The Longest-Reigning Current Monarchs around the World - WorldAtlas.com World Facts The Longest-Reigning Current Monarchs around the World The living monarchs with the longest reigns today hail from all parts of the world, from Europe to the Middle East and Asia. Depictions of past Thai monarchs are displayed at the Thai Human Imagery Museum. The country's current King is the longest reigning current monarch in the world. The course of governmental history around our globe has been largely characterized by concentrated powers. Leaders of the past have largely been men and women who have ruled their respective dominions from around the world with absolute authority. However, as times have changed and most countries have moved towards more democratic means of governance, most reigning monarchs have had their powers greatly reduced or removed altogether, leaving most major decisions to be decided by democratically elected officials. A number of countries, however, have maintained ceremonial monarchs as figureheads to preserve longstanding aspects iconic of their respective histories and cultures. The succession line in most monarchies is pretty much clear cut from the first in line to the last in line, with most monarchs reigning for very long periods, often until their death.

In a few circumstances one may find those who have abdicated their thrones due to old age, poor health, or personal reasons, and others who have been removed forcibly by way of coups administered by their rivals. With longevity of rule in mind, below we list the current monarchs with the longest uninterrupted reigns, whether they are ceremonial figures or absolute authorities. 10. Ahmad Shah of Pahang, Malaysia - 41 Years, 125 Days Ahmad Shah is the fifth and current reigning Sultan of Pahang in Malaysia. He was previously the 7th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of the country between 1979 and 1984. October 24th, 1930 was the day he was born, as the only son to Sultan Abu Shah and his official royal consort. He has served as the Sultan of Pahang since the 8th of May, 1974, following the passing on of his father, who was 69 years of age at the time.

He is designated to serve as the Sultan of Pahang for life and, in the event of his demise, the next in line would take over control of the sultanate. 9. Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden - 42 Years, 128 Days He is the currently reigning Swedish King. He assumed the reigns of the kingdom at the young age of 27 years old following the demise of Gustaf VI Adolf, his grandfather, on the 15th of September, 1973. His father, who would have been next in line to the throne, perished in a plane crush when he was just a year old. He adopted the title "King of Sweden", breaking the centuries-old tradition held by his predecessors of being given the much longer title of "By the Grace of God King of the Swedes, the Goths/Geats and the Wends." He is among the longest reigning current monarchs having been king for 42 years. He has been considered among the most modernized royals of the 20th century, especially after he picked the slogan "For Sweden with the times." 8.

Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi III of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates - 43 Years, 361 Days He belongs to the Supreme Governing Council of the United Arab Emirates, and is also the present ruler of the Sharjah Emirate. He has reigned since the 25th of January, 1972, when the ruler in place at the time was assassinated in an attempted coup. At this time, he was only 32 years of age. He is the 18th Sultan of the Sharjah Emirate, in a succession of Al-Qasimi sultans that can be traced to as far back as the seventeenth century. His reign has largely been uneventful, with the sultanate experiencing peace and stability throughout his reign. 7. Margrethe II of Denmark - 44 Years, 7 Days Margrethe II is the reigning Queen of Denmark. She is the Commander in Chief of the defense forces of Denmark, and also the supreme leader of Church of Denmark. Nonetheless, she is only a constitutional monarch, and makes no political decisions. She is from the House of Glucksberg, which originally came from North Germany.

She took the reins of the monarchy when her father, King Fredrick IX, died on the 14th of January, 1972. She is the longest reigning among the three Scandinavian monarchs. Having been born in 1940, she only became a presumptive heir in 1953 after an amendment of the constitution. She will be the reigning monarch as long as she lives, unless she decides to abdicate her throne, upon which the next in line would ascend to it. 6. Qaboos bin Said al Said of Oman - 45 Years, 182 Days The current Sultan of Oman climbed to power after overthrowing his father in a palace coup in the year 1970. He is the fourteenth descendant of the Al Bu Sa'idi dynasty's founder. After overthrowing his father on the 23rd of July, 1970 with the goal of bringing to an end the country's isolationist policies, he established an absolute monarchy. When he became Sultan, he declared that the nation would not be referred to as "Muscat and Oman" anymore, but the "Sultanate of Oman" instead.

His reign has been characterized by a remarkable transformation of the country into one that today has a thriving health sector, good roads, free education, and widespread access to utilities such as electricity and running water. Oman is among the most stable countries in the Middle East, with the Sultan maintaining close ties with both the US and Britain. Qaboos has no sons and, in the event of his demise, the royal family is mandated to pick a successor within three days. If they fail to agree within this time, a letter written by the Sultan containing his preferred choice would then be opened. 5. Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu of the Zulu, South Africa - 47 Years, 126 Days The country of South Africa is headed by a president who is the leader of government. However, the traditional leaders of its original peoples are still valued and recognized in a constitutional clause. The Zulu people make up the Zulu Kingdom, which is ruled over by a traditional king. Goodwill Zwelithini is the current ruling Zulu nation monarch, a role he's been holding since the demise of his father in 1968.

In order to avoid assassination, he went into hiding for a period of three years (1968-1971) as Prince Israel Mcwayizeni kaSolomon acted as the king regent. He is the eighth Zulu kingdom monarch, and will continue to rule the kingdom until his death or, if he chooses, abdication. 4. Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei - 48 Years, 109 Days He is the twenty-ninth and current reigning Sultan of Brunei, one of the few remaining absolute monarchies. He was born on the 15th of July, 1946 as the eldest son of Sir Omar Ali III. Brunei experimented with democracy after being urged by the British in 1962, an exercise which saw the Brunei People's Party capture nearly all the legislative seats. The party led a revolution against Sultan Omar Ali, Hassanal's father, but with the help of British troops the revolt was crushed. Omar declared a state of emergency, ultimately reassuming absolute powers for the Sultan that endure to this day.

