Bhumibol Adulyadej Biography

Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as King Bhumibol the Great, was born on December 5, 1927, as Baby Songkla. As the ninth monarch of the Chakkri dynasty in Thailand, he reigned from 1950 until his passing in 2016.

Bhumibol Adulyadej Age, Death, Wife, Children, Family, Biography, & More

Revered by his people, he was known for his deep commitment to Thailand’s development and welfare, earning him the nickname “Lord of Life.” Throughout his reign, King Bhumibol left an indelible mark on the nation’s history, symbolizing stability and unity during times of change and uncertainty. His legacy as a beloved and respected monarch endures in the hearts of the Thai people.

Early Life

Bhumibol Adulyadej, born on December 5, 1927, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, experienced a childhood marked by both privilege and tragedy. His family relocated to Thailand after the sudden death of his father, Mahidol Adulyadej, when Bhumibol was just two years old.

Tragedy struck again when his older brother, King Ananda Mahidol, passed away under mysterious circumstances in 1946, leading to Bhumibol unexpectedly ascending to the throne at the age of 18. Despite these challenges, Bhumibol’s upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of duty and commitment to his country, shaping his future as Thailand’s revered monarch.

Education

Aonghus McAnally attended Mater Dei Institute of Education in Drumcondra, Dublin City, Ireland, for his early education. Later, he pursued his high school education at Gymnase Classique Cantonal of Lausanne, Switzerland, earning a Baccalauréat des lettres with a major in French literature, Latin, and Greek. He continued his academic journey by studying science at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, further enriching his educational qualifications.

Physical Stats

Bhumibol Adulyadej stood at an approximate height of 5′ 7″ (170 cm). His eyes were dark in color, while his hair displayed a distinctive salt-and-pepper hue.

Wife and Children

Bhumibol Adulyadej was married to Sirikit Kitiyakara on April 28, 1950. Sirikit served as the Queen of Thailand from 1950 until Bhumibol’s passing in 2016. Together, they had four children, including a son named Vajiralongkorn, who became the Crown Prince of Thailand. Their daughters include Sirindhorn, Chulabhorn Walailak, and Ubolratana Rajakanya, the latter being a film actress.

Family

Bhumibol Adulyadej, the revered monarch of Thailand, was born to Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkla, and Srinagarindra, also known as the Princess Mother. His father, Mahidol Adulyadej, and mother, Srinagarindra, were esteemed members of the Thai royal family. Bhumibol had two siblings: an elder brother named Ananda Mahidol, who served as the former King of Thailand, and a sister named Galyani Vadhana. Despite the demands of their royal duties, the siblings shared a close bond, with Bhumibol and Ananda Mahidol both ascending to the throne during their lifetimes, contributing significantly to the history and culture of Thailand.

Bhumibol Adulyadej Youngage Picture

Bhumibol Adulyadej Father Mahidol Adulyadej

Bhumibol Adulyadej Mother Srinagarindra

Bhumibol Adulyadej Sister Galyani Vadhana

Bhumibol Adulyadej with his wife Sirikit Kitiyakara

Bhumibol Adulyadej Son Vajiralongkorn

Bhumibol Adulyadej Daughter Sirindhorn

Bhumibol Adulyadej Daughter Chulabhorn Walailak

Death

Bhumibol Adulyadej was born on December 5, 1927, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. He passed away on October 13, 2016, at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, at the age of 88. His death was attributed to kidney failure. Born under the sign of Sagittarius, Bhumibol Adulyadej was of Thai nationality.

Career

Bhumibol Adulyadej ascended to the throne of Thailand in 1946, following the unexpected death of his brother, King Ananda Mahidol. Throughout his reign, which spanned over six decades, he became a symbol of stability and unity for Thailand.

While the Thai monarchy is largely ceremonial, King Bhumibol played a significant role as a unifying figure, particularly during times of political upheaval. His reign witnessed various economic and social developments, and he was revered by the Thai people for his philanthropic activities and dedication to improving the livelihoods of his subjects. King Bhumibol’s legacy as the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history endures, and he remains deeply respected and cherished by the Thai people even after his passing.

Net Worth

Bhumibol Adulyadej’s net worth was estimated to be approximately $30 billion during his lifetime.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Bhumibol Adulyadej

• When he was nine years old, his elder brother became king; however, they stayed in Switzerland, and a council took care of things back in Thailand.
• When he was 18, he started writing his music. He played with famous jazz musicians like Benny Goodman and Lionel Hampton.
• The name on his U. S. birth certificate was Baby Songkla as his parents had to consult his uncle King Rama VII (Prajadhipok), who was the then head of the House of Chakri, to suggest a name for him.
• In September 1929, his father died of kidney failure when Bhumibol was less than 2 years old.
• In his youth, Bhumibol had a great interest in firearms.
• In 1928, Bhumibol came to Thailand from the United States.
• He wrote 49 songs in his life, some were jazz and some were other types of music.
• He learned music when he was young. At first, he only played classical music, but then he started playing jazz because he liked to make up his tunes.
• He had a great interest in photography and was filled with enthusiasm when he was given a camera in 1934.
• He became a Jazz enthusiast in 1942 and started playing saxophone when he was fourteen.
• He attended a school in Bangkok for a while, but then his mother took him and his siblings to Switzerland in 1933.
• Bhumibol was the only monarch to be born in the United States as at the time of his birth, his father was enrolled in a public health program at Harvard University.
• Apart from saxophone, he liked playing other instruments like the saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, guitar, and piano.

Check Also: Bernard L. Feringa