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73-510: The Elevated Train in Commemoration of HM the King's 6th Cycle Birthday 2nd line , also known as Silom Line , is one of the rapid transit lines of the BTS Skytrain System in Bangkok , Thailand. The line runs eastward from National Stadium Station in Pathum Wan District over Rama I Road and interchanges with the Sukhumvit Line at Siam station , then turns southward, following Ratchadamri , Si Lom , Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra and Sathon Roads to Taksin Bridge where it crosses

146-521: A military coup that overthrew the government of Thamrongnawasawat in November 1947. The regent also signed the 1949 constitution , which returned to the monarchy many of the powers it had lost by the 1932 Revolution . In December 1946, the Siamese government allocated several hundred thousand dollars for the ceremonial cremation of the remains of the late King Ananda, a necessary preliminary to

219-760: A bloodless coup. The junta, led by the Sonthi Boonyaratglin , Commander of the Army, called itself the Council for Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy . It accused the deposed prime minister and his regime of crimes, including lèse majesté, and pledged its loyalty to Bhumibol. Martial law was declared, the constitution repealed and the October elections cancelled. Protests and political meetings were banned. The king's role in

292-550: A break from politics. Due to the election result, Bhumibol took the unprecedented step of calling the elections undemocratic. In May 2006, the Sondhi Limthongkul -owned Manager Daily newspaper published a series of articles describing the " Finland Plot ", alleging that Thaksin and former members of the Communist Party of Thailand planned to overthrow the king and seize control of the nation. No evidence

365-635: A jazz enthusiast, and started to play the saxophone, a passion that he kept throughout his life. He received the baccalauréat des lettres (high-school diploma with a major in French literature , Latin , and Greek) from the Gymnase Classique Cantonal de Lausanne , and by 1945 had begun studying sciences at the University of Lausanne , when World War II ended and the family was able to return to Thailand. Bhumibol ascended

438-683: A judgment but I cannot say", he said. "Either way the ruling goes, it will be bad for the country, there will be mistakes". The tribunal later acquitted the Democrat Party, but dissolved the Thai Rak Thai Party and banned 111 of its executives from politics for five years. The junta-appointed Constitution Drafting Assembly later tried to use the King in a propaganda campaign to increase public support for its widely criticised draft constitution . The CDA placed billboards saying "Love

511-447: A large number of deaths when the military was brought in to control protesters. The situation became increasingly critical as police and military forces clashed with protesters. Violence and riots spread to many areas of the capital with rumours of a rift among the armed forces. 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

584-513: A late 2007 opening. However, problems with the tendering and installation of a new Bombardier open signalling system repeatedly pushed back the schedule. The extension finally opening on 15 May 2009. However, the single platform Saphan Taksin station which has only one track, has caused repeated delays during rush hour. In 2012, the BMA announced plans to demolish Saphan Taksin station in the future. There are now plans to construct new platforms and remove

657-561: A separate six-car shuttle service due to the absence of a turnout between Wongwian Yai and Talat Phlu stations. The remaining two stations Wutthakat and Bang Wa were opened on 5 December 2013. In 2018, it was decided to finally build the missing Saint Louis station (originally named Sueksa Witthaya), the EIA was finalised in March 2019. Construction of the station began in August 2019 and by

730-424: 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. It

803-414: A week before his coronation. Their wedding was described by The New York Times as "the shortest, simplest royal wedding ever held in the land of gilded elephants and white umbrellas". The ceremony was performed by Bhumibol's ageing grandmother, Savang Vadhana . Bhumibol and Sirikit had four children: After presiding over the long-delayed, ceremonial cremation of his brother Ananda Mahidol , Bhumibol

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876-510: A week before the scheduled verdict, Bhumibol gave a rare speech to the Supreme Administrative Court (the president of which is also a member of the constitutional tribunal). "You have the responsibility to prevent the country from collapsing", he warned them in the speech, which was shown on all national television channels simultaneously during the evening. "The nation needs political parties   ... In my mind, I have