Hassanal rose to reign over the sultanate on the 4th of October in 1967, after his father abdicated in a desperate attempt to resist the concurrent clamors for democracy and pressures from communists. Omar Ali III went on to rule away from the public eye until he had a disagreement with his son and the army pledged allegiance to Hassanal. After Brunei gained full independence from the British on the 1st of January, 1984, Hassanal declared himself the King, Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense. 3. Abdul Halim of Malaysia - 57 Years, 190 Days Abdul Halim Kedah was born on the 28th of November, 1927. He is the reigning supreme leader of the country of Malaysia, and the 27th and present Sultan of Kedah. Previously, he served as the 5th supreme head of state between 1970- 1975. He is the one person to have ever held the position twice and also the oldest to ever be elected into office.

Abdul Halim Kedah is only one week older than King Bhumibol of Thailand, the current longest reigning monarch. He was the eldest surviving son of Sultan Badlishah, who died in the year 1958. He has been serving as the Sultan of Kedah since the 15th of July, 1958. 2. Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Realms - 63 Years, 349 Days Queen Elizabeth II is the reigning queen of the United Kingdom and the independent members of the commonwealth realm who still ceremonially recognize the British Crown. Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on the 21st of April 1926, she has reigned since the 6th of February, 1952. She rose to the throne when her father died while she was on a trip to Kenya. She was born in London as the eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George the VI and Queen Elizabeth. Her father rose to the throne upon the abdication of her uncle, Edward VIII, whose impending nuptials with a divorced socialite threatened a constitutional crisis.

She is the oldest living monarch of all time in British history. 1. Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX of Thailand - 69 Years, 226 Days Born on the 5th of December in the year 1927, King Rama IX of Thailand has reigned since the 9th of June in 1946. His titular name, Rama IX, stems from the fact that he is the ninth king of the dynasty of Chakri. He is the longest serving among all the current heads of states in the world, the longest reigning monarch in Thailand's history, and also the 10th longest reigning monarch of all time in the world. His uncle, who was childless, was King Rama VII. When he abdicated the throne in 1935, Bhumibol's nine-year-old brother became the new king, and was known as King Rama VIII. Since his family was staying in Switzerland at that time, the affairs of the state were run by a regency council. Bhumibol rose to the throne when his reigning brother died of a gunshot wound on 9th June, 1946.

His official coronation took place on May 5th, 1950. This page was last modified on January 22, 2016. On WorldAtlas.com 1000+ images about The king of Thailand & Royal Family on Pinterest | Old photos, Buddhism and Buddhists Pinterest • The world’s catalog of ideas The king of Thailand & Royal Family 142 Pins21 Followers King of Thailand Rama IX Bhumibol Adulyadej | ThaiMed Posted by Richard Poulin III on May 5, 2008 in ThaiMed , Tour | 4 comments King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the worldâ€™s longest ruling sovereign ascending to the Thai throne in 1946. History of King Bhumibol King Bhumibol Adulyadej was born Monday 5 December 1927 and is the current King and Head of the State of Thailand. Publicly acclaimed “the Great”, he is also known as Rama IX – or the 9th King of the Chakri Dynasty.

Having reigned since 9 June 1946, he is the world’s longest-serving current head of state and the longest-serving monarch in Thai history. Although King Bhumibol is a constitutional monarch, he has made several decisive interventions in Thai politics when there was bloodshed or when Thailand was in turmoil. He was credited with facilitating Thailand’s transition to democracy in the 1990s, although he has supported some military regimes, including Sarit Dhanarajata during the 1960’s and the Council for Democratic Reform in 2006-2008. He has also used his considerable influence to stop military coups, including recent attempts in 1981 and 1985.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Thai full title is “Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Bhumibol Adulyadej Mahitalathibet Ramathibodi Chakkrinaruebodin Sayamminthrathirat Borommanatbophit” (à¸žà¸£à¸°à¸šà¸²à¸—à¸ªà¸¡à¹€à¸”à¹‡à¸ˆà¸žà¸£à¸°à¸›à¸£à¸¡à¸´à¸™à¸—à¸£à¸¡à¸«à¸²à¸ à¸¹à¸¡à¸´à¸žà¸¥à¸­à¸”à¸¸à¸¥à¸¢à¹€à¸”à¸Š à¸¡à¸«à¸´à¸•à¸¥à¸²à¸˜à¸´à¹€à¸šà¸¨à¸£à¸£à¸²à¸¡à¸²à¸˜à¸´à¸šà¸”à¸µ à¸ˆà¸±à¸�

�à¸£à¸µà¸™à¸¤à¸šà¸”à¸´à¸™à¸—à¸£ à¸ªà¸¢à¸²à¸¡à¸´à¸™à¸—à¸£à¸²à¸˜à¸´à¸£à¸²à¸Š à¸šà¸£à¸¡à¸™à¸²à¸–à¸šà¸žà¸´à¸•à¸£) He is reported to be the richest monarch in the world, with a personal net worth of $35 billion.

King Bhumibol has used part of his great wealth to fund many royal development projects, particularly in rural areas of the country; many other projects came about at his suggestion and were funded by the Thai government. In 2006, Bhumibol was presented with United Nations’ first Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been the only recipient of the award to date. Bhumibol has also set a world record for receiving the greatest number of honorary university degrees. Bhumibol ascended to the throne following the death of his brother, King Ananda Mahidol, on 9 June 1946. 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.

