek Pibulsonggram (1951-1957) suppressed the monarchy; however, during that period Bhumibol managed to initiate a few projects using his own personal funds. These projects included the Royal Film and Radio Broadcasting Projects to help recover the palace's image.
In the military regime of Sarit Dhanarajata and his successors (1958-1980), Bhumibol was reportrayed as the "Development King," and appropriated to the economic and political goals of the regime. Royally-initiated 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 civilian 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.
During the modern period (post-1988), the structured development of the Royal Projects reached its apex. Bhumibol's Chaipattana Foundation was established, promoting the self-sufficient economy theory, an alternative to the export-oriented policies adopted by the period's elected governments.
[edit] Awards
In May 2006, UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, presented the United Nations' first Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award to Bhumibol.<ref>With new Human Development award, Annan hails Thai King as example for the world. UN News Center (2006). Retrieved on 05 July, 2006.</ref>
Bhumibol is a recipient of the Royal Victorian Chain, a personal award of the British Monarch.
Bhumibol, who serves as head of The National Scout Organization of Thailand, was presented the Bronze Wolf award on June 20, 2006, World Organization of the Scout Movement's highest award, for his support and development of Scouting in Thailand by Carl XVI Gustav, King of Sweden and Honourary 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.<ref>His Majesty The King of Thailand awarded the Bronze Wolf. World Organization of the Scout Movement (2006). Retrieved on 05 July, 2006.</ref>
Bhumibol set a world record for receiving the greatest number of honorary university degrees (136) in 1997.<ref>Handley, Paul M. (2006). The King Never Smiles. Yale University Press, Page 417. ISBN 0-300-10682-3.</ref> Most of his degrees came from Thai universities: for instance, Kasetsart University awarded him ten honorary doctoral degrees at once.
[edit] 60th Anniversary celebrations
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,<ref>Pinyorat, Rungrawee C. (2006). Millions of Thai honor king. Boston.com News, Associated Press. Retrieved on 05 July, 2006.</ref> concerts and dance performances. Tied in with the anniversary, on May 26, 2006 United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan presented Bhumibol with the United Nations Development Programme's first Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award. National holidays were on June 9 and June 12–13, 2006. On June 9, 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 June 12 was attended by the King and Queen and royal visitors from 26 other countries. On June 13, a state banquet for the royal visitors was held in the new Rama IX Throne Hall at the Grand Palace, the first official function for the hall. All the Thai television channels were tuned to this historical event, preempting coverage of the FIFA World Cup.[citation needed]
[edit] Private life
Bhumibol is an accomplished jazz musician and composer. He was awarded honorary membership of the Vienna Institute of Music and Arts at the age of 32. 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 and Maynard Ferguson. His songs can often be heard at social gatherings and are performed in concerts. They can be listened to here.
Bhumibol is also a painter, photographer, author and translator. His book Phra Mahachanok is based on a traditional Jataka story of Buddhist scripture. The Story of Thong Daeng is the story of his dog Thong Daeng. He is also the only Thai monarch—and possibly the only monarch in the world, to hold a patent;<ref>Long Live The King!. Bangkokker (2006-06-09). Retrieved on 2006-08-17.</ref><ref>H.M. Biography. Assumption University (2006-06-09). Retrieved on 2006-08-17.</ref> holding 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>Thai king's patent to make rain. BBC News (2003-05-27). Retrieved on 2006-08-14.</ref><ref>Weather Modification by Royal Rainmaking Technology. 60th Celebrations (2006-07-17). Retrieved on 2006-08-14.</ref><ref>Thai King gets rainmaking patent. 60th Celebrations (2006-06-09). Retrieved on 2006-08-14.</ref>
In his youth, Prince Bhumibol was greatly interested in firearms.<ref>Handley, Paul M. (2006). The King Never Smiles. Yale University Press, Page 70. ISBN 0-300-10682-3.</ref> He kept a carbine, a Sten gun, and two automatic pistols in his bedroom, and he and brother, King Ananda Mahidol, often used the gardens of the Baromphiman Palace for target practice.
Bhumibol suffers from lumbar spine 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>Doctors to Permfom Surgery on Thai king, 78. Bangkok Post. Retrieved on 20 July, 2006.</ref><ref>Doctors to perform surgery to cure lumbar spine stenosis for His Majesty. Breaking News. The Nation. Retrieved on 20 July, 2006.</ref>
[edit] Sailing
Bhumibol is an accomplished sailor and sailboat designer.<ref>The Heart for Art. Bangkok Post (Feb 6, 2006). Retrieved on 20 July, 2006.</ref> He won a gold medal for sailing in the Fourth Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games in 1967, together with HRH Princess Ubol Ratana who he tied for points.<ref>Cummins, Peter (Dec 2004). His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great: Monarch of Peace and Unity. Chiang Mai Mail. Retrieved on 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 60 nautical miles in a 14-hour journey on the "Vega 1", an OK Class dinghy he built.
