HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej

The current Thai monarch, the much-beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty) has reigned in Thailand for over 60 years, the longest of any Thai ruler. In fact, he is now the longest reigning monarch in the world. King Bhumibol was born in 1927 in Cambridge Massachusetts, where his father studied medicine at Harvard University. The Thai people have a deep and abiding reverence for their royal family. This immense popularity is a reflection of His Majesty's keen interest in his people's welfare. The King and his Queen, Queen Sirikit, have devoted a great deal of time and effort implementing public work projects, with particular focus on the under priviliged. As a constitutional monarch, the king holds powers similar to those of the Queen of England. Though he maintains neutrality in times of crisis, the king of Thailand has proved time and again to be a reliable stabilising force for the Thai people.