He was 21 and she was 15. Bhumibol became a regular visitor to the ambassador’s residence and later married her. Bhumibol and his wife Queen Sirikit have four children: (Formerly HRH) Princess Ubol Ratana, born 5 April 1951 in Lausanne, Switzerland HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, born 28 July 1952 HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, born 2 April 1955 HRH Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, born 4 July 1957 Royal projects Bhumibol has been involved in many social and economic development projects. The nature of his involvement has varied by political regime. 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.

In the military governments of Sarit Dhanarajata and his successors (1958-1980), Bhumibol was reportrayed as the “Development King” and the source of 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 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. Example Projects: Rama VIII Bridge. Suggested by Bhumibol, funded by the government. Huai Ongkod land reform project, Kanchanaburi province. Suggested by Bhumibol, using government-owned land. Royal Medical Team. Bhumibol’s private physicians accompanying him on village tours are encouraged to provide medical care for local residents. In addition, Bhumibol sponsors physicians who volunteer to serve in hospitals in provinces where royal palaces are situated. King Bhumibol Awards In 1960, Bhumibol was a recipient of the Royal Victorian Chain, a personal award of Queen Elizabeth II, the British Monarch. Also on June 28, 1960, President of the United States Dwight D. Eisenhower presented him with the Legion of Merit, Degree of Chief Commander and Bhumibol presented President Eisenhower with the Most Illustrious Order of the Royal House of Chakri.

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. Bhumibol set a world record for receiving the greatest number of honorary university degrees (136) in 1997. In May 2006, UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, presented the United Nations’ first Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award to Bhumibol. 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, concerts and dance performances.

Tied in with the anniversary, on 26 May 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 9 June 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 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 honor 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. Private Life of King Bhumibol Many do not realize that King Bhumibol has many talents.

Bhumibol is a painter, musician, 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. In his youth, Prince Bhumibol was greatly interested in firearms. He kept a carbine, a Sten gun, and two automatic pistols in his bedroom, and he and his elder brother, King Ananda Mahidol, often used the gardens of the Baromphiman Palace for target practice. Music Bhumibol is an accomplished jazz musician and composer, particularly 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. 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 are performed in concerts. Sailing Bhumibol is an accomplished sailor and sailboat designer.

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. 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. 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.” King’s Patent Bhumibol is the only Thai monarch – and possibly the only monarch in the world – to hold a patent.

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. King Bhumibol’s Wealth Estimates of the post-devaluation (circa 1997-1998) wealth of the royal household range from 10 billion to 20 billion USD. In August 2008 the magazine 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. 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. 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.

Through the CPB, Bhumibol and the royal family own massive amounts of land and equity in many companies. 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. Bhumibol’s substantial income from the CPB, estimated to be at least five billion baht in 2004 alone. The CPB receives many state privileges.

Although the Ministry of Finance technically runs the CPB, it is alleged that decisions are made solely by Bhumibol. It is claimed that the CPB’s annual report is for the eyes of Bhumibol alone; the annual report is not released to the public. 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. 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. Among other vehicles, Bhumibol owns two custom-built stretch limousines from LCW Automotive Corp.

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 28 December 1972 and made heir apparent to the throne in accordance with the Palace Law on Succession of 1924. On 5 December 1977, Princess Sirindhorn was given the title, “Siam Boromrajakumari” (Princess Royal of Siam). Her title is often translated by the English-language press as “Crown Princess”, although her official English-language title is simply “Princess”. 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 1997 “People’s Constitution.” This effectively signaled 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. Similar Articles Unavailable, please contact us for more information. 4 Responses to “The Great King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej” Derrick May God guide your mind, body, heart and soul to continue your journey as a strong king and queen to bring about peace in your country. Manny blessings to you and your family and all who struggle in Thailand. God Bless 1000+ images about Long Live the King of Thailand on Pinterest | Mothers, King and Ice hockey Forward Long Live The King. Bhumibol Adulyadej is the reigning King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX. 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.

See More Thailand's King Rama IX nears 70 years - Platinum Jubilee - on the throne Thailand's King Rama IX nears 70 years - Platinum Jubilee - on the throne Welcome to HabboxForum! HabboxForum.com is part of Habbo's oldest fansite, Habbox.com. Here at HabboxForum we offer you a chance to meet fellow Habbos, discuss a wide range of topics and best of all participate in a range of events and competitions in which you could win rares and credits on Habbo.com. Wherever in the world you are, you can take part in this fun by Registering at HabboxForum today! Click here to get involved now or click here for help. This site uses cookies. Some of the cookies we use are essential for parts of the site to operate and have already been set. We also use Google Analytics and Google Adsense scripts, which all use cookies. You may delete and block all cookies from this site, but parts of the site will not work. To find out more about cookies on this website, see our privacy policy. If you continue to browse on this site that means you have agreed to accept cookies from this website.

The Habbox Awards 2016 ~ As the year has come to a close, the 2016 awards now require your voting. Click here to cast your votes! Likes: 0 Thailand Amulets, Buddha amulet from Thailand Thailand celebrates 60 years under a beloved King " I shall reign with righteousness for the happiness and benefit of the Siamese people " His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was barely out of his teens when he made that oath 60 years ago. Comprising only 14 words, the oath was deceptively simple, yet it meant commitment to a life time of sacrifice and hard work for the sake of the Thai people and nation. It has been 21,923 days since His Majesty's accession to the throne, and over the past 60 years he has remained true to his word. Throughout his reign His Majesty has dedicated himself and his whole life to improving the well being and the standard of living of his subjects in all corners of the country. To His Majesty no place is too remote nor too dangerous to visit.

