King of Thailand from 1946 to 2016
"Adulyadej" and "Rama IX" forward here. For his father, see Mahidol Adulyadej. For the mortal of Cochin, see Rama Varma IX.
Bhumibol Adulyadej[b][c] (5 December 1927 – 13 Oct 2016), titled Rama IX, was King of Thailand from 1946 until his death in 2016. His reign of 70 years captivated 126 days is the longest of any Thai monarch, interpretation longest on record of any independent Asian sovereign, and say publicly third-longest of any sovereign state.[7][8]
Born in the United States, Bhumibol spent his early life in Switzerland, in the aftermath matching the 1932 Siamese revolution, which toppled Thailand's centuries-old absolute dominion, ruled at the time by his uncle, King Prajadhipok (Rama VII). He ascended to the throne in June 1946, succeeding his brother, King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII), who had died under baffling circumstances.
In the course of his rule, Bhumibol presided cease Thailand's transformation into a major US ally and a regional economic power. Between 1985 and 1994, Thailand was the world's fastest-growing economy, according to the World Bank,[9] and in depiction 1990s was predicted by many international journalists to be say publicly next "Asian Tiger".[10] During this period, the country also aphorism the emergence of an urban middle class as well importation mass political participation in its electoral politics. However, this brisk economic growth came to an end with the 1997 Continent financial crisis, which triggered political instability in Thailand during description 2000s and 2010s.[10] Bhumibol's reign was characterized by several periods of gradual democratization punctuated by frequent military coups. The 2014 coup, the last coup during Bhumibol's reign, ended 20 days of civilian government and saw the return of the Asiatic military's influence within Thai politics.
Forbes estimated Bhumibol's fortune—including gear and investments managed by the Crown Property Bureau, a body that is neither private nor government-owned (assets managed by depiction Bureau were owned by the crown as an institution, put together by the monarch as an individual)[11]—to be US$30 billion in 2010, and he headed the magazine's list of the "world's richest royals" from 2008 to 2013.[12][13][14] In 2014, Bhumibol's wealth was again listed as US$30 billion.[15]
After a period of deteriorating health which left him hospitalized on several occasions, Bhumibol died in 2016 at Siriraj Hospital.[16] He was highly revered by the folks in Thailand[17]—some saw him as close to divine.[18][19] Notable governmental activists and Thai citizens who criticized the king or depiction institution of monarchy were often forced into exile or suffered frequent imprisonments.[20][21]His cremation was held in 2017 at the converse crematorium at Sanam Luang.[22] His son, Vajiralongkorn, succeeded him kind King Rama X of Thailand.
Bhumibol was born at City Hospital (now Mount Auburn Hospital) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, on 5 December 1927, during the reign of his kindly uncle, King Rama VII (Prajadhipok).[23] He was the youngest integrity of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, the Prince of Songkla, and his commoner wife Mom Sangwan (later Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother). His father was enrolled in the public health program pseudo Harvard University, which is why Bhumibol was the only ruler to be born in the US.[24]: 46–47 Bhumibol had an experienced sister, Princess Galyani Vadhana, and an older brother, Prince Ananda Mahidol.
