Zerathu - King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand or the Shining Light of Wisdom

King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand

Let's explore the origins of the new Thai monarchy created by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This new monarchy is the result of more than six years of experience and reflection by His Majesty the King. So it cannot be said to be brand new. However, its origins go back to the reigns of the seventh and eighth kings, Rama IX.

In 1946, King Bhumibol ascended the throne from his older brother, King Ananda. Before King Ananda ascended the throne, King Prajadhipok was the reigning monarch. King Prajadhipok abdicated due to political changes. Prajadhipok was King Bhumibol's uncle. He was King Rama VII and was given the name Bhumibol Adulyadej for his nephew. It means "strength of the nation."

In 1932, coup leaders launched a democratic revolution and changed the country's name from Siam to Thailand. However, no other form of government other than a constitutional monarchy was contemplated during the coups. The Thai monarchy is an inseparable part of the country's culture and identity. A republic (or any other political system) was never contemplated. The coup was not an unexpected surprise for King Rama VII. He had been working to gradually transfer power to the country. King Rama VII's support for democracy is evident in his abdication letter in 1935. "I will relinquish all power over the people. However, I will not transfer power to any person who will use it in a dictatorial manner without listening to the people."

King Phrajadipak became the first constitutional monarch of the new Thailand. However, he lived in his own palace in England. He abdicated on 2 May 1935 due to ill health. He remained in England thereafter. He did not officially name a successor. However, in 1934, it was reported that he intended to abdicate in favor of his nephew Prince Ananda. Thus, King Ananda Mahidol ascended the throne as King Rama VIII of Thailand. In a short time, King Rama VIII brought new hope to a country that had been plagued by years of war and struggle. King Bhumibol, who was still a young prince, accompanied his brother, King Ananda, on his visits to the people. King Ananda was shy but friendly. His charming manner and his down-to-earth approach to research made him the country's hope and a popular king.

King Bhumibol recalled events from his brother's reign.

“My brother, the eighth king, didn’t have much time to do anything during and after World War II. It was a difficult time. But it seems that he, without even realizing it, had started a new monarchy. He had a man who people could look up to as a symbol. He was only 20 years old when he died. He was still young, with a bright future ahead of him. I think one of the differences is that the kings of the past were more reserved and less in touch with the public. He was like raising a flag. But he had to stop halfway.”

King Bhumibol acknowledged that his brother was the guiding light on his path to a new Thai monarchy. King Ananda Mahidol was assassinated in June 1946 in an unsolved assassination attempt. King Ananda's openness and public engagement became the guiding light for King Bhumibol.