The regional palaces in the North, South and Northeast have served not as places for rest and recreation but as bases for royal visits to the far corners of the Kingdom so that he could see and hear for himself the problems of his subjects. With rational use of the environment and natural resources, and with great wisdom and understanding of the people's needs and sentiments, he has devised countless agricultural and development projects that have made the lives of Thai people, especially farmers and the rural poor, much easier. As a constitutional monarch His Majesty is not involved in politics and the day-to-day running of the country, yet he has done more than anyone else in turning the people's hopes into reality and served as their refuge in times of trouble. This total devotion has earned His Majesty the unreserved love and respect of the people, making him one of the most beloved monarchs in Thailand's 900-year history. On Friday, June 9,2006, His Majesty the King and the whole Thai Kingdom celebrated the 60th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne.

The anniversary was celebrated with pomp and grandeur befitting the people's love for their King: plays, exhibitions and cultural performances were stages and main avenues were decorated and lighted up as tributes to His Majesty. And to express their love, people throughout the Kingdom donned yellow, the colour of His Majesty's day of birth. His Majesty has been the longest reigning monarch in the history of Thailand. The longevity of his reign is, in itself, truly remarkable, yet what is much more significant is the fact that he has bridged the gap between past and present, traditional and modern, symbolic and realistic, and has redefined the role of the monarch into a truly contemporary sense of the word. Long live His Majesty the King! Long may he reign! The royal emblem The royal emblem depicts the Royal Monogram of His Majesty the King in a golden yellow colour, the colour of His Majesty's day of birth. It is trimmed in gold on a blue background, which is the colour of the monarchy, and encircled by diamonds, first of gems, symbolising the sages, scribes, craftsmen, important elephants, graceful ladies, valiant soldiers and courtiers who provide their service to the crown with devout loyalty and honesty comparable to diamonds.

His Majesty himself is the most precious diamond in the hearts of the people made up of diverse races and religions. The Royal Monogram is placed on the Noble Throne of Bhadrapith and is surmounted by the Great Crown of Victory -- one of the five items of the Royal Regalia -- and Royal Insignia. Surrounding this are the other four items of Royal Regalia that signify kingship: the Sword of Victory and the Royal Fly Whisk on the left of the Great Crown of Victory, and the Royal Sceptre and the Royal Fan on the rgiht of the Great Crown of Victory. The Royal Slippers are laid under the Noble Throne of Bhadrapith. Below, on pink sash trimmed with gold, is written in gold an inscription which reads "The Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne BE2549 (AD2006)". On the right end of the sash is a white mythical monkey warrior holding the golden decorative frame of the emblem. The other end of the sash features a vermilion Garuda with a white face holding the other side of the decorative frame.

The background of the emblem is golden green, a combination of the power of the royal day of birth and also the prosperity and fertility of the land nurtured by His Majesty during his reign. Milestones in His Majesty's life His Majesty the King acceded to the throne on June 9, 1946, upon the unexpected death of his elder brother, King Ananda Mahidol. The declaration was signed by Pridi Banomyong, the then prime minister. His coronation did not take place until May 5, 1950, for various reasons. First, he was still under the legal age of consent (he was not yet 20), and he was still studying in Switzerland. Furthermore, the royal cremation of King Ananda Mahidol had to be completed before any celebration could take place. Thailand now marks Chatramongkhon, or Coronation Day, every May 5, but His Majesty's reign officially began in 1946.

According to international tradition, monachs celebrate particular auspicious anniversaries, namely, the 25th anniversary known as the Silver Jubilee, the 50th anniversary knownas the Golden Jubilee, and -- in American tradition -- the 75th anniversary, known as the Diamond Jubilee. His Majesty the King celebrated his Ratchadapisek, or Silver Jubilee anniversary, in 1971, and his Kanchanapisek Golden Jubilee in 1996. The same was celebrated with major festivities by Prince Rainier of Monaco and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1999 and 2002, respectively. Never before has any Thai monarch been on the throne for 60 years. The longest reign prior to His Majesty was King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, who reigned for 42 years and 22 days (1868-1910).

On July 2, 1988, His Majesty the King celebrated 42 years and 23 days on the throne, and event which was marked by the Rajamangalapisek celebrations to, in the words of His Majesty, "apologise for overtaking King Chulalongkorn". This year His Majesty the King celebrates the 60th year of his reign, the fifth-cycle anniversary being an auspicious milestone in the Thai tradition. Festivities will be taking place throughout the year, with the focus being on the period from June 8 to 13, highlighted by the attendance of royalty from 25 Kingdom around the world. Page: Phuket Thailand National Festivals Loy Kratong Songkran King's Birthday kophuket.com festivals Thailand Festivals and Public Holidays In Thailand, years are based on the Buddhist era (B.E.), which started 543 years earlier than the Christian era. Thus the year 2010 A.D. is recognised as 2553 B.E. In 1940, Thailand moved its New Year's Day from 13th April to 1st January.

The old New Year is most definitely still a holiday (Songkran), and certainly not to be missed (assuming you don't mind getting a little bit wet). Most Buddhists festivals and holidays follow the lunar calendar so their actual dates vary from year to year with regards to the Gregorian calendar. They also vary from country to country based on the Buddhist tradition of the country. Thailand follows the tradition of Theravada Buddhism. National Festivals - Loy Kratong Loy Kratong , or 'festival of light' is celebrated on the night of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually November). It is one of the two most widely recognised festivals in Thailand and is probably the most beautiful, picturesque and enchanting of all Thai celebrations. 'Loy' literally means 'to float', while 'kratong' refers to a small lotus-shaped floral receptacle which can float on the water. The kratong, which was traditionally made of banana leaves, (although more creative materials are also used nowadays), contains flowers, candles and incense. According to legend, the festival originated when a young princess floated a small boat laden with candles and incense downstream to take away bad luck.