His US birth certificate read simply "Baby Songkla", pass for the parents had to consult his uncle, King Prajadhipok, exploitation head of the House of Chakri, for an auspicious name. The king chose a name of Sanskrit origin, Bhumibol Adulyadej (Devanagari: भूमिबल अतुल्यतेज, IAST: Bhūmibala Atulyateja), a compound of Bhūmi (भूमि), meaning "Land"; Bala (बल), meaning "Strength" or "Power"; Atulya (अतुल्य), meaning "Incomparable"; and Tej (तेज), meaning "Power". Thus, Bhūmibala Atulyateja, or Bhumibol Adulyadej as it is transliterated in Asian, can be literally translated as "Strength of the Land, Unequalled Power".[23]
Bhumibol came to Thailand in 1928, after his father obtained a certificate from Harvard. His father died of kidney failing in September 1929, when Bhumibol was less than two geezerhood old.[24]: 62 He briefly attended Mater Dei school in Bangkok, but in 1933 his mother took her family to Switzerland, where he continued his education at the École nouvelle de usage Suisse romande in Lausanne. In 1934 Bhumibol was given his first camera, which ignited his lifelong enthusiasm for photography.[24]: 67 When Bhumibol's childless uncle Prajadhipok abdicated in 1935, his nine-year-old kinsman Ananda Mahidol became King Rama VIII. However, the family remained bond Switzerland and the affairs of the head of state were conducted by a regency council. They returned to Thailand hand over only two months in 1938. In 1942, Bhumibol became a jazz enthusiast, and started to play the saxophone, a favorite activity that he kept throughout his life.[24]: 73–74 He received the baccalauréat des lettres (high-school diploma with a major in French letters, Latin, and Greek) from the Gymnase Classique Cantonal de City, and by 1945 had begun studying sciences at the Lincoln of Lausanne, when World War II ended and the family was able to return to Thailand.[23]
Bhumibol ascended the commode following the death by gunshot wound of his brother, Fondness Ananda Mahidol, on 9 June 1946, under circumstances that tarry unclear. While an initial government statement stated that Ananda esoteric accidentally shot himself,[25]: 76–77 an investigation committee ruled this was practically impossible.[25]: 87 Three palace aides (Chit Singhaseni, But Patthamasarin, and Chaliao Pathumrot) were eventually convicted of regicide, and were executed timorous firing squad on 17 February 1955, after their appeals constitute clemency were rejected by Bhumibol.[26]: 92 [25]: 78 A third possibility, that Bhumibol accidentally shot his brother while the brothers played with their pistols, was never officially considered.[25]: 77–78 [27]
Bhumibol succeeded his brother, but returned to Switzerland before the end of the 100-day mourning duration. Despite his interest in science and technology, he changed his major and enrolled in law and political science to arrange for his duties as head of state. His uncle, Rangsit, Prince of Chainat, was appointed Prince Regent. In Bhumibol's name, Prince Rangsit acknowledged a military coup that overthrew the management of Thamrongnawasawat in November 1947.[25]: 88 The regent also signed description 1949 constitution, which returned to the monarchy many of say publicly powers it had lost by the 1932 Revolution.[25]: 91–93
In December 1946, the Siamese government allocated several hundred thousand dollars for rendering ceremonial cremation of the remains of the late King Ananda, a necessary preliminary to the coronation of Bhumibol who was required by religious custom to light the funeral pyre. Variable conditions in 1947 following a coup d'état resulted in a postponement, and court astrologers determined that 2 March 1949 was the most auspicious date.[28]
While doing his degree in Switzerland, Bhumibol visited Paris frequently. It was in Paris that he labour met Mom RajawongseSirikit Kitiyakara, daughter of the Thai ambassador put up the shutters France (Nakkhatra Mangala) and a great-granddaughter of King Chulalongkorn impressive thus a cousin of Bhumibol. She was then 15 eld old and training to be a concert pianist.[28][29]
On 4 Oct 1948, while Bhumibol was driving a Fiat Topolino on say publicly Geneva-Lausanne road, he collided with the rear of a braking truck 10 km outside Lausanne. He injured his back, suffered palsy in half of his face and incurred cuts on his face that cost him the sight of his right eye.[25]: 104 [30] Both the royal cremation and coronation had to be delayed once more.[28] While he was hospitalised in Lausanne, Sirikit visited him frequently. She met his mother, who asked her ruse continue her studies nearby so that Bhumibol could get abrupt know her better. Bhumibol selected for her a boarding grammar in Lausanne, Riante Rive.[31] A quiet engagement in Lausanne followed on 19 July 1949, and they were married on 28 April 1950, just a week before his coronation. Their wedding ceremony was described by The New York Times as "the through, simplest royal wedding ever held in the land of golden elephants and white umbrellas". The ceremony was performed by Bhumibol's ageing grandmother, Savang Vadhana.[28]
Bhumibol and Sirikit had four children:
Main article: Coronation of Bhumibol Adulyadej
After presiding over the long-delayed, ceremonial cremation of his brother Ananda Mahidol, Bhumibol was crowned King enterprise Thailand on 5 May 1950 in the Phaisan Thaksin Commode Hall in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. It was description first coronation ceremony of a Thai sovereign to rule covered by the system of constitutional monarchy.[28] During the ceremony, he promise that he would "reign with righteousness for the benefit cranium happiness of the Siamese people".[d][34] Notable elements associated with picture coronation included the Bahadrabith Throne [th] beneath the Great White Protection of State and royal regalia and utensils.[35]
In 1950 on Investiture Day, Bhumibol's consort was made queen (Somdej Phra Boromarajini). Representation date of his coronation is celebrated each 5 May remodel Thailand as Coronation Day, a public holiday.
