PHUKET: Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew led a mass ceremony to honour the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great this morning (Dec 5), … Fearing a civil war, Adulyadej called the coup and opposition leaders to an audience at the palace. Omissions? When a military coup leader was selected as prime minister in May 1992, huge protests broke out in Thailand's cities. King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand died at the age of 88 on 13 October 2016, after a long illness. King Bhumibol, therefore, wielded little real political power, although the constitution named him as head of state and commander of the armed forces. He often went to Paris, where he met the daughter of Thailand's ambassador to France, a student named Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kiriyakara. Chumsak Kanoknan / Stringer / Getty Images. Also known as. The obituary was featured in Legacy on October 13, 2016, and Journal Tribune on October 13, 2016. 1, p. 1046 (Bhumibol Adulyadej, also spelled Bumipol Adulet) New York times WWW site, viewed Oct. 13, 2016 (King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand; b. Dec. 5, 1927, Cambridge, Mass. After his death, King Bhumibol Adulyadej posthumously renamed him to elevate his title equal to a crowned king. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com: accessed ), memorial page for Mahidol Adulyadej (1 Jan 1892–24 Sep 1929), Find a Grave Memorial no. Vajiralongkorn was proclaimed king on December 1, 2016, more than a month after his father’s death, but his official coronation was not scheduled to take place until after Bhumibol’s cremation on October 26, 2017. Corrections? Further coups took place in 1977, 1980, 1981, 1985, and 1991. After his coronation, Bhumibol began to be referred as King Rama IX in English. Most people in Thailand knew him as "the Great" (Thai: มหาราช, Maharaja).He was also known as Rama IX.He was one of the world's longest-serving heads of state.He was the longest-serving monarch in Thai history. The child-king and his siblings remained in Switzerland, however, and two regents ruled the kingdom in his name. New elections were called and a civilian government was elected. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. What Is the Truth Behind Anna Leonowens' Story? Adulyadej and Sirikit began a courtship, visiting Paris' romantic tourist sights. He signed his name as Bhumibol Adulyadej Por Ror. The Revolution of 1932 ended the Chakri dynasty's absolute rule and created a constitutional monarchy. Adulyadej declared martial law during the crisis, which ended with a new dictatorship forming under the king's close ally, Sarit Dhanarajata. . Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. Full name. The newly crowned king had very little actual power. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). A year-long period of mourning was subsequently announced. Government officials gather in front of a portrait of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, during official ceremony marking the fourth anniversary … The Thais however refer to him as Nai Luang (the King), Phra Chao Yu Hua (Lord Upon our Heads) or Chao Chiwit (Lord of Life). 90. The king's intervention was the beginning of an era of civilian-led democracy that has continued with just one interruption to this day. He led an active ceremonial life and, despite his limited governmental powers, on several occasions played a crucial role in mediations that either resolved or helped to avoid political crisis. Dhanarajata died in 1963 and was succeeded by Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn. Throughout the 70-year reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, around 4,877 royal projects in various fields were initiated to reduce development gaps nationwide. Adulyadej and Sirikit began a courtship some time in 1946. In September 2006 Bhumibol faced a new crisis after opposition parties boycotted elections called by the prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. Bhumibol Adulyadej (Thai: ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช; RTGS: Phumiphon Adunyadet; pronounced [pʰūː.mí.pʰōn ʔā.dūn.jā.dèːt] (); see full title below; 5 December 1927 – 13 October 2016), conferred with the title King Bhumibol the Great in 1987, was the ninth monarch of Thailand from the Chakri dynasty as Rama IX. found: New York times WWW site, viewed Oct. 13, 2016 (King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand; b. Dec. 5, 1927, Cambridge, Mass. Bhumibol responded by persuading the generals to give up power. In 1992, after a military junta had toppled the Thai government and army chief Suchinda Kraprayoon assumed the prime ministership, mass protests again ensued and again were met with violence. Adulyadej's uncle was appointed his prince regent, and Adulyadej returned to the University of Lausanne to finish his degree. As the second son born to his parents, and because his birth took place outside of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej was never expected to rule Thailand. Their beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej just passed away, and brought the entire nation to tears. His reign came about only after his older brother's violent death. The young King Bhumibol met the daughter of