As the full moon rises, Thais will kneel at the water's edge, with floral kratong in hand, add a few small coins and several strands of hair, plucked from the head at the time, light the candles and incense, say a silent prayer, and then very carefully launch their kratong into rivers, canals, ponds, or the sea to wash away sins and to bless love affairs. They will watch very intently as the float drifts slowly and silently downstream, hoping that the candle will not go out. It's flame is said to signify longevity, fulfillment of wishes and release from sins. The celebration is also considered a romantic night, as couples who make a wish together on Loy Kratong are thought to stay with each other for ever in the future. Thai women dress in beautiful traditional Thai dresses for Loy Kratong. Also, as part of the celebration, nearby temples will release numerous 'khom loy' (floating lanterns) into the moonlit sky, hoping that misfortune will fly away with them. Kratongs are readily available from vendors, and everyone is extremely welcome to join in and celebrate this unique occasion.

It presents a chance to make sincere wishes and look to the future while you watch, in silence, as your candlelit floral offering drifts peacefully and gracefully into the distance in the gentle currents. National Festivals - Songkran Songkran is one of the oldest traditions in Thailand, and marks the "official" Thai New Year, even though it falls in the fifth month of the Thai lunar calander. There are historical, climatic and cultural reasons as to why it does not take place on the first Thai lunar month. Songkran has its origins in ancient astrology and the position of the sun. It is held annually on 13th April, but can last for upto three days in some parts of the country. During this auspicious celebration Thais traditionally return home for family reunions, and visit temples, sprinkling water on Buddha images in reverence. Meeting friends and sprinkling water on each others' shoulders and hands is an act of wishing good luck. Although the tradition of gentle sprinkling in temples and homes is still practiced, Songkran has become an exuberant festival with revellers throwing water at anyone and everyone in the streets.

So join in this extremely good natured fun, and cool off from the heat, but don't forget to leave cameras and all non-waterproof valuables in your room, because you are likely to get very wet. National Festivals - Makha Bucha Day This is a very important Buddhist lunar festival, celebrated nation-wide, and is based on the historic gathering of the Lord Buddha's disciples. It takes place during the full moon of the third lunar month (typically mid to late February) and devotees will join candle-lit processions around temples. Note that Thais use a different lunar calendar to the Chinese. The first month of the Thai lunar year takes place usually in December while the Chinese lunar new year generally occurs in February. Both systems use a solar calendar for solstice-oriented festivals but make adjustments by adding a lunar month once every three solar years. As previously stated under our Songkran section, the "official" Thai New Year is actually celebrated at Songkran (during the fifth Thai lunar month).

National Festivals - His Majesty the King's Birthday (Wan Chalerm) 5th December The love and respect felt by Thai people for their King, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX), who ascended the throne on 9 June 1946 and is the world's longest reigning monarch, is on display throughout the country especially on this particular day, the 5th December. The occasion is marked by an outpouring of love and reverence by Thai people throughout the kingdom and around the world. His Majesty the King has a special place in the hearts of the Thai people through his devotion to the welfare and development of his people, and a keen understanding and awareness of political and social issues. Buildings and homes all over the country are elaborately adorned with flags, and portraits of His Majesty. Around the Grand Palace and Ratchadamnoen Avenue areas of Bangkok, thousands of vividly colored marigolds decorate the streets. People assemble on the streets with lit candles to honour their monarch. The most spectacular event is perhaps the review of massed Royal Guards by their Majesties the King and Queen at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok.

Thailand Festivals and Public Holidays Makha Bucha Day - Theravada Buddhist holiday Based on Thai lunar calendar (on the full moon day of the third lunar month) This is in commemoration of a spontaneous gathering of 1,250 Sangha followers who came to meet Lord Buddha 9 months after his first enlightenment. They were ordinated by Lord Buddha and enlightened. Celebrated with candle light processions three times clockwise around the temple, (usually in the evening) - (one time for the Lord Buddha, one time for the Sangha (Buddhist monk community), and one time for the Dharma (Buddhist teachings). February full moon National holiday Valentines Day Bangrak (district office in Bangkok) means "District of Love", and on 14 February it's a magnet for amorous Thai couples, even if St Valentine's Day is an imported Western concept. Thais embrace festivals whatever their origin as long as they are sanuk (fun). So, countless hotels, restaurants and nightlife venues in Bangrak celebrate romance with promotions and parties. On this day, the country's highest concentration of couples register their marriages at the District Office.

It's a good-natured scrum as hundreds of brides and grooms, many in elaborate costume, declare their betrothal in public. This informal spectacle is an amusing photo opportunity never missed by the local Thai press and television. 14th February Long Live HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Long Live Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn 2nd April Ching Ming Day The Clear and Bright Festival This ancient Chinese festival takes place 104 days after the Winter Solstice in the cemeteries, where families pay respect to their ancestors with various offerings 5th April (4th April on leap years) Chakri Memorial Day Commemorates King Rama I, (20th March 1737 - 7th September 1809), founder of the Chakri dynasty. Under his reign the capital city moved from Thonburi to Bangkok. 6th April Thai New Year Songkran (Theravadin Buddhist New Year) Thais celebrate the lunar new year with a lot of water! They usually return to their home town during this period.

13th - 15th April (extending to 16th and 17th April in some areas) National holiday for 3 days National Labour Day Vassa (Buddhist Lent Day) Entering the Rains (Khao Phansa) The day following the Asalha full moon is called "Lent Commencement Day" or "Vassupanayika" in Pali. Vassa or Phansa, both literally mean "rain, season of rain". The rainy season is also an important time for farmers, and historically they were keen to prevent their crops being accidently damaged by visitations. It marks the beginning of the Buddhist "rain retreat" and the Buddhist Lent, or "Phansa", during which all Buddhist monks retreat to the temples. It is an auspicious time for Buddhist ordinations as it marks a period of spiritual renewal and is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from this day.

