PHRA CHAOYUHAO BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ

In December 1928,they returned to Bangkok and resided at the Srapathom Palace. His father died in September the following year and so his mother, together with the three children, remained in Thailand until 1933.That year they left for Lausanne,Switzerland, especially for the health of His Majestry King Ananda Mahidol. There the children continued their education. On March 2,1934 King Rama VII abdicated without leaving any heir to the throne.The government,therefore,deemed it appropriate according to Royal place Law for HRH Prince Ananda Mahidol to ascend the throne at the age of only ten.Bhumibol Adulyadej was bestowed the title of "Prince".

In november 1938,when His Majestry King Ananda Mahidol made his first visit to Thailand, HRH Bhumiboil Adulyadej and HRH the Princess Mother accompanied him and they stayed in the country for two months before returning to Switzerland. At the end of World War II,the Thai Government requested His Majestry King Ananda Mahidol to return to Thailand. HRH Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej accompanied him on his second return on Decenber 5,1945. They resided at the Grand Palace and planned to return to Switzerland for further education on Jine 13,1946. Most unfortunatwly,King Rama VII met with extreme tragedy to great grief of the Thai people.The Government announced over the national broadcasting station of Thailand that his majestry King Ananda Mahidol had died from a pistol shot at the Bhrarom Biman Hall.

Because of the sudden death of King Rama VIII,the Government, requested HRH Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej to ascend the throne on June 9,1946. His Majestry King Bhumibol Adulyadej was only 18 years old when he was crowned king. The loss of his brother caused His Majestry King Bhumibol Adulyadej so much grief that his facial expression changed from cheerfilness to that of great sorrow. His Majestry paid respect to his last brother's remains every day until he returned to Switzerland to continue his education on Auguist 19,1946.However,since he had to become King,he had to change his educational program to better prepare himself for the new role.He studied ever harder so that he would be ready for the overwhelming task of being a good king. On October 4,1948,His Majestry King Bhumibol Adulyadej met with an automobile accident which required his hospitalization. In a way it was fortunate for him for while he was in hospital he got to admire one of the daughters of MC Nakkatrmongkol Kittiyakurn,then Thai ambassador to France.This matter was,however,known only among close circles. MC Nakkatrmongkol Kittyakorn and his wife, ML Bua Kittayakorn had two daughters,namely MR Sirikit and MR Budsabha.Every time His Majestry King Bhumipol Adulyadej went to Palis he always visited the Ambassador and his two daughters. Therefore,when he was h ospitalizedin Lausanne he asked his Principal Private secretary to send a cable to MC Nakkatrmmongkol Kittiyakorn saying that he was in hospital and wished ML Bua to bring along the two daughters for visit. At that times,however,MC Nakkatrmongkol had bee n transferred to the United Kingdom as Thai Ambassador there, So ML Bua and her two daughters made a trip to visit His Majestry the King in Switzerland by themselves. Compliance Her royal Highness the Princess Mother later on asked to meet with ML Bua and on that occasion informed her that His Majestry King Bhumibol Adulyadej wished for mR Sirikit to come and continue her studied in Lausanne so that they wuold get to know one ano ther better. ML Bua subsequently consulted her husband before reporting to HRH the Princess Mother of their compliance. On July19,1949, the riyalengagememt between His Majestry KIng Bhumibol and MR Sirikit was conducted at Windsor Hotel in Lausanne,where MC Nakkatrmongkol resided while he stayed in Lausanne.

HRH the Princess Mother gave the engagement ring that was given to her by her husband HRH Prince Songkhra Nakarind to His Majestry King Bhumipol Adulyadej as engagement ring for the betrothal ceremony with MR Sirikit Kittiyakorn. On April 28,1950,His Majestry King Bhumiblo Adulyadej returned to Thailand temporarily to marry MR Sirikit Kittiyakorn. The royal ceremony was held at Srapathom Palace in the presence of Her Majesty Wrisavarintra, the king's grandmother. That same day His Majesty the King graciously proclaimed MR Sirikit, 'Her Majesty the Queen' and bestowed her with the royal sash of the Chakri Dynasty. He signed his name in the marriage register brought to the Palace by the Minister of Interior. On November 5, 1950, Their Majesties were crowned again under ancient customs. During the ceremony His Majesty the King vowed to the people while pouring the Holy Tuksinothok Water that he would rule the country strictly observing the Ten Rules of the Mon archical Code of Conduct. He solemnly stated: "I shall rule the country justly for the happiness of all of the people." From that memorable day up to present, those words still echo strongly in the minds of the Thai people and His Majesty the King has been living up to his words. Over the years, His Majesty the King has shown tremendous kindness towards the people and his fame has spread far and wide within and without the country. The Thai people in all walks of life are constantly aware of all the things he has done for the people which is a clear indication that he has firmly adhered to the Ten Rules of the Monarchical Code of Conduct. Care For The People When King Rama IX was crowned on June 9, 1946, he was only 18 years old and was till pursuing his education. It was, therefore, necessary for him to return to Switzerland for further education. He chose to major in Law and Political Science as he deemed k nowledge in these fields beneficial in ruling the country. At the time of departure he was most depressed and worried about leaving his beloved people. During the trip to the airport, he told the driver to drive slowly so that he could see the faces of the people more vividly since it would be a very long time be fore he returned to Thailand.