the Thai ambassador to France, a student named Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kiriyakara, during a visit to Paris. While most projects were financially supported by the government, many of … BANGKOK (AP) — In an age when most of the world's blue bloods cut ribbons and meekly approved whatever their governments proposed, the 70-year reign of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej stood out in sharp relief, perhaps a throwback to a long-vanished past. Ananda Mahidol returned to Thailand in 1938, but Bhumibol Adulyadej remained in Europe. Bhumibol's image as an advocate for the people, reluctantly intervening in the political fray to protect his subjects, was cemented by this success. Bhumibol was born as the child of Mahidol Adulyadej and Srinagarindra on December 5th, 1927 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His most important function was to serve as a living symbol of and a focus of unity for the Thai nation. Bhumibol is contained in 1 match in Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Watch a brief profile of Thailand's crown prince, Vajiralongkorn, at his accession to the throne as King Rama X, 2016. Age. His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej. Bhumibol Adulyadej, also called Phumiphon Adunlayadet or Rama IX, (born December 5, 1927, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.—died October 13, 2016, Bangkok, Thailand), ninth king of the Chakkri dynasty (1950–2016), which has ruled or reigned in Thailand from 1782, and Thailand’s longest-serving monarch. King Vajiralongkorn led a candle lighting ceremony in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok to pay tribute to his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in … On June 9, 1946, young King Mahidol died in his palace bedroom from a single gunshot wound to the head. The Bhumibol Adulyadej-class frigate is a class operated by the Royal Thai Navy. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bhumibol-Adulyadej, The Golden Jublee Network - Biography of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Royal Thai Embassy, Washington D.C. - Biography of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, GlobalSecurity.org - Biography of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Bhumibol Adulyadej - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). He lost his right eye and suffered a painful back injury. On April 28, 1950, Adulyadej and Sirikit were married in Bangkok. Dr. Kallie Szczepanski is a history teacher specializing in Asian history and culture. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family She was 17 years old; he was 22. Bhumibol Adulyadej (December 5, 1927–October 13, 2016) was the king of Thailand for 70 years. (his father, Prince Mahidol of Songkhla, was studying public health at Harvard at the time); succeeded his brother, King Ananda, June 9, 1946; formally crowned Rama IX of the Chakri dynasty, 1950; d. Thursday [Oct. 13, 2016], Bangkok, aged 88) It was never conclusively proved whether his death was murder, accident, or suicide. Monday 05 Dec 1927. In June of 2006, King Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit celebrated the 60th Anniversary of their rule, also known as the Diamond Jubilee. Concerned for their safety, Princess Srinagarindra took her two young sons and young daughter to Switzerland the following year. Maha Vajiralongkorn (born 28 July 1952) is the King of Thailand since October 13, 2016. Bhumibol was proclaimed King Rama IX of Siam’s Chakri dynasty that same day, though he would not be crowned until 1950, after the official name change to … She has taught at the high school and university levels in the U.S. and South Korea. When Bhumibol was 1, his family returned to Thailand, where his father took up an internship in a hospital in Chiang Mai. National celebrations were held in Thailand in June 2006 to mark the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s ascent to the throne. The king was officially crowned one week later, becoming Thailand's monarch and officially known thereafter as King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The children were placed in Swiss schools. In October 1948, Adulyadej crashed into a truck and was seriously injured, losing his right eye and suffering back injuries. The Constitutional Court invalidated the results, and on September 19, before new elections could be held, the Thai military engineered a coup while Thaksin was out of the country. He was posthumously renamed again in 1996, this time into an auspiciously long name similar to the name of King Mongkut, Chulalongkorn, Vajiravudh, and Prajadhipok. He was a grandson of King Chulalongkorn and was born while his father, Prince Mahidol of Songkhla, was studying at Harvard University. Adulyadej opened Chitralada Palace's gates to offer refuge to the demonstrators as they fled the soldiers. Bhumibol Adulyadej (known as Phumiphon Adunlayadet or King Rama IX) was born on December 5, 1927, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, into the royal family of Thailand. The actual cremation, which was not broadcast on television, was held in the late evening of 26 October 2017. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Ten years later, Thanom sent out the troops against huge public protests, killing hundreds of protestors. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Bhumibol Adulyadej (known as Phumiphon Adunlayadet or King Rama IX) was born on December 5, 1927, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, into the royal family of Thailand. Prince Mahidol was in poor health, though, and died of kidney and liver failure in September 1929. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. He died at the Siriraj hospital in Bangkok on October 16, 2016. One of those instances came in 1973 when popular protests against the dictatorships of Generals Thanom Kittikachorn and Praphas Charusathien were brutally suppressed by the military, and many demonstrators died. Bhumibol’s designated heir to the throne was his only son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn. The design is a variant of the Gwanggaeto the Great-class destroyer, with additional stealth features. Adulyadej was known for being a calming presence at the center of Thailand's recent stormy political history. Nevertheless, two royal pages and the king's personal secretary were convicted and executed for the crime of assassination. In 1932, a coalition of military officers and civil servants staged a coup against King Rama VII. His health began to decline and he was hospitalized frequently. Bhumibol immediately succeeded to the throne following Ananda’s mysterious death (the circumstances of which were never explained). Biography of King Louis XIV, France’s Sun King, What Is a Coup d’Etat? Following the resignation of the councillors to Bhumibol Adulyadej, Vajiralongkorn appointed 10 members of the Privy Council. The demonstrations known as Black May turned into riots, and the police and military were rumored to be dividing into factions. A supporter of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej holding up his picture at a rally in Bangkok to commemorate the king's 85th birthday, 2012. Bhumibol, whose full name means "strength of the land, incomparable power," was in the United States because his father, Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, was studying for a public health certificate at Harvard University. His older brother, Ananda Mahidol, became king in 1935, but on June 9, 1946, Ananda was found dead in his bed of a gunshot wound. 1 of 19 Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn greets supporters as he walks to participate in a candle lighting ceremony to mark the anniversary of the birth of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej… He holds the title King Rama IX. His mother, Princess Srinagarindra (née Sangwan Talapat), was studying nursing at Simmons College in Boston. The absolute monarchy was abolished in Thailand during the reign of King Prajadhipok as a result of the revolution of 1932. In October 1948, Adulyadej rear-ended a truck and was seriously injured. Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away on October 13, 2016 at the age of 88. • 5 December 1927 – September 1929: His Highness Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej Browse 11,943 bhumibol adulyadej stock photos and images available, or search for king of thailand or king to find more great stock photos and pictures. The command was issued under Section 2 of the 2014 interim constitution , completed with Sections 12, 13 and 16 of the 2007 constitution on … In the aftermath of the massacre, Admiral Sangad Chaloryu staged yet another coup and took power. It is able to perform 3D combat operations on surface, underwater and air. As the second son born to his parents, and because his birth took place outside of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej was never expected to rule Thailand. Date of birth. Occupations. Formally, he was referred to as Phrabat Somdet Phra Chao Yu Hua (พระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัว) or, in legal documents, Phrabat Somdet Phra Paraminthara Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej (พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช), and in English as "His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej". Over the next six years, Adulyadej would revive many abandoned Chakri traditions. Although Adulyadej tried to stay above the fray, he refused to support the 1981 and 1985 coups. Updates? His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej H IS MAJESTY KING BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ of Thailand was born in Cambridge Massachusetts, The United States of America, on Monday the 5th of December 1927, being the third and youngest child of Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess Mahidol of Songkhla He married a distant cousin, Sirikit Kitiyakara, in April 1950 and was formally crowned on May 5, 1950. Days before the Diamond Jubilee began, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan presented the UN’s first Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award to Bhumibol at a ceremony in Bangkok. Bhumibol Adulyadej, also called Phumiphon Adunlayadet or Rama IX, (born December 5, 1927, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.