King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) was born on December 5, 1927. He succeeded his elder brother as King on June 9, 1946. On April 28, 1950 King Bhumibol Adulyadej was married to Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara, a great-granddaughter of King Chulalongkorn and the following week, on May 5, 1950, was crowned as King and his wife was installed as Queen in a glittering ceremony in the Grand Palace.

Their Majesties have four children, the former Princess Ubol Ratana Rajakanya, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Princess Chulabhorn Valayalaksana. During his reign King Bhumibol Adulyadej has made numerous state visits abroad as well as having received many Heads of State in Bangkok.

As his reign has advanced, the growing reverence of the Thai people for their sovereign has become ever more apparent and on May 5, 1987, to mark his forthcoming 60th birthday, King Bhumibol Adulyadej was proclaimed "the Great" by His Excellency the Prime Minister of Thailand. On July 2, 1988 King Bhumibol Adulyadej will celebrate his record reign -- the day on which he has reigned longer than any of his predecessors.

Thailand's Strength of the Land