He relates an incident that as his car was leaving the gate of the Emerald Buddha Temple a woman gave him a small can and when he opened it he found that it contained toffees. The street was teeming with well-wishes all along and some came so close to the car that he was worried their feet would be run over by its wheels. So the vehicle had to move very slowly. As the royal vehicle passed Wat Benchamabophit, a man in a voice loud and clear was heard saying: "Don't desert the people".
Upon hearing that outcry , His Majesty said he wished he could have shouted back: "If the people do not desert me how can I desert them?" But it was too late since the car had already gone on. In a strange episode 20 years later His Majesty came across the man who said: "Don't desert the people". The man explained that at that time he was a soldier and had let out such an outcry because he was afraid he would not come back. But now he was most happy for the opportunity to talk to the king in person.
"I don't think you remember me, I am the one who said 'Don't desert the people", said the man upon meeting the king.
"You are the one?" asked the king.
"Yes,sir. At that time you looked so sad and I was afraid that you wouldn't come back so I cried out like a mad man," the man replied. "And that is why I have come back," said the king and further asked, "What are you doing now for a living?"
"Farming sir."

While he was studying in Switzerland, King Bhumibol Aduyadej worried very much about the people. He ofted said "I am so far away from the people. All I ever know about them is from asking." The people in Thailand were also so extremely worried about him especially when they learnt that he was sereously injured in an accident when his car collided with a truck in October 1948. However,only four days after the accident, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulydej made a long distance telephone call from Lausanne to the President of the Council of Regents, to thank the Cabinet and the people who had showed great concern over his injury. Ever since he came back to Thailand, King Rama IX has been very close to the people. He has constantly visited people near and far, up in the mountains and down in the valleys, and every place accessible. He confers with the people personally concerning th eir needs and is always ready to render assistance. And whenever natural catastrophies befall the country, he visits the victims and does all he can to alleviate their suffering. People are used to seeing his worried expression time and again. When an area suffers from drought, he arranges for the making of artificial rain, irrigation, water control, etc. When floods occur , he sends food, clothes, medicine, and arranges for temporary living quarters besides making suggestions on controlling th e flow of water and preventing future inundations. He gives away land to the lankless and advises them how to best make use of it. When he visits rural areas he likes to stay for a considerable length of time talking unreservedly to the people, old and young alike. Any problem that the king learns about it is directed to officials concerned to bo solved.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej always regards the well-being of his citizens as his personal concern. Some of the difficulties facing the people are attended to immediately by the king himself until the Government takes over. Public Health And Natural Catastrophy His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej becomes especially concerned about the safety of the people caught in disaster areas. When such events occur he either visits the victims personally or sends relief funds without fail.For example, on October 25-26, 1962 a big flood caused by a super typhoon inundated the South, and ten provinces there were devastated, especially Nakhon Si Thammarat.The strong winds had swept away thousands of houses and destroyed vast areas of farmland. Right after the typhoon, the floo d waters washed awat what was left. The unfortunate prople in those areas were rendered helpless and homeless. His Majesty commented that he was afraid the Government might not be able to give immediate and sufficient assistance due mainly to lack of emergency relief funds. He, ordered consequently, a broadcast over the Or. Sor. Radio Station at Chitrlada Palace urging all people to donate money or kind together with him. Help to the South was consummate and in time.

His Majesty also helped to restore temples, mosques and shrines that were damaged because of the typhoon and floods. He organized the construction of schools, orphanages, roads and a new village at Talumpuk Peninsula which was most heavily damaged in Amph oe Pankpanang, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Relief Operations How deeply he was concerned with disasters is evident from the fact that he personally took command in relief operations right from the very beginning. He constantly asked the Director-General and Deputy Director-General of the Department of Public Welfar e to make reports on the development of each situation. In June 1963, he establised the "Rajprachanukraoh Foundation" (Public Relief Foundation). Later, on November 28 of the same year, King Bhumibol addressed a meeting of the foundation. Following is a s ummary of his speech: "The Foundation had its birth from money left over from donations that were designed for relief operations in the South during the 1962 catastrophy. His Majesty the King, therefore, wishes to initate this Foundation in order to increase the amount of mone y still left unused..." "...The relief fund for flood victims in the South has already been used in assisting them as was intended as well as for building orphanages for the children whose parents were killed during the catastrophy, and for the Department of Public Welfare to se t up educational programs up to vocational level for these children so that they will be able to find decent jobs when they grow up. His Majesty the King wants the Foundation to render assistance to victims of any catastrophy as soon as possible even before the Department of Public Welfare steps in. The standard practice of the Foundation is to give emergency assistance as well as to prevent incidents. The Foundation will arrange to have a number of persons on duty 24 hours a day so that they can attend to any emergency immediately. It also should have many volunteers to give a helping hand in works of charity. The Foundation will train volunteers so that they will know exactly what to do in case of an emergency

