The life of King Bhumibol

He was the son of Thailand’s Prince Mahidol Adulyadej and a commoner.
King Bhumibol was later educated in Switzerland after spending a brief period in Thailand.
He lived and spent most of his school years there with his mother and older siblings.
His father passed away from kidney failure when he was only two-years-old.
After his uncle, King Prajadhipok, the then ruler, abdicated the throne, King Bhumibol’s brother, King Ananda Mahidol, took over.
With the sudden death of King Ananda Mahidol in 1946, King Bhumibol ascended the throne.
His 70-year reign included some of the most tumultuous times in Thai history, including the October 1973 event or Black May in 1992, where King Bhumibol was credited for peacefully resolving political tensions.
During his more active years, King Bhumibol travelled to remote areas to visit Thai citizens in order to understand their woes.
He was remembered for his contributions in thousands of projects in the fields of technology, agriculture, environment, public health, water resources, communications, public welfare, employment promotion and education.
His achievements in the fields of music and sports are also noteworthy.
King Bhumibol was remembered as an accomplished jazz musician and composer while he had won a gold medal in a regional sailing competition.
He was also remembered for the philosophy of sufficiency economy where he stressed the importance of having the basics before taking on highly ambitious goals.
King Bhumibol made a promise to the Thais during his coronation ceremony to “reign with righteousness for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people.”
To the many Thais grieving the loss of their father figure, he had kept that promise.