Fully aware of the changing nature of life, the monarchy in Thailand is constantly adapting itself to ensure that it fits in with the modern world and is able to respond to the needs of the people and society. The Thai monarchy has a unique quality, and that is its adaptability to change, which has enabled it to flourish to this day. It has always shown exceptional compassion, relevance and vitality, particularly in the contemporary world.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty. Born in December 1927, in Cambridge, Massachusetts USA, where his father, Prince Mahidol of Songkhla was studying medicine at Harvard University, H.M. King Bhumibol ascended the throne in 1946 and is already the longest reigning Thai monarch. As a constitutional monarch, he maintains neutrality in times of political crisis.
Piyawat Niyomrerks, Executive Director of Thailand Trade and Economic Office said for the past 57 years since King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand's accession to the throne on June 9, 1946, the Thai people have realized very well that their king has ceaselessly assisted His subjects in an effort to alleviate distress and bring forth happiness to them.
The King is well endowed with the Royal precepts of virtuous kingship and adheres to His ideal in relentlessly devoting Himself for the well-being of the Thai people. The King stands as the example of developer. "He is considered the only Monarch in the world who dedicates physically and mentally to the Thai people in Thailand and Thais who live overseas," Mr. Niyomrerks said.
"Under the constitution, the king is Thailand's head of state and commander in chief of the armed forces. The King exercises his legislative powers through the Thai national assembly, his executive powers through the cabinet headed by the prime minister, and his judicial powers through the Thai courts of law.
In reality, however, although the king is kept up to date on the operations of the government, he has little to do with the day-to-day running of the Thai government and the politics of his country. The King plays an advisory role in the affairs of the state," said Mr. Niyomrerks.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej is determined to heal the trouble of His subjects as if it were His own trauma. Importantly, He doesn't think that He is the head of the nation only in legal or constitutional terms but in moral terms as well.
"He always considers Himself to be a Thai who must share the sorrow and happiness with the whole nation without discrimination of sex, age, religion or occupation. Like other Thais, He also feels He has the obligation to protect the country's sovereignty and territory with all His strength. Therefore, He wishes to upgrade the well-being of the people and enable them to be self-reliant," Mr. Niyomrerks added.
Thai people have a deep and traditional reverence for the Royal Family. To a very large degree, H.M. King Bhumibol's popularity mirrors his deep interest in his people's welfare. He concerns himself intimately with every aspect of Thai life. He and his wife, H.M. Queen Sirikit devote much of their time to improve the welfare of the people.
Thailand has always been a land rich in natural resources. However, there has been no proper planning for the utilization and conservation of the natural resources. While the government is responsible for the rehabilitation of natural resources, King Bhumibol Adulyadej has initiated projects to complement the Government's role with the specific objective of promoting the well-being of his subjects.
Mr. Niyomrerks said that Queen Sirikit shares the King's passionate concern for the country's natural resources and follows his example by giving strong support to conservation efforts. This dedication has become apparent days of his reign. She has learned first-hand of the suffering of her people and has been moved to free them from hardship by discouraging attempts to destroy natural resources.
To protect the forest and wildlife, Queen Sirikit accepted the position of patron of the Wildlife Fund Thailand and the Association for the Conservation of Wildlife.
By raising rare wildlife species, which are eventually released into their natural habit, the Royal Forestry Department has faithfully responded to the strategy initiated by the Queen. To date, as many as eight wildlife propagation centers have been established throughout Thailand.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit are beloved by Thai people and the Royal Family is the spiritual heart of the government. With all their efforts for the past years, Thai people believe that Thailand is and will still be the land with plenty of blessings.
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