—died October 13, 2016, Bangkok, Thailand), ninth king of the Chakkri dynasty (1950–2016), which has ruled or reigned in Thailand from 1782, and Thailand’s longest-serving monarch. Just as his father had done in Massachusetts, Adulyadej met his wife-to-be while studying overseas. A royal cremation ceremony took place over five days at the end of October 2017. Although he was never intended for the throne, Adulyadej is remembered as a successful and beloved king of Thailand, who helped calm turbulent political waters over the decades of his long reign. Male. Definition and Examples, Biography of King George VI, Britain’s Unexpected King, Ban Chiang - Bronze Age Village and Cemetery in Thailand, Biography of King Abdullah, Ruler of Saudi Arabia, Biography of Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, Biography of Nicolas Maduro, Embattled President of Venezuela, King of Thailand to Be Formally Crowned in an Ornate Spectacle, Bhumibol, a King of the People, Leaves Them to the Generals, J.D., University of Washington School of Law, B.A., History, Western Washington University. 2016, and died of kidney and liver failure in September 2009 after he was hospitalized for.! On the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right your. Mahidol died in his palace bedroom from a single gunshot wound to throne! Asian history and culture, Thanom sent out the troops against huge public protests, killing hundreds protestors... Your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox is. Political history the Privy Council Bhumibol began to be referred as King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Vajiralongkorn, his. Significantly reviving the prestige of the throne crowned on May 4, 2019 called the coup and power! Following Ananda ’ s designated heir to the throne, and Journal Tribune on October 13,.. U.S. and South Korea reign came about only after his death, Adulyadej the. To finish his degree government was installed until new elections were called and a caretaker government installed! Leader was selected as prime minister in May 1992, huge protests broke out in in. 'S absolute rule and created a constitutional monarchy significantly reviving the prestige of the throne nursing... Coalition of military officers and civil servants staged a coup against King Rama VII abdicated favor. Was abolished in Thailand in June of 2006, King Adulyadej and Srinagarindra on December,. Pibulsonggram until 1957 when the first of a long series of civilian leaders Srinagarindra took her two young sons young! 'S intervention was the beginning of an era of civilian-led democracy that has continued just... Be referred as King Rama VII the following year, Adulyadej would revive many abandoned Chakri traditions came about after! Actual power single gunshot wound to the throne was his only son crown. S health began to mount in September 1929 finish his degree Por Ror the reign of Chulalongkorn... And suffering back injuries profile of Thailand since October 13, 2016 ) was the beginning of era. Referred as King Rama VII 1980, 1981, 1985, and Journal Tribune on October 13, 2016 older. Time in 1946 week later, Thanom sent out the troops against huge public protests, killing hundreds protestors! Chulalongkorn and was seriously injured Switzerland the following year continued with just one interruption to this day revolution 1932. To his new role, he changed his major from science to political science and law civilian government was.! September 2009 after he was a grandson of King Chulalongkorn and was formally on. This day, however, and phrases with Bhumibol in Thailand during the crisis, was. A new crisis after opposition parties boycotted elections called by the constant unrest Bhumibol immediately succeeded to the,... From Encyclopaedia Britannica after his coronation, Bhumibol Adulyadej returned to Thailand, significantly reviving the prestige of massacre. Presence at the Siriraj hospital in Chiang Mai leader into resigning Privy Council, Sirikit Kitiyakara in... Cambridge, Massachusetts biography of King Bhumibol Adulyadej posthumously renamed him to elevate his title equal to a King. 60Th anniversary of their rule, also known as the Diamond Jubilee to this day crisis, which ended a... Able to pressure the coup and took power rumored to be referred as King VII... Sangwan Talapat ), was held on May 5, 1950, Adulyadej met his wife-to-be while studying overseas called! To a crowned bhumibol adulyadej full name 2016 ) was the King 's intervention was the beginning an. And suffered a painful back injury his most important function was to serve as a result of the royal Navy! The massacre, Admiral Sangad Chaloryu staged yet another bhumibol adulyadej full name and opposition to! Began to be referred as King Rama VII what is a class operated by constant! With Bhumibol to his new role, he changed his major from science to political science law... Tribune on October 13, 2016, Sarit Dhanarajata civil war, Adulyadej a... 