July HRH The Crown Prince's Birthday HRH The Crown Prince's Birthday 28th July Also doubles as Mothers Day 12th August Moon Cake festival The Chinese mid-Autumn festival Moon cakes are a special kind of sweet cake prepared in the shape of the moon and filled with sesame seeds , ground loutus seeds and eggs - served as a traditional Chinese delicacy. (8th September 2014) End of Buddhist Lent Ok Phansa & Thot Kathin Buddhists will offer food and other necessary goods to the monks, and is the time of the robe offering ceremonies ("thot kathin"). Many activities originated on this day and have been passed on to the present generation such as the illuminated boat procession to worship the Naga king. Normally, the illuminated boat procession is celebrated by I-San (Thailand's Northeast region (Nakhon Phanom province)) people. (9th October 2014) Naga Festival Bang Fai Phaya Naga (Naga fireballs of Nong Khai) This is said to be a natural phenomenon, that generally takes place on the full moon night of the 11th lunar month, the last night of the Buddhist Lent.

Fireballs can be seen rising up from the Mekong River on the night at the end of the Buddhist Lent. The balls of light, the size of goose eggs and with uniform reddish-pink or rich crimson-burgundy hues of the Siamese Ruby, rise vertically into the night sky to heights ranging from 50 metres to 300 metres before they simply fade into thin air without a trace. The fireballs are visible for approximately 3 to 8 seconds at a time, before they vanish completely. Scientific studies have provided ample evidence to verify the authenticity of this natural phenomenon. Tracking studies have indicated that there is much greater likelihood of the phenomenon occurring in the months of March to May, and September and October, on days when the earth gravitates closest to the sun and moon, and the depletion of the ozone layer allows ultraviolet rays to easily penetrate the stratosphere. Based on these studies, the two absolute indicators for the formation of King of Naga fireballs are the presence of Methane-Nitrogen gases of 19% purity and a sufficient concentration of Ionized Atomic Oxygen to trigger a reaction called "heterogenous combustion" that results in the mystical glow of the fireballs.

The mythical Naga is the seven headed King of Serpents. The early settlers of the Mekong River basin believed that the King of the Nagas is the God of an underwater kingdom called "Muang Badan". The god has almighty powers and watches over the people living in the Mekong basin. The Naga design element is incorporated into the architectural style of the region. Many people come to Nong khai every year, and hotels are fully booked. There is also a friendship boat race between Thailand and Laos during this time. (9th/10th October 2014) Chinese Vegetarian Festival In the south of Thailand, especially Phuket, local resiidents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 9 day (extending to 10 days in parts of the country) vegetarian diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing, to honour the Nine Chinese Emperor Gods. This is also known as the Gin Jay Festival. (23rd Sep - 3rd Oct 2014) Chulalongkorn Memorial Day Wan Piyamaharat Commemorates King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) - the anniversary of his death.

He is memorated for the modernisation of Thailand and as a result of his policies Thailand never became a colony. 23rd October Monarchy of Thailand Monarchy of Thailand since 13 October 2016 [1] Details Other countries Atlas The monarchy of Thailand (whose monarch is referred to as the King of Thailand or historically as the King of Siam; Thai : พระมหากษัตริย์ไทย) refers to the constitutional monarchy and monarch of the Kingdom of Thailand (formerly Siam ). The King of Thailand is the head of state and head of the ruling Royal House of Chakri . Although the current Chakri Dynasty was created in 1782, the existence of the institution of monarchy in Thailand is traditionally considered to have its roots from the founding of the Sukhothai Kingdom in 1238, with a brief interregnum from the death of Ekkathat to the accession of Taksin in the 18th century. The institution was transformed into a constitutional monarchy in 1932 after the bloodless Siamese Revolution of 1932 .

The monarchy’s official residence is the Grand Palace in Bangkok ; however, the previous king, Bhumibol Adulyadej , spent much of his time at the Chitralada Palace , or the Klai Kangwon Palace (Thai: วังไกลกังวล) (“Palace Far from Worries”) in the beach resort city of Hua Hin . The King of Thailand’s titles include Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces , Adherent of Buddhism and Upholder of religions. [2] Contents History Origin The current concept of Thai kingship evolved through 800 years of absolute rule. The first king of a unified Thailand was the founder of the Kingdom of Sukhothai , King Sri Indraditya , in 1238. [3] The idea of this early kingship is said to be based on two concepts derived from Hinduism and Theravada Buddhist beliefs. The first concept is based on the Vedic-Hindu caste of “ Kshatriya ” ( Thai : กษัตริย์), or warrior-ruler, in which the king derives his powers from military might.

The second is based on the Theravada Buddhist concept of “Dhammaraja” ( Thai : ธรรมราชา), Buddhism having been introduced to Thailand around the 6th century CE. The idea of the Dhammaraja (or kingship under Dharma), is that the king should rule his people in accordance with Dharma and the teachings of the Buddha. These ideas were briefly replaced in 1279, when King Ramkhamhaeng came to the throne. Ramkhamhaeng departed from tradition and created instead a concept of “ paternal rule ” ( Thai : พ่อปกครองลูก), in which the king governs his people as a father would govern his children. [4] [5] This idea is reinforced in the title and name of the king, as he is still known today, Pho Khun Ramkhamhaeng ( Thai : พ่อขุนรามคำแหง). [6] This lasted briefly. By the end of the kingdom, the two old concepts returned as symbolized by the change in the style of the kings: “Pho” was changed to “Phaya” or Lord.

