In Remembrance of King Bhumibol the Great (Thailand)

My deepest condolences to all Thai people and especially to my dear friends Jobbo, Kwanjira and Ta with the loss of their beloved King.

Bhumibol Adulyadej was born in 1927 as the youngest son of HRH Prince Mahidol Adulyadej. His father died when he was just two years old. In 1933 he moved with his mother and siblings to Switzerland, where he went to school and where he also found his love for jazz and photography. His childless uncle abdicated in 1934 and his older brother became the new King, but the family was not able to leave Switzerland until World War II was over in 1945.

After his brother died in 1946, he became the new King of Thailand, Rama IX the ninth monarch from the Chakri Dynasty. But he returned to Switzerland to finish his studies, which he changed from science to law and political science to be prepared for his duties as head of state. His coronation took place on 5th May 1950.

During his studies in Switzerland Bhumibol often visited Paris, where he met Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara, the daughter of the Thai ambassador to France. They both engaged in 1949 and married in 1950. Together they have four children, Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Princess Chulabhorn Walailak.

At the beginning of his reign his political powers were limited and he was actually only a ceremonial figure, but during Sarit Thanarat's dictatorship the monarchy was revitalised. His reign is characterised by a long-lasting relationship with the military. For many he became a symbol of Thailand's economic improvement and in 1992 Bhumibol played a key role in Thailand's transition to a democratic system.

He was one of the richest monarchs in the World, the World's longest-serving head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history. But starting in 2006 he had to fight with declining health and on 13th October 2016 Thailand's King Bhumibol the Great died. After the death the most Thais are deeply mourning the loss of their beloved King and many also have anxiety about the future.

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. But there are also speculations that Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn might take the throne instead of her brother.