Bhumibol Adulyadej (Thai: ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช; rtgs: Phumiphon Adunyadet; pronounced [pʰuː.mí.pʰon ʔa.dun.ja.dèːt] (
listen); see full title below; 5 December 1927 – 13 October 2016), known as King Bhumibol the Great,[1][2][3][4] was the ninth monarch of Thailand from the Chakri Dynasty as Rama IX. Having reigned since 9 June 1946, he was, at the time of his death, the world's longest-serving head of state[5]and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history, serving for 70 years, 127 days.[6] During his reign, he was served by a total of 30 prime ministers beginning with Pridi Banomyong and ending with Prayut Chan-o-cha.[7]
listen); see full title below; 5 December 1927 – 13 October 2016), known as King Bhumibol the Great,[1][2][3][4] was the ninth monarch of Thailand from the Chakri Dynasty as Rama IX. Having reigned since 9 June 1946, he was, at the time of his death, the world's longest-serving head of state[5]and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history, serving for 70 years, 127 days.[6] During his reign, he was served by a total of 30 prime ministers beginning with Pridi Banomyong and ending with Prayut Chan-o-cha.[7]
In 1957, a military coup overthrew the unpopular government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram with allegations of lèse-majesté,[8]:136–137[9] which is an offense against the dignity of the monarch, punishable under Thai law.[10] This began a new and long-lasting relationship between the monarch and military in governmental matters.[11] Although Bhumibol did invite public criticism in a 2005 speech,[12] the lèse majesté laws have not been revoked by the Thai parliament.
Forbes estimated Bhumibol's fortune—including property and investments managed by the Crown Property Bureau (CPB), a unique body that is neither private nor government-owned—to be US$30 billion in 2010, and he was the head of the magazine's list of the "world's richest royals" from 2008 to 2013.[13][14][15] In May 2014, Bhumibol's wealth was once again listed as US$30 billion.[16] Officially the assets managed by the CPB are owned by the crown as an institution, not Bhumibol Adulyadej as an individual.[17]
After 2006, Bhumibol suffered declining health and spent extended periods at Siriraj Hospital. Bhumibol was generally highly revered by the people in Thailand[18][19]—many even saw him as close to divine.[20][21] His heir Vajiralongkorn does not share the popularity of his father, leading to concerns that the Thai monarchy will lose prestige and influence after Bhumibol's death.[22][23]
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