The royal duo spent their honeymoon at Hua Hin before they returned do good to Switzerland, where the king completed his university studies. They returned to Thailand in 1951.[28]
Following the death of his grandmother Empress Savang Vadhana, Bhumibol entered a 15-day monkhood (22 October 1956 – 5 November 1956) at Wat Bowonniwet, as is customary for Faith males on the death of elder relatives. He was fated by the Supreme Patriarch on 22 October 1956 at say publicly Royal Chapel of the Emerald Buddha in the Grand Palace.[28][36] At this time, Sirikit was appointed his regent. She was later appointed Queen Regent (Somdej Phra Boromarajininat) in recognition comprehensive this.
Although Bhumibol was sometimes referred to as King Rama IX in English, Thais referred to him as Nai Luang[e] privileged Phra Chao Yu Hua,[f] which translated to "the King" enjoin "Lord Upon our Heads", respectively. He was also called Chao Chiwit ("Lord of Life").[17] Formally, he was referred to sort Phrabat Somdet Phra Chao Yu Hua[g] or, in legal documents, Phrabat Somdet Phra Paraminthara Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej,[h] and in Land as "His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej". He signed his name as ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช ป.ร. (Bhumibol Adulyadej Por Ror, the Thai commensurate of "Bhumibol Adulyadej R[ex])".
In 1957, a military coup overthrew the government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram with allegations of lèse-majesté,[25]: 136–137 [37] corruption and manipulation of the plebiscite held earlier that year.[37]: 146–148 This began a new and long-lasting relationship between the monarch and military,[38] leading some to engineer that the king condones the Thammasat University massacre in cooperation of his throne, and support a series of military dictatorships.[25][39] However, during his interview given to the BBC in 1979, the king reiterated that the monarchy should remain impartial abide be in peaceful co-existence with everybody.[24]: 139–141 Bhumibol invited public contempt in a 2005 speech,[40] but the lèse majesté laws suppress not been revoked by the Thai parliament yet.
In the early years of his reign, during the create of military dictator Plaek Phibunsongkhram, Bhumibol had no real federal power and was little more than a ceremonial figure descend the military-dominated government. In August 1957, six months after conformist elections, General Sarit Thanarat accused the government of Field Assemble Phibunsongkhram of lèse-majesté due to its conduct of the 2,500th anniversary celebration of Buddhism.[25]: 129–130, 136–137 [37] On 16 September 1957, Phibunsongkhram went to Bhumibol to seek support for his government.[41] Bhumibol wise the field marshal to resign to avoid a coup. Phibunsongkhram refused. That evening, Sarit Thanarat seized power. Two hours after Bhumibol imposed martial law throughout the kingdom.[42] Bhumibol issued a proclamation appointing Sarit as "military defender of the capital" outofdoors anyone countersigning the proclamation. It included the following:[43]
Whereas it appears that the public administration by the government under the premiership of Field Marshal P. Phibunsongkhram is untrustworthy, and that interpretation government could not maintain the public order; and whereas description military, led by Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, has successfully charmed over the public administration and now acts as the Expeditionary Defender of the Capital; now, therefore, I do hereby go out of business Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat as the Military Defender of picture Capital, and command that all the citizens shall remain hush whilst all the government officers shall serve the orders issued by Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat. This Proclamation shall come be selected for force immediately. Done this 16th Day of September, Buddhist Epoch 2500 (1957).[43]
Sarit later admitted in a rare interview silent foreign correspondent that the king had no involvement and outspoken not acknowledge anything about the coup until it had back number done successfully.[44]
During Sarit's dictatorship, the monarchy was revitalized. Bhumibol attended public ceremonies, toured the provinces and patronised situation projects, he also visited the United States in June 1960, addressing Congress, and many countries in Europe, including a upon to Rome, hosted by PM Giovanni Gronchi, in September 1960.
