Who Is Bhumibol Adulyadej? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Bhumibol Adulyadej, born on December 5, 1927, was the King of Thailand from 1946 until his passing in 2016. Known as King Rama IX, he reigned for over 70 years, making him the longest-serving monarch in Thai history. His reign was marked by significant contributions to the development of Thailand and the well-being of its people. As the world's longest-serving monarch at the time of his death, Bhumibol's impact on Thai culture and society remains profound, and his legacy is honored years after his passing.
| Occupation | Billionaire |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 5, 1927 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | Cambridge, Massachusetts, US |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Thailand |
| Date of death | 13 October, 2016 |
| Died Place | Bangkok, Thailand |
Popularity
Bhumibol Adulyadej's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Bhumibol Adulyadej’s height and weight are not commonly reported, he was often perceived as representing royal dignity and grace. Physical attributes, while not central to his legacy, contributed to his image as a beloved leader and public figure.
Amidst the fear of civil war, Bhumibol intervened. He summoned Suchinda and the leader of the pro-democracy movement, retired Major General Chamlong Srimuang, to a televised audience, and urged them to find a peaceful resolution.
At the height of the crisis, the sight of both men appearing together on their knees (in accordance with royal protocol) made a strong impression on the nation. Bhumibol then signed Suchinda's amnesty decree that applied to both sides of the conflict, with the reason to protect security and unity of the country. Suchinda resigned soon afterwards.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Bhumibol Adulyadej was married to Queen Sirikit, who played a significant role in his life and reign. The couple married on April 28, 1950, and had four children together: Princess Ubolratana, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Princess Chulabhorn, and Princess Sirivannavari. Their family life was often seen as emblematic of Thai values and traditions, further solidifying their image in the hearts of Thais.
He was the youngest son 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 at Harvard University, which is why Bhumibol was the only monarch to be born in the US until the 2025 papal conclave elected Pope Leo XIV. Bhumibol had an older sister, Princess Galyani Vadhana, and an older brother, Prince Ananda Mahidol.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2016, Bhumibol Adulyadej's estimated net worth was between $30 billion to $40 billion. This wealth largely stemmed from the Crown Property Bureau, which managed assets including land, real estate, and investments. His reign saw considerable economic growth in Thailand, and his estate continues to play a significant economic role in the country.
Forbes estimated Bhumibol's fortune—including property and investments managed by the Crown Property Bureau, a body that is neither private nor government-owned (assets managed by the Bureau were owned by the crown as an institution, not by the monarch as an individual) —to be US$30 billion in 2010, and he headed the magazine's list of the "wor
ld's richest royals" from 2008 to 2013.
In 2014, Bhumibol's wealth was again listed as US$30 billion.
Career, Business, and Investments
Bhumibol Adulyadej was not only a monarch but also an innovator and advocate for various social programs. His initiatives focused on agricultural development, rural health care, and education. Additionally, he supported sustainable development projects that addressed the needs of the Thai populace. His investments in different sectors, particularly agriculture and rural development, aimed to uplift the living standards of his people.
In the early years of his reign, during the government of military dictator Plaek Phibunsongkhram, Bhumibol had no real political power and was little more than a ceremonial figure under the military-dominated government.
In August 1957, six months after parliamentary elections, General Sarit Thanarat accused the government of Field Marshal Phibunsongkhram of lèse-majesté due to its conduct of the 2,500th anniversary celebration of Buddhism. On 16 September 1957, Phibunsongkhram went to Bhumibol to seek support for his government.
Bhumibol advised the field marshal to resign to avoid a coup. Phibunsongkhram refused. That evening, Sarit Thanarat seized power. Two hours later Bhumibol imposed martial law throughout the kingdom. Bhumibol issued a proclamation appointing Sarit as "military defender of the capital" without anyone countersigning the proclamation.
It included the following:
Social Network
Following his passing, Bhumibol Adulyadej remains a central figure in Thai culture and society. His legacy is preserved through numerous social networks, including commemorative events, public holidays, and ongoing royal projects that reflect his vision for Thailand. Many social media platforms and websites promote his teachings and philanthropic initiatives, keeping his memory alive among younger generations.
During the modern period (post-1988), the structured development of the royal projects reached its apex. Bhumibol's Chaipattana Foundation was established, promoting his "sufficiency economy" theory, an alternative to the export-oriented policies adopted by the period's elected governments.
Following the 2006 coup, establishment of a "sufficiency economy" was enshrined in the constitution as being a primary goal of the government, and government financial support for royal projects was boosted.
Education
Bhumibol Adulyadej’s education began in Thailand and later extended to Switzerland, where he attended the University of Lausanne. He pursued studies in political science and economics, giving him a broad understanding of governance and development that he utilized throughout his reign. His commitment to education was evident in his support for various educational initiatives and institutions in Thailand.
In conclusion, Bhumibol Adulyadej's enduring influence on Thai society and culture continues to resonate in 2025. His life's work and legacy remain an inspiration, reflecting values of duty, development, and dedication to the Thai people.
In the course of his rule, Bhumibol presided over 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, and in the 1990s was predicted by many international journalists to be the next "Asian Tiger".
During this period, the country also saw the emergence of an urban middle class as well as mass political participation in its electoral politics. However, this rapid economic growth came to an end with the 1997 Asian financial crisis, which triggered political instability in Thailand during the 2000s and 2010s.
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 years of civilian government and saw the return of the Thai military's influence within Thai politics.