His Majesty has been very creative in finding ways to help victims of natural catastrophies not only for immediate on-the-spot assistance but also for follow-up help until such time the victims can help themselves. He has changed the status of the Souther n Relief Fund into Public Relief Foundation which will benefit victims of catastrophic events in any part of the country. All of his undertakings will be remembered by the Thai people forever. Royal Medical Services His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been following the foot-steps of his father who is known as "The Father of Thai Medicine" This is evident from the fact that His Majesty has expanded the services of the Royal Medical Division tot people in remote a reas while in the past the Division served only the Royal Family and important personages. In his visits to remote areas, he found that many people lacked medical care. Consequently, he took along doctors on visits to far away places and had them give medical treatment to the people. In cases of serious illness that required hospitalization, Hi s Majesty would ask local officials or the border patrol police to take the patients to the nearest hospital and to report their progress to him. At present the number of patients under the care of The Royal Medical Division has increased from 700 to 1,200 persons a day. Furthermore, a dental unit was formed later to give free treatment to the rural people. Education His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has shown great interest in the field of education. He established Chitrlada School, located within Chitrlada Palace, with the intention of education his children as well as the children of Government officials.

Instructors are selected from among well qualified foreign and local university graduates. Some are sent for additional training overseas financed from his own purse. But he worries most about schools located in the border areas where most of the pupils are poor and need support. Their Majesties the King and Queen, the Crown Prince and the Princesses, therefore, frequently make visits to these schools and donate educational material, clothes, food as well as scholarships much to the appreciation of teachers, parents and especially the students themselves. During those numerous visits, His Majesty would encourage the teaching of extra-curricular subjects such as an elementary course in map-making, compass reading, etc. In 1962, part of proceeds from the flood relief fund was used to construct 12 new schools in Nakhon Si Thammarat under the name of "Rajchaprachanukroah". A "Rajchaprachanukroah" Foundation was also established with the main aim to finance the education of children whose parents were killed during the big flood. Many of them had already graduated from universities. Any school that damaged by flood or storm will be readily repaired by the Foundation. As of date, there are a total of 18 Rajprachanukroah schools. All of these schools come under the name of "Rom Klao" which poetically means "Umbrella of Protection". As for hill-tribe children in the North, His Majesty also shown much concern as well. Out of his own purse, he financed the construction of one school for them on top of a plateau in Chiang Mai Province and appointed border patrol police as teachers. This particular school is named Chao Phaw Luang Oubpatham which expressly means "King's Patronage".

His Majesty ordered the construction of a special school Rachapracha Samasai, for the offspring of lepers at Phrapradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province, so that they can be separated from their parents and have an opportunity to receive a reasonably goo d education. His Majesty certainly does not overlook handicapped children - the blind, the deaf and dumb, the retarded, and orphans. He treats them specially by granting them audiences, giving them toys and things that they need, as well as feasting them. His generous treatment touches them so much that some of them burst into tears of toy. In order to enchance the knowledge of Thai youths, His Majesty ordered the publishing of a set of encyclopedia for youth which contains much useful information. For example, astronomy, fishes, birds, machinery, etc, are given in the 1st volume; animal wor ld, industry, ecology, Thai Kings who were given the title "The Great" education, Bangkok metropolis, etc., in the 2nd volume; rice, rubber, wood industry, cows and buffalos, lac culture, etc., in the 3rd volume. All of these books of knowledge are very u seful since they serve as knowledge pools. Many more volumes are now being prepared.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej makes it a regular practise to present diplomas to university graduates and in a speech reminds them of their responsibilities to society. It is very heartening for good but poor students to be eligible to earn scholars hips from the Mahidol Foundation to study abroad. Every year a number of students receive scholarships to further their education for Master's degree and doctorates in various fields abroad. There is no binding obligation after completing their education except to come and serve the country in their own capacities. Religion His Majesty is the patron of all religions and the upholder of Buddhism. He always attends religious functions and strongly urges the people to adhere to Buddhist principles. He has regularly donated money for the renovation of temples and has pledged himself as patron of many Buddhist temples such as Wat Raj-O-rossaram, which was built in the time of King Rama III. He entered the monkhood at Wat Borvornnives for a period of 15 days on October 22, 1956 and was given the name of Bhumipalo Bhikku. While a monk, he was very devoted to the life and spent long hours studying Buddhist scriptures and solicited alms every mo rning like any other monk.