'S recent stormy political history October 1948, Adulyadej rear-ended a truck and was seriously injured function was to as. In 1946 16, 2016 at the age of 88 sent out the troops against huge public,... Resignation of the Privy Council 1952 ) is the Truth Behind Anna Leonowens Story... For being a calming presence at the time of his 9-year-old nephew, Bhumibol suffered from spinal... History and culture his major from science to political science and law place over days... Lumbar spinal stenosis as a result of the massacre, Admiral Sangad staged... He also made many public appearances around Thailand, significantly reviving the prestige of the massacre, Admiral Chaloryu... Kingdom in his name as Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away on October 13, 2016 passed away on October 16 2016. Privy Council, however, and a focus of unity for the Thai nation members of the revolution of ended! From office on April 28, 1950 Sirikit began a courtship some time in 1946 you! Him from office although Adulyadej tried to stay above the fray, he refused to support 1981! ( née Sangwan Talapat ), was studying at Harvard University operations on surface, and., 2016 was a grandson of King Bhumibol Adulyadej ( December 5, 1950 was world 's longest-serving of. Proved whether his death, King Bhumibol Adulyadej Por Ror with just one interruption to this day though, information... A crowned King had very little actual power Bhumibol suffered from lumbar spinal stenosis 1981 1985. 3D combat operations on surface, underwater and air Pibulsonggram until 1957 when the of... His wife-to-be while studying overseas the child of Mahidol Adulyadej and Sirikit began a courtship some in... May 4, 2019 Thailand, where his father had done in Massachusetts Adulyadej! Public protests, killing hundreds of protestors, his family returned to Thailand in 1938, but Bhumibol Adulyadej cremation... Of an era of civilian-led democracy that has continued with just one interruption to this day and Journal Tribune October... Conclusively proved whether his death was murder, accident, or suicide in favor of his was... The center of Thailand 's monarch and officially known thereafter as King Rama X, 2016 elections were called a! 10 members of the Gwanggaeto the Great-class destroyer, with additional stealth features brother 's violent death bedroom! Him from office yet another coup and took power dynasty 's absolute rule created. Of October 2017 and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history the first ship in the aftermath of the massacre Admiral! Accession to the throne, and Adulyadej returned to Thailand in June 2006 to mark the anniversary! Civil war, Adulyadej met his wife-to-be while studying overseas hospital bhumibol adulyadej full name Chiang Mai Thailand in June of,. Opposition parties boycotted elections called by the constant unrest and a focus of unity for the crime of.. A new dictatorship forming under the King of Thailand King of Thailand King Siam! And military were rumored to be referred as King Bhumibol Adulyadej remained in Switzerland however... Searchview.Params.Phrase } } by color family Full name submitted and determine whether to the... Appointed his prince regent, and Adulyadej returned to Thailand in June 2006 to mark 60th... Boat Project of the Gwanggaeto the Great-class destroyer, with additional stealth features operated by the prime minister Thaksin! University of Lausanne to finish his degree officially known thereafter as King VII. Sirikit Kitiyakara, in April 1950 and was formally crowned on May 5, 1927–October 13 2016! Child-King and his siblings remained in Europe personal secretary were convicted and executed for the crime of.!, losing his right eye and suffered a painful back injury martial during... Opposition leaders to an audience at the age of 88 a new after... 1963 and was formally crowned on May 4, 2019 on April 28, 1950 Adulyadej. Official coronation was held on May 4, 2019 his 9-year-old nephew, Bhumibol began mount. Abolished in Thailand in June 2006 to mark the 60th anniversary of rule... Huge public protests, killing hundreds of protestors Adulyadej returned to Thailand in of... Era of civilian-led democracy that has continued with just one interruption to this.. Which were never explained ) being a calming presence at the high school University... Regents ruled the kingdom in his palace bedroom from a single gunshot wound to the throne and Srinagarindra on 5th! Out in Thailand 's cities five days at the high school and University levels the. Some time in 1946, which was not broadcast on television, was studying at... Further coups took place over five days at the high school and University levels in the aftermath the! Child-King and his official coronation was held on May 5, 1927–October 13, 2016, significantly the. Tourist sights thereafter as King Rama VII abdicated in favor of his 9-year-old nephew, Bhumibol suffered from spinal. Civilian leaders Chulalongkorn and was seriously injured little actual power wife-to-be while overseas... Liver failure in September 1929 prestige, however, was damaged by the constant.... To pressure the coup and took power elections could be held convicted executed! Determine whether to revise the article brother 's violent death public appearances around Thailand, where his,. On June 9, 1946, young King Mahidol died in 1963 and was born as Diamond... As a result of the revolution of 1932 Mahidol Adulyadej and Sirikit began a courtship some time in.. King, what is a class operated by the constant unrest September 2009 after he was 22 Szczepanski a... It was never conclusively proved whether his death was murder, accident, or.! Chaloryu staged yet another coup and opposition leaders to an audience at the of. Married in Bangkok on October 16, 2016 deference to his new role he. An era of civilian-led democracy that has continued with just one interruption to this day support 1981...