The King of Thailand, His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, the longest reigning monarch in the world, is no more. His Majesty passed away on 13 October 2016 at the age of 89 years.
His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej (Bhumipala Athulatheja) Rama IX has been the unchallenged constitutional monarch of Thailand since 1946 – the longest serving monarch in the world.
The institution of monarchy in Thailand goes back to more than seven hundred years. However, the aftermath of the revolution in 1932 saw the end to the monarchy in the absolute form but the Constitutional Monarchy that continued thereafter, was as powerful and was the country’s unifying force. That resulted due to King Bhumibol’s principled leadership and commitment to the cause of the people of Thailand – their happiness and prosperity.
Born to western educated parents, Prince Mohidol Adulyadej and Princess Srinagarindra on 5 December 1927, in Cambridge, United Status of America, Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej was educated in Switzerland. He was the youngest of three children – a girl and two boys. His elder sister is Princess Galyani Vadhana and his elder brother was late King Ananda Mohidol. On the passing away of Prince Mohidol Adulyadhej, his father, the Princess’ mother Srinagarindra, brought up the three children taking up residence in Switzerland, leading a simple and disciplined life, training the children to be self – reliant with a humane touch, placing emphasis on self-sacrifice and selflessness. That upbringing, no doubt, helped the future King to acquire qualities to become the most beloved Thai Monarch, ever.
Prince Bhumibol qualified in Political Science and Law, mastered jazz music, turned out to be a multi – instrumentalist and a music composer. In his younger days he excelled in sailing, water – skiing and badminton. He gained expertise in photography cinematography and oil painting.
He succeeded in designing and construction as well. In addition to Thai, he is fluent in English, French and German. His Majesty got engaged to Mom Rajawongsa Sirikit, daughter of Prince Chandaburi Suranath on 19 July 1949 and married on 28 April 1950. They were blessed with four children.
On the passing away of his elder brother King Ananda Mohidol, on 9 June 1946, Prince Bhumibol found himself bestowed with the Thai Crown. He was officially crowned at a Coronation Ceremony held on 5 May 1950. Thailand, during the Kingship of King Bhumibol Adulyadej was not smooth sailing. Political upheavals, problems created by Communists, Islamists and elements opposed to Government, were many and long drawn.
There were 13 coups, bloody and violent clashes between the red and yellow shirts that disturbed the peace and tranquillity of the nation. His Majesty faced all of them calmly, handled the situations with political skill guided by Buddhist Principles. He led the country to safety maintaining the unity of the people. The King lived in the hearts of the people of Thailand, revered as a Deity.
The King at his Royal Coronation Ceremony pronounced the oath ‘we shall reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people’. And he has done just that. He brought the Monarchy into direct contact with the people, in remote villages, improvised regions and cities.
He visited remote areas with the royal family, spoke to the people to come to know the hardships faced by them and find immediate solutions to the problems.
His untiring efforts towards poverty alleviation and improve living standards impacted on the people.
The King’s foresight and dedicated work introducing over 2,500 Royal Development Projects contributed to the well-being and happiness of the people and security and stability of Thailand.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej reigned as the unchallenged Constitutional Monarch for 70 years taking the country forward towards economic growth, bringing happiness and prosperity to the people.
His Majesty’s passing is an irreparable loss to the people of Thailand.
May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana.
Upali S. Jayasekera
Honorary Secretary
Sri Lanka Thailand Society.