Like his father, a former 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”.
[edit] Wealth
Bhumibol is one of the wealthiest men in the world. Estimates of the post-devaluation wealth of the royal household range from 2 billion to 8 billion USD (approx. 80 - 320 billion THB).<ref>Horn, Robert (December 06, 1999). The Banker Who Saved A King. Time Asia. Retrieved on 05 July, 2006.</ref> Bhumibol's assets, the Thai royal household, and palace properties are managed by the Crown Property Bureau (CPB) and Privy Purse. The CPB was established by the Constitution but is independent of the Thai Government. Through the CPB, Bhumibol owns equity in many companies, including Siam Cement (the largest Thai industrial conglomerate), Christiani & Nielsen (one of the largest construction firms), Siam Commercial Bank (one of the largest banks). The CPB 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 Central World Tower. He also receives fees from public appearances and his presence in university graduation ceremonies.<ref>Giles Ji Ungpakorn, The Monarchy in Modern Thailand: Invented Tradition or Ancient Institution?, Paper given at the 9th Thai Studies Conference, University of Northern Illinois in April 2005</ref>
[edit] Biographies
American 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."<ref>Warrick-Alexander, James (February 06, 2006). Thailand Bars Univ. Website. Yale Daily News. Retrieved on 05 July, 2006.</ref> The book provides a detailed discussion of Bhumibol's role in Thai political history and also analyses 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.<ref>Stevenson, William (2001). The Revolutionary King. Constable and Robinson. ISBN 1-84119-451-4.</ref> An article in Time says the idea for the book was suggested by Bhumibol.<ref name="Time magazine">McCarthy, Terry (December 06, 1999). The King and Ire. Time Asia. Retrieved on 05 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 Royal Household Bureau has warned the Thai media about even referring to it in print. (an official ban was not possible as it was written with the Royal blessing). The book has been criticised for factual inaccuracies, disrespecting Bhumibol (it refers to Bhumibol by his family 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" />
[edit] Succession to the throne
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 December 28, 1972 and made heir apparent to the throne in accordance with the Palace Law on Succession of 1924.
On December 5, 1977, Princess Sirindhorn was given the title, "Sayam Boromrajakumari" (Royal Princess 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>Biography of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The Golden Jubilee Network (2004). Retrieved on 05 July, 2006.</ref>
Although the constitution was later amended to allow the 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 current 1997 "People's Constitution." This effectively signalled Princess Sirindhorn as 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 Palace Law of Succession the sole prerogative of the reigning King. According to Gothom Arya, 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>Aryan, Gothan (September 15-16, 2004). Thai Monarchy (PDF). International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. Retrieved on 05 July, 2006. presented in Kathmandu, Nepal</ref>
[edit] See also
- The Golden Jubilee, the largest faceted diamond in the world, was presented to King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the 50th anniversary of his coronation.
- History of Thailand (1932-1973)
- History of Thailand since 1973
- Public Holidays in Thailand
- Thai royal and noble titles
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- The Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne - official website for the Diamond Jubilee
- A Visionary Monarch - provides a lot of insights on his visions and contributions to the country.
- The Golden Jubilee Network - has many subjects on Bhumibol, including his projects, speeches, and his royal new year card.
- Office of the Royal Development Projects Board
- Supreme Artist - see works of art created by Bhumibol.
- The King's Birthplace
- Thai monarchy
- Thailand’s Guiding Light
- Thailand: How a 700-Year-Old System of Government Functions - article by David Lamb (LA Times staff writer) on Bhumibol
- Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (1997) - Chapter 2 details the King's prerogatives and obligations, as well as matters relating to succession
- "'The King Never Smiles': L'etat, c'est moi", Sreeram Chaulia, worldpress.org, October 4, 2006
| Preceded by: Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) | King of Thailand June 9,1946 – present | Incumbent |
| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| NAME | Adulyadej, Bhumibol |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Rama IX, the Ninth Rama, King Bhumipol |
| SHORT DESCRIPTION | King of Thailand |
| DATE OF BIRTH | December 05, 1927 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America |
| DATE OF DEATH | |
| PLACE OF DEATH | |
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