King Bhumibol, From Longest Reigning Monarch To Unifying Figure

By Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa BANGKOK, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- King Bhumibol Adulyadej who passed away at 3.52pm on Thursday at the age of 89 was not only the longest-reigning monarch in the world but an unifying figure. His Majesty the King who was affectionately called "Father" by the Thai people, played a major role as an unifying figure in the politically-divisive country. Born on Dec 5, 1927 at Mount Auburn Hospital, Massachusetts to Prince Mahidol Adulyadej and Princess Srinagarindra, the late King ascended to the throne on June 9, 1946, bringing his reign at the throne at over 70 years. King Bhumibol was the ninth monarch of Thailand from the Chakri Dynasty as Rama IX and have one elder brother and elder sister. He received his early education at Mater Dei school in Bangkok before continuing his secondary education in Switzerland and received tertiary education at Lausanne University. King Bhumibol married Mom Rajawong Sirikit Kitiyakara who was later known as Queen Sirikit or better known among Thais as "Mother" in April 1950, and have four children. Their first child is Princess Ubol Ratana, the second Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, third Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and the youngest one, Princess Chulabhorn. The crown prince is expected to replace his father and become the new king of Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha in his televised address earlier tonight said, the designated heir to the throne had been identified since Dec 28, 1972 but did not name him. The cabinet will be informed about the heir to the throne later. During his 70-year reign, the late King Bhumibol had travelled to every area of Thailand, even to the remotest part in the wide-expanse country, talking to his subjects to understand their lives and problems. According to media reports, the King had initiated more than four thousand development projects, ranging from farming, irrigation, drought and flood alleviation, public health and others. The development projects by King Bhumibol has uplifted the livelihood of Thais in every part of the country. The latest development project by the king was the introduction of "Sufficiency Economy" philosophy, as a way of life for the Thai people, where they focused on living a moderate, self-dependent life without greed or over exploitation. King Bhumibol was also known as a sports enthusiast and served as a patron of several sporting events and associations. His Majesty when he was young, had also taken part in a number of sports events including sailing, where he was a joint winner with his daughter Princess Ubol Ratana in a sailing tournament in Pattaya. (photoBERNAMA) --BERNAMA