Thai king becomes nation's longest living monarch

Thai king becomes nation's longest living monarch
AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE

BANGKOK, MAY 23: Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej was declared the country's longest-living monarch on Tuesday, surpassing ancient Siamese ruler king Rama I who died on May 23, 1809.

The royal household bureau in a statement said King Bhumibol - who has seen more than 20 prime ministers serve, 16 constitutions and 17 coups - would by midnight complete the 26,469th day of his life.

He is the world's longest reigning monarch, and celebrated his 72nd birthday in late 1999 amid massive fanfare. He marked his golden jubilee (50th year) on the throne in 1996.

King Bhumibol was born on December 5, 1927, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States where his father was studying medicine. The King and Queen will perform religious rites to pay homage to King Rama I - who founded the Chakri dynasty and the capital Bangkok - at his ancient throne hall.

King Bhumibol is accorded god-like status by his people and revered as the one constant in life as Thailand has endured successive political and economic crises.

As industrial and technological change engulfed Thailand, the King coupled modernism and age-old values of self-sufficiency in agriculture.

He was only 18 when his brother died prematurely and the monarchy was thrust upon him in 1946.