949-649: Is transliterated in Thai , can be literally translated as "Strength of the Land, Incomparable Power". Bhumibol came to Thailand in 1928, after his father obtained a certificate from Harvard. His father died of kidney failure in September 1929, when Bhumibol was less than two years old. He briefly attended Mater Dei school in Bangkok , but in 1933 his mother took her family to Switzerland, where he continued his education at

1022-610: The Bahadrabith Throne  [ th ] beneath the Great White Umbrella of State and royal regalia and utensils. In 1950 on Coronation Day, Bhumibol's consort was made queen ( Somdej Phra Boromarajini ). The date of his coronation is celebrated each 5 May in Thailand as Coronation Day , a public holiday. The royal couple spent their honeymoon at Hua Hin before they returned to Switzerland, where

1095-965: The Chao Phraya River to the Thonburi side of Bangkok and Wong Wian Yai . It continues west along the Ratchapruek Road before it terminates at Bang Wa Station in Phasi Charoen District . The line was first opened on 5 December 1999, along with the Sukhumvit. Both lines are operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited under a 30-year concession from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration . When it opened,

1168-742: The MRT Orange line which is under construction. Type (single) •   Mine Smart Ferry   •   CHAOPHRAYA EXPRESS   •   MRT   , via 270-metre underground walkway (under construction) •   SRT   (future) • Ratchaphruek station for [REDACTED] Bangkok BRT •   MRL   (south section; future) • Mae Klong Railway (Wongwian Yai - Mahachai) •   SRT   (future) •   MRT   • Khlong Phasi Charoen Boat Service The Silom Line operates from 06:00 to 24:00 every day with some through-running trains to/from Mo Chit station on

1241-677: The SRT Dark Red Line will not be built until after 2022. Originally, the plan was to extend the Silom Line west from National Stadium into Chinatown, then north to Democracy Monument where it would then run west to Rattanakosin Island and Sanam Luang, tunnel under the river to the Thonburi side before terminating at Phran Nok. However, this plan was shelved back in 2009 and much of this route has been replaced by alignment changes to

1314-616: The SRT Light Red line . A public hearing was held in 2015. Three route options were considered, with construction intended to start in 2017. Part of the basis for this further extension by the BMA is that it would provide proximate access to the Southern Bus Terminal. The BMA Transport and Traffic Office completed an economic evaluation of the extension in October 2018 which found a cost benefit ratio of 2.37. The study recommended that an EIA be completed in 2019 but this

1387-626: The Sukhumvit Line . Bhumibol Adulyadej Bhumibol Adulyadej (5 December 1927 – 13 October 2016), on whom the title of Bhumibol the Great was posthumously conferred, was the ninth king of the Chakri dynasty of Thailand , titled Rama IX , from 1946 until his death in 2016. His reign of 70 years and 126 days is the longest of any Thai monarch, the longest on record of any independent Asian sovereign, and

1460-442: The Sukhumvit Line . Several changes were made during the construction as follows: On 18 October 2005, with no approval from the central government forthcoming, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) decided to fund and complete the 2.2 kilometers (1.4 mi) Silom Line route extension to Krung Thon Buri and Wongwian Yai Stations. Construction began on 13 December 2005 with completion originally expected within two years for

1533-525: The third-longest verified reign of any monarch of a sovereign state in history (after Louis XIV and Elizabeth II ). Born in the United States, Bhumibol spent his early life in Switzerland, in the aftermath of the 1932 Siamese revolution , which toppled Thailand’s centuries-old absolute monarchy , ruled at the time by his uncle, King Prajadhipok (Rama VII). He ascended to

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1606-549: The École nouvelle de la Suisse romande in Lausanne . In 1934 Bhumibol was given his first camera, which ignited his lifelong enthusiasm for photography. When Bhumibol's childless uncle Prajadhipok abdicated in 1935, his nine-year-old brother Ananda Mahidol became King Rama VIII. However, the family remained in Switzerland and the affairs of the head of state were conducted by a regency council. They returned to Thailand for only two months in 1938. In 1942, Bhumibol became

1679-503: The BBC in 1979, the king reiterated that the monarchy should remain impartial and be in peaceful co-existence with everybody. Bhumibol invited public criticism in a 2005 speech, but the lèse majesté laws have not been revoked by the Thai parliament yet. In the early years of his reign, during the government of military dictator Plaek Phibunsongkhram , Bhumibol had no real political power and