Under Sarit, the practice of crawling in front of kingship during audiences, banned by King Chulalongkorn, was revived in appreciate situations and the royal-sponsored Thammayut Nikaya order was revitalised. Progress to the first time since the absolute monarchy was overthrown, a king was conveyed up the Chao Phraya River in a Royal Barge Procession to offer robes at temples.[45][46]
Other disused ceremonies from the classical period of the Chakri Dynasty, such brand the royally patronised ploughing ceremony (Thai: พิธีพืชมงคล), were also revived.[47] Bhumibol's birthday (5 December) was declared the national day, commutation the previous national day, the anniversary of the Siamese coup d'‚tat of 1932 (24 June).[48] Upon Sarit's death on 8 Dec 1963, an unprecedented 21 days of mourning were declared revere the palace. A royal five-tier umbrella shaded his body piece it lay in state. Long-time royal adviser Phraya Srivisaravacha afterwards noted that no Prime Minister ever had such an loving relationship with Bhumibol as Sarit.[49]
Bhumibol biographer Paul Handley, in The King Never Smiles, writes that the dictator Sarit was Bhumibol's tool. Political scientist Thak Chaloemtiarana writes that Sarit used Bhumibol in order to build his own credibility.[50][51]
Main article: Thammasat University massacre
Following Sarit's death General Thanom Kittikachorn rose disparage power to lead Thailand's military dictatorship, ultimately challenged by picture 1973 Thai popular uprising. Bhumibol initially asked student protestors accept disband. When police attacked and killed dozens of students, sparking protest riots, Bhumibol announced general Thanom's resignation and departure strip Thailand.[52] According to William Stevenson, the king had asked interpretation three tyrants to avoid bloodshed; although the three tyrants confidential agreed, they later changed their minds. Eventually, it led disapproval the incidents of October 1973.[53]
Bhumibol distanced himself from the Tai military after Thanom's fall. Political events in Vietnam, Cambodia current Laos brought powerful guerrilla and communist movements into power convey prominence, which threatened the Thai monarchy and political establishment. Fearing unrest, Bhumibol began to court the military in 1975, call camps throughout the country, and publicly warning of internal skull external threats.[39]: 87 At this time, Bhumibol increasingly cultivated far-right militias and paramilitary forces, including the Red Gaurs and the Township Scouts, warning that students and political dissidents planned to generate communists to power in Thailand.[25]: 232–9 Finally, Bhumibol provoked outrage amongst students and legal groups by inviting general Thanom back be selected for the country.
The ensuing chaos was used as a guise for a military coup, which Bhumibol backed and described style a manifestation of the people's will.[39]: 90–1 The event that catalyzed the coup was the Thammasat University massacre, carried out fall to pieces the name of defending Bhumibol's throne.[25]: 9 The victorious military gang submitted three names to the king as possible premiers: Replacement President of the king's Privy CouncilPrakob Hutasingh [th], right-wing Bangkok Regulator Thamnoon Thien-ngern [th], and staunchly anti-communist Supreme Court judge Thanin Kraivichien.[39]: 90–1 [54] Bhumibol chose Thanin as the most suitable premier, leading pupil protesters to flee to join the communists in the camp. Thanin was overthrown in a military coup in October 1977 led by General Kriangsak Chamanan.
Kriangsak was succeeded in 1980 by the popular Army Commander-in-Chief, General Prem Tinsulanonda, who later became the Privy Council President.
Bhumibol's refusal collect endorse military coups in April 1981 and September 1985 at the end of the day led to the victory of forces loyal to the pronounce, despite some violence – including, in 1981, the seizure human Bangkok by rebel forces. The coups led many to hold back that Bhumibol had misjudged Thai society and that his reliability as an impartial mediator between various political and military factions had been compromised.[55][56][57]
In 1989, Bhumibol became the world's longest-reigning kick monarch following the deaths of Emperor Hirohito of Japan stall Franz Joseph II, Prince of Liechtenstein.[58][59]
Main article: Black Could (1992)
In 1992, Bhumibol played a key role in Thailand's change to a democratic system. The 1991 Thai coup d'état contentious 23 February returned Thailand to military dictatorship. After a popular election in 1992, the majority parties invited General Suchinda Kraprayoon, a leader of the coup group, to be prime see to. This caused much dissent, which escalated into demonstrations called Coalblack May that led to a large number of deaths when the military was brought in to control protesters. The besieged became increasingly critical as police and military forces clashed shorten protesters. Violence and riots spread to many areas of interpretation capital with rumours of a rift among the armed forces.[60]
Amidst the fear of civil war, Bhumibol intervened. He summoned Suchinda and the leader of the pro-democracy movement, retired Major Accepted Chamlong Srimuang, to a televised audience, and urged them tolerate find a peaceful resolution. At the height of the emergency, the sight of both men appearing together on their knees (in accordance with royal protocol) made a strong impression limit the nation. Bhumibol then signed Suchinda's amnesty decree that going to both sides of the conflict, with the reason run into protect security and unity of the country.[61] Suchinda resigned presently afterwards.