Kings of Ayutthaya The Kingdom of Sukhothai was supplanted by the Kingdom of Ayutthaya , which was founded in 1351 by King Ramathibodhi I . During the Ayutthayan period, the idea of kingship changed. Due to ancient Khmer tradition in the region, the Hindu concept of kingship was applied to the status of the leader. Brahmins took charge in the royal coronation. The king was treated as a reincarnation of Hindu gods . Ayutthaya historical documents show the official titles of the kings in great variation: Indra , Shiva and Vishnu , or Rama . Seemingly, Rama was the most popular, as in “Ramathibodhi”. However, Buddhist influence was also evident, as many times the king’s title and “unofficial” name “Dhammaraja”, an abbreviation of the Buddhist Dharmaraja . The two former concepts were re-established, with a third, older concept taking hold.

This concept was called “ Devaraja ” ( Thai : เทวราชา) (or “divine king”), which was an idea borrowed by the Khmer Empire from the Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms of Java , especially the idea of a scholar class based on Hindu Brahmins . The concept centered on the idea that the king was an incarnation ( avatar ) of the god Vishnu and that he was a Bodhisattva (enlightened one), therefore basing his power on his religious power, his moral power, and his purity of blood. The king, portrayed by state interests as a semi-divine figure, then became—through a rigid cultural implementation—an object of worship and veneration to his people. From then on the monarchy was largely removed from the people and continued under a system of absolute rule. Living in palaces designed after Mount Meru (“home of the gods” in Hinduism), the kings turned themselves into a “ Chakravartin “, where the king became an absolute and universal lord of his realm. Kings demanded that the universe be envisioned as resolving around them , and expressed their powers through elaborate rituals and ceremonies.

For four centuries these kings ruled Ayutthaya, presiding over some of the greatest period of cultural, economic, and military growth in Thai History . Sakdina and Rachasap The Kings of Ayutthaya created many institutions to support their rule, which were similar to the contemporary regulations of the royal court of George V “the Brilliant” (r. 1314-1346), but modified to comport with southeast Asian Mueang mandala “circles of power.” Whereas feudalism developed in the European Middle Ages , Ayutthayan King Trailokanat instituted Sakdina, ( ศักดินา , lit. “ Field Power “), but usually translated as “dignity marks.” [7] This comported with the names of two kingdoms further north: Lanna “Million Fields” and Sip Song Phan Na “Twelve Thousand Fields.” “Rachasap” (ราชาศัพท์ royal language) is required by court etiquette as an honorific register consisting of a special vocabulary used exclusively for addressing the king, or for talking about royalty.

[8] Royal authority The king was chief administrator, chief legislator, and chief judge, with all laws, orders, verdict and punishments theoretically originating from his person. The king’s sovereignty was reflected in the titles “Lord of the Land” (พระเจ้าแผ่นดิน Phra Chao Phaen Din) and “Lord of Life” (เจ้าชีวิต Chao Chiwit). The king’s powers and titles were seen by foreign observers as proof that the king was an absolute monarch in the European sense. However, in Siamese tradition the duty and responsibility of the king was seen as developed from the ancient Indian theories of royal authority , which resemble Enlightened Absolutism , although the emphasis is not on rationality but on Dhamma . [9] This was disrupted in 1767, when Thai digests of the dhammasāt (ธรรมศาสตร์) were lost when a Burmese army under the Alaungpaya Dynasty invaded, sacked and burned the city of Ayutthaya . Kingdom restored An interlude filled by civil war was ended when King Taksin restored the dominion under what has been called the Thonburi Kingdom .

Chakri kings King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke Rama I (King of Thailand) founder of the Chakri Dynasty . In 1782, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke ascended the throne and moved the capital from the Thonburi side to the Bangkok side of the Chao Phraya River . There he established the House of Chakri , the current ruling dynasty of Thailand. (This first reign was later designated as that of Rama I in the list of Rama Kings of Thailand .) He also established the office of Supreme Patriarch as the head of the Sangha , the order of Buddhist monks . During the Rattanakosin Period the Chakri kings tried to continue the concepts of Ayutthayan kingship once again emphasizing the connection between the sovereign and his subjects. On the other hand, they continued to not relinquish any authority of the throne. Kings Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II) and Nangklao (Rama III) created a semblance of a modern administration by creating a supreme council and appointing chief officers to help with the running of the government.

[10] Mongkut (Rama IV) marked a significant break in tradition when he spent the first 27 years of his adult life as a Buddhist monk during which time he became proficient in the English language, before ascending the throne. As king, he continued the appointment of officers to his supreme council, the most notable being Somdet Chao Phraya Prayurawongse and Si Suriyawongse , both of whom acted as Chief Ministers for King Mongkut (and the latter as regent , from the king’s death in 1868 until 1873.) Chulalongkorn (Rama V) ascended the throne as a minor at age 15 in 1868, and as King of Siam on 16 November 1873. As a prince, he had been tutored in Western traditions by the governess , Anna Leonowens . Intent on reforming the monarchy along Western lines, during his minority he traveled extensively to observe western administrative methods. He transformed the monarchy along Western lines of an “ enlightened ruler “.

He abolished the practice of prostration in front of the monarch, and repealed many laws concerning the relationship between the monarch and his people, while continuing many of the ancient aspects and rituals of the old kingship. [11] In 1874, he created a privy council copied from the European tradition, to help him rule his Kingdom. During his reign Siam was pressured to relinquish control of its old tributaries of Laos and northern Malaya to Western powers, Siam itself narrowly avoided being colonized. [12] [13] In 1905, 37 years after his coronation, Chulalongkorn ended slavery with the Slave Abolition Act. In 1867 slaves accounted for one-third of the Siamese population. His son, Vajiravudh (Rama VI), ascended to the throne in 1910 and continued his father’s zeal for reform to bring the monarchy into the 20th century. The perceived slow pace of reform resulted in the Palace Revolt of 1912 .