1752-472: The Capital, and command that all the citizens shall remain calm whilst all the government officers shall serve the orders issued by Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat. This Proclamation shall come into force immediately. Done this 16th Day of September, Buddhist Era 2500 (1957). Sarit later admitted in a rare interview with foreign correspondent that the king had no involvement and did not acknowledge anything about

1825-569: The Election Commissioners. On 14 July, Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda addressed graduating cadets of the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy , telling them that the Thai military must serve the nation and the king—not the government. On 20 July, Bhumibol signed a royal decree endorsing new House elections for 15 October 2006 . In an unprecedented act, the King wrote a note on

1898-580: The Emerald Buddha in the Grand Palace . At this time, Sirikit was appointed his regent. She was later appointed Queen Regent ( Somdej Phra Boromarajininat ) in recognition of this. Although Bhumibol was sometimes referred to as King Rama IX in English, Thais referred to him as Nai Luang or Phra Chao Yu Hua , which translated to "the King" and "Lord Upon our Heads", respectively. He

1971-465: The King. Care about the King. Vote in the referendum" throughout northeast Thailand , where opposition to the junta was greatest. On 20 April 2009, Thaksin claimed in an interview with the Financial Times that Bhumibol had been briefed by Privy Councillors Prem Tinsulanonda and Surayud Chulanont about their plans to stage the 2006 coup. He claimed that General Panlop Pinmanee , a leader of

2044-519: The People's Alliance for Democracy, had told him of the briefing. The Thai embassy in London denied Thaksin's claims. Wongwian Yai BTS station The station opened on 15 May 2009, together with Krung Thonburi station on the 2.2 km (1.4 mi) Skytrain extension reaching Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River . This article related to the city of Bangkok , Thailand

2117-589: 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 . Bhumibol had an older sister, Princess Galyani Vadhana , and an older brother, Prince Ananda Mahidol . His US birth certificate read simply "Baby Songkla", as

2190-723: The Silom-Naradhiwas junction, the line went straight. After exiting BTS S4 station, the line turned left at the Surasak junction, then right at the Sathorn-Surasak junction, continuing for 500 meters and terminating at BTS S5 station. The depot for both lines was initially located at Lumphini Park . However, due to public backlash, it was relocated to the former site of the Northern Bus Terminal (also known as Mo Chit Bus Terminal) near Mo Chit station on

2263-530: The Thai ambassador to France ( Nakkhatra Mangala ) and a great-granddaughter of King Chulalongkorn and thus a cousin of Bhumibol. She was then 15 years old and training to be a concert pianist. On 4 October 1948, while Bhumibol was driving a Fiat Topolino on the Geneva - Lausanne road, he collided with the rear of a braking truck 10 km outside Lausanne. He injured his back, suffered paralysis in half of his face and incurred cuts on his face that cost him

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2336-527: The anniversary, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan presented Bhumibol with the United Nations Development Programme 's first Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award on 26 May 2006. National holidays were observed on 9 June and 12–13 June 2006. On 9 June, the king and queen appeared on the balcony of Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall before hundreds of thousands of people. The official royal barge procession on 12 June

2409-427: The blame, but whatever happens, the King will only get praise." On Saturday, 23 September 2006, the junta warned it would "urgently retaliate against foreign reporters whose coverage has been deemed insulting to the monarchy." Prem did help secure the appointment of Surayud Chulanont , another member of the King's Privy Council, as Premier, and allegedly had a say in the appointment of Surayud's Cabinet. Critics claimed

2482-406: The bottleneck and keep the station which provides an important link between river boats. The plan includes redesigning the road bridges either side of the viaduct to fit the new station. The third extension to the network, a 5.3 km (3.3 mi), a four station extension from Wongwian Yai to Bang Wa in Phasi Charoen District began construction in the 2nd quarter of 2011, with a deadline of

2555-461: The brothers played with their pistols, was never officially considered. Bhumibol succeeded his brother, but returned to Switzerland before the end of the 100-day mourning period. Despite his interest in science and technology, he changed his major and enrolled in law and political science to prepare for his duties as head of state. His uncle, Rangsit, Prince of Chainat , was appointed Prince Regent . In Bhumibol's name, Prince Rangsit acknowledged