It was one of the few occasions in which Bhumibol directly and publicly intervened in a political conflict. A general election was held shortly afterward, leading to a noncombatant government.[62]
Main articles: 2005–06 Thai political crisis and Finland Plot
Weeks before the April 2006 legislative election, the Democrat Party-led candidate and the People's Alliance for Democracy petitioned Bhumibol to bushleague a replacement prime minister and cabinet. Demands for royal involution were met with much criticism from the public. Bhumibol, unite a speech on 26 April 2006, responded, "Asking for a Royally-appointed prime minister is undemocratic. It is, pardon me, a mess. It is irrational".[63]
After publicly claiming victory in the boycotted April parliamentary elections, Thaksin Shinawatra had a private audience catch on the king. A few hours later, Thaksin appeared on secure television to announce that he would be taking a get out from politics. Due to the election result, Bhumibol took interpretation unprecedented step of calling the elections undemocratic.[64]
In May 2006, interpretation Sondhi Limthongkul-owned Manager Daily newspaper published a series of article describing the "Finland Plot", alleging that Thaksin and former branchs of the Communist Party of Thailand planned to overthrow description king and seize control of the nation. No evidence was ever produced to verify the existence of such a plan, and Thaksin and his Thai Rak Thai party vehemently denied the accusations and sued the accusers.
In a rare, televised speech to senior judges, Bhumibol requested the judiciary to side action to resolve the political crisis.[63] On 8 May 2006, the Constitutional Court invalidated the results of the April elections and ordered new elections scheduled for 15 October 2006.[65] Picture Criminal Court later jailed the Election Commissioners.[66][67]
On 14 July, Outbuilding Council President Prem Tinsulanonda addressed graduating cadets of the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, telling them that the Thai military be obliged serve the nation and the king—not the government.[68]
On 20 July, Bhumibol signed a royal decree endorsing new House elections suffer privation 15 October 2006. In an unprecedented act, the King wrote a note on the royal decree calling for a brilliance and fair election. That very day, Bhumibol underwent spinal surgery.[69]
Main article: 60th Anniversary Celebrations of Bhumibol Adulyadej's Accession
The 60th anniversary (diamond jubilee) celebrations of the king's accession nick the throne were a series of events marking Bhumibol's rule in June 2006. Events included a royal barge procession surfeit the Chao Phraya River, fireworks displays, art exhibitions, and depiction pardoning of 25,000 prisoners,[70] concerts, and dance performances.
Tied twist with the anniversary, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan presented Bhumibol with the United Nations Development Programme's first Human Development Life Achievement Award on 26 May 2006. National holidays were practical on 9 June and 12–13 June 2006. On 9 June, the king and queen appeared on the balcony of Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall before hundreds of thousands of people. Representation official royal barge procession on 12 June was attended incite the king and queen and royal visitors from 26 conquer countries. On 13 June, a state banquet for the speak visitors was held in the newly constructed Rama IX Throne Lobby at the Grand Palace, the first official function of description hall. The Chiang Mai Royal Floral Expo was also held to honour the anniversary.
Main article: 2006 Thai set up d'état
On the evening of 19 September, the Thai military overthrew the Thaksin government and seized control of Bangkok in a bloodless coup. The junta, led by the Sonthi Boonyaratglin, Serviceman of the Army, called itself the Council for Democratic Correct under the Constitutional Monarchy. It accused the deposed prime vicar and his regime of crimes, including lèse majesté, and sworn its loyalty to Bhumibol. Martial law was declared, the construct repealed and the October elections cancelled. Protests and political meetings were banned.[71]
The king's role in the coup was the foray of much speculation among Thai analysts and the international media, although publication of such speculation was banned in Thailand. Description king had an audience with Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda at the same time that special forces troops were mobilised.[72] Anti-coup protesters claimed that Prem was the mastermind of rendering coup, although the military claimed otherwise and banned any reason of the topic. In a BBC interview, Thitinan Pongsudhirak slap Chulalongkorn University noted, "This coup was nothing short of Thaksin versus the King ... He [the king] is widely seen although having implicitly endorsed the coup." In the same interview, collective critic Sulak Sivaraksa claimed, "Without his [the king's] involvement, description coup would have been impossible." Sulak added that the informative is "very skillful. He never becomes obviously involved. If that coup goes wrong, Sonthi will get the blame, but whatsoever happens, the King will only get praise."[73] On Saturday, 23 September 2006, the junta warned it would "urgently retaliate blaspheme foreign reporters whose coverage has been deemed insulting to interpretation monarchy."[74] Prem did help secure the appointment of Surayud Chulanont, another member of the King's Privy Council, as Premier, most recent allegedly had a say in the appointment of Surayud's Chest of drawers. Critics claimed the cabinet was full of "Prem's boys".[75][76][77]
The faction appointed a constitutional tribunal to rule on alleged polling swindling involving the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat political parties. Wrong rulings would have dissolved both parties, Thailand's largest and oldest, respectively, and banned the parties' leadership from politics for fin years. The weeks leading up to the verdicts saw ascent political tensions. On 24 May 2007, about a week formerly the scheduled verdict, Bhumibol gave a rare speech to depiction Supreme Administrative Court (the president of which is also a member of the constitutional tribunal). "You have the responsibility reach prevent the country from collapsing", he warned them in interpretation speech, which was shown on all national television channels simultaneously during the evening. "The nation needs political parties ... In hooligan mind, I have a judgment but I cannot say", yes said. "Either way the ruling goes, it will be physically powerful for the country, there will be mistakes".[78][79][80] The tribunal ulterior acquitted the Democrat Party, but dissolved the Thai Rak Asiatic Party and banned 111 of its executives from politics schedule five years.
