The words of the Thai royal anthem, performed at most official ceremonies and before The start of every movie, may strike a Westernear as somewhat archaic. After all, the system of absolute monar chy ended in 1932, following a revolution staged by a small group of disaffected civil servants and military men. Since then Thai lcings have ruled under a constitu tion, their powers theoretically no greater than those of the few surviving crowned heads of Europe. Yet since he was officially crowned in 1950, His Majesty King Bhumibol has assumed the role of constitutional monarch and has worked tirelessly on behalf of his people, gaining in the process a measure of personal devotion that is probably more intense than that felt for any of his all powerful ancestors. lt has been said that Their Majesties King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit are the hardest working royal couple in the world - with a workload once estimated to be equal to at least one function everyday of the year. Of the several institutions that form the foundation of modern Thai life, the one he personifies is not only the most visible but also the most revered.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has devoted himself to public service and made enduring contributions to Thailand's development, initiating vital "roy-ally—suggested" projects such as crop rotation, fish breeding, irriga-tion, natural watershed programmes,dairy farming, reforestation, road building and self help villages.His Majesty has travelled countrywide by helicopter, jeep,train, boat or on foot, often to the remotest corners of his kingdom,in pursuit of his projects and is held in affectionate esteem nationwide for his profound interest in his people’s welfare.
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit frequently accompanies His Majesty and shares a close interest in the welfare of rural Thais. Her Majesty wholeheartedly helps establish foundations such as SUPPORT which assists Thai1and's rural populace in producing and selling traditional craft products for supplementary income.
The Thai monarchy is revered and regarded as the central, unifying element in the triad of nation, king and religion. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was born on December 5, 1927, as cended the throne on June 9, 1946,and married Her Majesty Queen
Sirikit on April 28, 1950.
Their Majesties have four children, namely Their Royal Highnesses Princess Ubol Ratana, born April 5, 1951 (and presently
residing in the United States); Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, born July 28, 1952; Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, born April 2., 1955; and Princess Chulabhorn, born July 4, 1957.
The Royal Couple are conscientiously assisted by their three youngest children who frequently accompany them and represent Their Majesties at official functions and ceremonies.
With 50 years on the throne,His Majesty is the longest reigning monarch in Thai history and the world.
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