2628-500: The cabinet was full of "Prem's boys". The junta appointed a constitutional tribunal to rule on alleged polling fraud involving the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat political parties. Guilty rulings would have dissolved both parties, Thailand's largest and oldest, respectively, and banned the parties' leadership from politics for five years. The weeks leading up to the verdicts saw rising political tensions. On 24 May 2007, about

2701-466: The coronation of Bhumibol who was required by religious custom to light the funeral pyre. Unsettled conditions in 1947 following a coup d'état resulted in a postponement, and court astrologers determined that 2 March 1949 was the most auspicious date. While doing his degree in Switzerland, Bhumibol visited Paris frequently. It was in Paris that he first met Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara, daughter of

2774-766: The country. The ensuing chaos was used as a pretext for a military coup, which Bhumibol backed and described as a manifestation of the people's will. The event that catalyzed the coup was the Thammasat University massacre , carried out in the name of defending Bhumibol's throne. The victorious military junta submitted three names to the king as possible premiers: Deputy President of the king's Privy Council Prakob Hutasingh  [ th ] , right-wing Bangkok Governor Thamnoon Thien-ngern  [ th ] , and staunchly anti-communist Supreme Court judge Thanin Kraivichien . Bhumibol chose Thanin as

2847-434: The coup was the subject of much speculation among Thai analysts and the international media, although publication of such speculation was banned in Thailand. The king had an audience with Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda at the same time that special forces troops were mobilised. Anti-coup protesters claimed that Prem was the mastermind of the coup, although the military claimed otherwise and banned any discussion of

2920-594: The coup until it had been done successfully. During Sarit's dictatorship, the monarchy was revitalised. Bhumibol attended public ceremonies, toured the provinces and patronised development projects, he also visited the United States in June 1960, addressing Congress, and many countries in Europe, including a visit to Rome, hosted by PM Giovanni Gronchi , in September 1960. Under Sarit, the practice of crawling in front of royalty during audiences, banned by King Chulalongkorn ,

2993-506: The deaths of Emperor Hirohito of Japan and Franz Joseph II, Prince of Liechtenstein . In 1992, Bhumibol played a key role in Thailand's transition to a democratic system. The 1991 Thai coup d'état on 23 February returned Thailand to military dictatorship . After a general election in 1992 , the majority parties invited General Suchinda Kraprayoon , a leader of the coup group, to be prime minister. This caused much dissent, which escalated into demonstrations called Black May that led to

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3066-565: The dictator Sarit was Bhumibol's tool. Political scientist Thak Chaloemtiarana writes that Sarit used Bhumibol in order to build his own credibility. Following Sarit's death General Thanom Kittikachorn rose to power to lead Thailand's military dictatorship, ultimately challenged by the 1973 Thai popular uprising . Bhumibol initially asked student protestors to disband. When police attacked and killed dozens of students, sparking protest riots, Bhumibol announced general Thanom's resignation and departure from Thailand. According to William Stevenson,

3139-399: The end of 2012. Only the stations had to be constructed as the viaduct had been completed some years prior. However, construction was delayed for many months by the Bangkok floods of late 2011 . It eventually opened in stages. Pho Nimit opened on 12 January 2013, Talat Phlu opened on 14 February 2013, with the last two stations opening on 5 December 2013. The extension was initially operated by

3212-463: The end of 2019 had reached 25% progress. By August 2020, construction had reached 50% but was 30% behind schedule due to COVID related delays. The station was opened on 8 February 2021. After the opening of Wutthakat and  Bang Wa  stations 5 December 2013, the BMA announced a new proposal to further extended the Silom Line by 7 km (4.3 mi) from Bang Wa station , by six stations to Taling Chan . At Taling Chan it would connect with

3285-399: 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: Whereas it appears that the public administration by

3358-447: The government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram with allegations of lèse-majesté , corruption and manipulation of the election held earlier that year. This began a new and long-lasting relationship between the monarch and military, leading some to perceive that the king condones the Thammasat University massacre in defense of his throne, and support a series of military dictatorships. However, during his interview given to