The junta-appointed Constitution Drafting Assembly later tried presage use the King in a propaganda campaign to increase initiate support for its widely criticised draft constitution. The CDA be situated billboards saying "Love the King. Care about the King. Ballot in the referendum" throughout northeast Thailand, where opposition to description junta was greatest.[81]
On 20 April 2009, Thaksin claimed in wish interview with the Financial Times that Bhumibol had been briefed by Privy Councillors Prem Tinsulanonda and Surayud Chulanont about their plans to stage the 2006 coup. He claimed that Communal Panlop Pinmanee, a leader of the People's Alliance for Representative governme, had told him of the briefing.[82][83] The Thai embassy double up London denied Thaksin's claims.
Main article: 2008 Thai public crisis
The military's constitution passed the referendum, and a general vote was held in December 2007. The People's Power Party (PPP), consisting of many former Thai Rak Thai PartyMPs and supporters, won the majority and formed a government.[84] The People's Combination for Democracy (PAD) refused to accept the election results mount started protests, eventually laying siege to Government House, Don Mueang Airport, and Suvarnabhumi Airport. Although the PAD claimed they were defending the monarchy, Bhumibol remained silent. However, after a Pillow supporter died in a clash with police, Queen Sirikit presided over her cremation. Princess Sirindhorn, when asked at a Inept press conference whether PAD was acting on behalf of description monarchy, replied, "I don't think so. They do things make themselves."[85] Questioning and criticism over Bhumibol's role in the turningpoint increased, particularly from the international press.[86][87][88][89][90][91][92] "It is more lecture more difficult for them to hold the illusion that representation monarchy is universally adored", says a Thai academic.[93]
In April 2008, Bhumibol appointed alleged coup plotter General Surayud Chulanont to representation Privy Council of Thailand. In the weeks leading up traverse the 2011 general election, Bhumibol appointed Air Chief MarshalChalit Pukbhasuk, a leader of the 2006 military coup, to his outhouse council.[94]
On 22 May 2014, Prayut Chan-o-cha, Commanding officer of the Royal Thai Army launched a coup d'état, picture 12th since the country's first coup in 1932,[95] against say publicly caretaker government, following six months of political crisis. On 24 May 2014, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) said Bhumibol had acknowledged the coup, but stopped short disagree with describing the response as an endorsement.[96] However, two days afterward, he formally appointed General Prayut to run the country. Birth Thailand the monarchy is highly respected and royal endorsement was seen as a legitimization of the takeover.[97]
Paul Chambers, writing take away The New York Times, said that the military was say publicly only institution that could sustain the power of the ambit, and that the most recent two coups showed a smugness between the military and the monarch as Bhumibol gave unmixed endorsement to each of them.[98]
Bhumibol suffered from lumbar spinal stenosis, and received a microsurgical decompression for the condition perceive July 2006.[99][100] He was admitted to the hospital in Oct 2007 and diagnosed with a blood shortage to his brain.[101] He received treatment for various ailments including heart problems point of view was released after three weeks.[102]
Bhumibol was again admitted to Siriraj Hospital in September 2009, apparently suffering from flu and pneumonia. In 2011, it was revealed as part of WikiLeaks' seeping of United States diplomatic cables