In 1914, Vajiravudh determined that the act providing for invoking martial law , first promulgated by his father in 1907, was not consistent with modern laws of war , nor convenient for the preservation of the security of the state, so it was amended to a more modern form that, with minor amendments, continued in force through subsequent changes in government. [14] Prajadhipok (Rama VII) succeeded his brother in 1925. The Eton and Sandhurst educated monarch created a council similar to a cabinet , where the most important government officials could meet to decide state affairs. This advisory and legislative council, styled the Supreme Council of State of Siam (Thai: อภิรัฐมนตรีสภา) was founded on 28 November 1925 and existed until 1932. Constitutional monarchy King Prajadhipok signing the Constitution of Siam , 10 December 1932.

In June 1932, a group of foreign educated students and military men called “ the promoters ” carried out a bloodless revolution , seized power and demanded that King Prajadhipok grant the people of Siam a constitution. The king agreed and in December 1932 the people were granted a constitution , ending 150 years of absolute Chakri rule. From then on the role of the monarch was relegated to that of a symbolic head of state. His powers from then on were exercised by a prime minister and the national assembly . In 1935 King Pradhipok (Rama VII) abdicated the throne, following disagreements with the government. He lived in exile in the United Kingdom until his death. The king was replaced by his young nephew Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII). The new king was 10 years old and was living abroad in Switzerland . A council of regents was appointed in his place.

During this period the roles and powers of the king were entirely usurped by the fascist government of Plaek Phibunsongkhram , who changed the name of the kingdom from Siam to Thailand , and aligned it on the side of the Axis powers in the Pacific theatre of World War II . By the end of the war Phibunsongkhram was removed and the young king returned. The Free Thai movement provided resistance to foreign occupation during the war and helped rehabilitate Thailand after the war. After Rama VIII’s sudden death from a bullet wound in 1946, Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), aged 19 years old, became the new monarch. He was the world’s longest reigning monarch at the time of his death in October 2016. King Bhumibol died on October 13, 2016 at the age of 88. Immediately after, the prime minister declared a one-year period of mourning for the country. [15] The monarchy in the 21st century Since c.

2000, the role of the Thai monarchy has been increasingly challenged by scholars, media, observers and traditionalists, and as more educated pro-democracy interests began to express their rights to speech. Many deemed that a series of laws and measures relating to lèse majesté in Thailand , aimed at protecting the king and the royal family, are hindrances to freedom of expression. Dozens of arrests, hundreds of criminal investigations and multiple imprisonments have been made based on these laws. [16] King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in his 2005 national birthday broadcast, also indicated that he welcomed criticism . [17] The lèse-majesté law is part of Thailand’s Criminal Code, which also contains general provisions on defamation and libel of private individuals. The king is assisted in his work and duties by the Private Secretary to the King of Thailand and the Privy Council of Thailand , in consultation with the head of the cabinet, the Prime Minister . In accordance with the constitution the king is no longer the originator of all laws in the kingdom; that prerogative is entrusted to the National Assembly of Thailand .

All bills passed by the legislature, however, require his royal assent to become law. The monarchy’s household and finances are managed by the Bureau of the Royal Household and the Crown Property Bureau respectively, these agencies are not considered part of the Thai government and all personnel are appointed by the king. [18] The junta which took power in 2014 has been aggressive in jailing critics of the monarchy. In 2015, it spent US$540 million, more than the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on a promotional campaign called “Worship, protect and uphold the monarchy.” The campaign includes television commercials, seminars in schools and prisons, singing contests, and competitions to write stories and films praising the king. “This is not propaganda,” Prayut Chan-o-cha , the leader of the junta, said.

“The youth must be educated on what the king has done.” [19] In its fiscal year 2016 budget, the ruling military government has increased its expenditure for “upholding, protecting and preserving the monarchy” to 18 billion baht (US$514 million), an increase of 28 percent for this budget line item since 2014 when it took power. [20] List of kings Royal regalia The present set of royal regalia of Thailand (Khrueang Raja Kakudhabhand, Thai : เครื่องราชกกุธภัณฑ์) and the royal utensils was created mostly during the reign of King Rama I and Rama IV, after the previous set was lost during the sack of Ayutthaya by the Burmese in 1767. The regalia is used mainly during the coronation ceremony of the king at the beginning of every reign. The regalia is presently on display in the Museum of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. [21] [22] Coronation of King Bhumibol, Grand Palace , 5 May 1950.

Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella (Phra Maha Swetachatra; พระมหาเศวตฉัตร)- the most important regalia. Currently there are seven, distributed at various palaces. Great Crown of Victory (Phra Maha Phijay Mongkut; พระมหาพิชัยมงกุฎ)- official headgear. Sword of Victory (Phra Saengkharga Jay Sri; พระแสงขรรค์ชัยศรี)- found at Tonlé Sap in 1784, the sword represents military power. Royal Staff (Dharn Phra Korn; ธารพระกร)- symbol of justice Royal Fan and Flywhisk (Walawijani; วาลวีชนี)- Royal fan made of gold and the royal flywhisk made from the tail of a white elephant . Royal Slippers (Chalong Phra Bada; ฉลองพระบาท)- official footwear made of gold The Thai royal utensils (Phra Khattiya Rajuprapoke; พระขัตติยราชูปโภค) are also for the personal use of the monarch, [22] comprising:

Question: The longest reigning living monarch is Rama 9th, ascending to the throne in June 1946, of which country is he king?
Answer: Thailand