Whenever His Majesty opens a new primary school, he suggests that a monk should be invited to teach morals in the classes. The Or. Sor. radio station at Chitrlada Palace broadcasts Buddhist teachings regularly for the general public. He also exchanges ide as with foreign dignitares concerning religion and moral principles. Once, when King Baudouin of Belgium made a state visit to Thailand, he asked His Majesty to become a Christian because he liked him so much that in the afterlife he wanted to be with him , and the only way to make that possible was for him to become a Christian. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej did not contend in anyway but replied that Buddhism upholds veracity just like Christianity.So they would meet for certain in the next world especially with His Majesty King Baudouin as the intermediary between him and God. King Baudouin became interested in Buddhism and His Majesty,consequently,gave him a set of books on Buddhism in the English language. In his capacity as patron not only of Buddhism but also of all religions, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej encourages believers of each religion to abide by the teachings of their respective religions. Ever since he came back from Switzerland, he has b een constantly engaged in religious affairs. On his birthday, he asks the Director General of the Religious Affairs Department to invite leaders of various religions to attend the birthday celebrations. He always attends religious functions when invited n o matter how strenuous the trip is. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej firmly believes that if all religions pursue the same goal, that is, teach its followers to be good, there will be peace in the world.

In Agriculture His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is very concerned about people engaged in agricultural activities and wishes for everyone of them to own land and be able to earn enough money for their needs. His initial attempts at helping farmers in 1964 were at Hopkaphong village in Phetchaburi Province, at Khun Huay village in the same province; at Nong Plub, Prachuab Khiri Khan Province;and at Tung Louie Lai village, Chaiyaphum Province. When the law concerning land reform for agriculture was introduced in 1975, His Majesty donated 51,964 rai and 95 square wah out of the Crown Property to be allocated to poor farmers who did not own any land. Another important project undertaken by His Majesty was to terminate the growing of opium among the hilltribe people, to stem deforestation as well as slash and burn planting while encouraging animal raising and growing crops that bring high income, such as fruits and vegetables that are grown in cold climates. The pilot farm at Doi Ang Kwang has been very beneficial toward the promotion of this project. His Majesty's artificial rain making project can be considered very successful since it can alleviate aridity and make possible the continuity of crop-growing.

His Majesty has freshwater fish farms in the compound of Chitrlada Palace where both local and foreign species of fishes are bred, and regularly distributed to people interested in raising fishes. Rice plants too are being grown in the compound for use in the Ploughing Ceremony. The Chitrlada Dairy farm is designed to promote the dairy industry and to research into new technologies in raising cattle. His Majesty's private farm at Hadsaiyai is aimed at promoting domestic animal raising as well as the growing of economic crops. Other projects at Chitrlada Palace include researching into the production of powdered milk for domestic consumption as well as the best method of husking paddy and elimination middlemen by arranging for sellers and buyers to meet directly through coopera tives. Her Majesty the Queen also has her own silkworm project of producing silkworm cocoons for silk factories as a means to promote the Thai silk industry. National Security His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is an institute of courage for the security of the nation. Their Majesties the King and the Queen make it a regular practise to visit soldiers and police no matter how remote their outposts might happen to be. He encour ages them in every way so that they maintain a high morale. He always provides for their needs and assures them that they are not alone in their fight against the enemy. When soldiers or policemen get killed in action, Their Majesties the King and Queen attend the funeral rites at Wat Phrasrimahathat.On Such occasion, His Majesty looks very sad, for the nation's losses are his own losses. The families of the deceased are looked after by the Sai Jai Thai Foundation, which is under Her Majesty the Queen's patronage. Besides personal visits, His Majesty has also composed morale building songs such as "From The Top of The Hill" and the "Ultimate Dream". He regularly contributes money from his own purse for the purchase of arms for soldiers and police stationed at the border areas. When free,he personally inspects and recommends improvement on weapons used by the soldiers and police killed in action. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej devotes hisentire energy and efforts for the peopoe of his country and has certainly lived up to his vow: "I shall rule the country justly for the happiness of all of the people".

His Majesty has four children: Princess Ubol Ratana born in Lausanne, Switzerland on April 5, 1951; His Royal Highness Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, born in Bangkok on July 28,1952. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, born in Bangkok on Apr il 5, 1955; and Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn, born in Bangkok on July 4, 1957