3431-483: The government under the premiership of Field Marshal P. Phibunsongkhram is untrustworthy, and that the government could not maintain the public order; and whereas the military, led by Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, has successfully taken over the public administration and now acts as the Military Defender of the Capital; now, therefore, I do hereby appoint Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat as the Military Defender of

3504-533: The king completed his university studies. They returned to Thailand in 1951. Following the death of his grandmother Queen Savang Vadhana , Bhumibol entered a 15-day monkhood (22 October 1956 – 5 November 1956) at Wat Bowonniwet , as is customary for Buddhist males on the death of elder relatives. He was ordained by the Supreme Patriarch on 22 October 1956 at the Royal Chapel of

3577-537: The king had asked the three tyrants to avoid bloodshed; although the three tyrants had agreed, they later changed their minds. Eventually, it led to the incidents of October 1973. Bhumibol distanced himself from the Thai military after Thanom's fall. Political events in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos brought powerful guerrilla and communist movements into power or prominence, which threatened the Thai monarchy and political establishment. Fearing unrest, Bhumibol began to court

3650-595: The last of which occurred in 2014 . 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 "world's richest royals" from 2008 to 2013. In 2014, Bhumibol's wealth

3723-608: The line ran from National Stadium to Saphan Taksin stations covering a total distance of 6.5 km (4.0 mi) with 7 stations. Sukhumvit Line is one of the main arteries of the Bangkok Mass Rapid Transit System with 900,000 daily passengers per day (combined with the Sukhumvit Line ). The original route of the Silom line ran from BTS W2 station over Rama I Road , then turned right towards Ratchadamri and Si Lom roads. Instead of turning left at

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3796-581: The military in 1975, visiting camps throughout the country, and publicly warning of internal and external threats. At this time, Bhumibol increasingly cultivated far-right militias and paramilitary forces, including the Red Gaurs and the Village Scouts, warning that students and political dissidents planned to bring communists to power in Thailand. Finally, Bhumibol provoked outrage among students and legal groups by inviting general Thanom back into

3869-573: The most suitable premier, leading student protesters to flee to join the communists in the jungle. Thanin was overthrown in a military coup in October 1977 led by General Kriangsak Chamanan . Kriangsak was succeeded in 1980 by the popular Army Commander-in-Chief, General Prem Tinsulanonda , who later became the Privy Council President. Bhumibol's refusal to endorse military coups in April 1981 and September 1985 ultimately led to

3942-453: 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. Bhumibol's reign was characterized by several periods of gradual democratization punctuated by frequent military coups,

4015-537: The parents had to consult his uncle, King Prajadhipok, then head of the House of Chakri, for an auspicious name. The king chose a name of Sanskrit origin, Bhumibol Adulyadej ( Devanagari : भूमिबल अतुल्यतेज, IAST : Bhūmibala Atulyateja ), a compound of Bhūmi ( भूमि ), meaning "Land"; Bala ( बल ), meaning "Strength" or "Power"; Atulya ( अतुल्य ), meaning "Incomparable"; and Tej ( तेज ), meaning "Power". Thus, Bhūmibala Atulyateja , or Bhumibol Adulyadej as it

4088-469: The public. Bhumibol, in a speech on 26 April 2006, responded, "Asking for a Royally-appointed prime minister is undemocratic. It is, pardon me, a mess. It is irrational". After publicly claiming victory in the boycotted April parliamentary elections , Thaksin Shinawatra had a private audience with the king. A few hours later, Thaksin appeared on national television to announce that he would be taking

4161-526: The royal decree calling for a clean and fair election. That very day, Bhumibol underwent spinal surgery. The 60th anniversary ( diamond jubilee ) celebrations of the king's accession to the throne were a series of events marking Bhumibol's reign in June 2006. Events included a royal barge procession on the Chao Phraya River, fireworks displays, art exhibitions, and the pardoning of 25,000 prisoners, concerts, and dance performances. Tied in with

4234-515: The sight of his right eye . Both the royal cremation and coronation had to be postponed once more. While he was hospitalised in Lausanne, Sirikit visited him frequently. She met his mother, who asked her to continue her studies nearby so that Bhumibol could get to know her better. Bhumibol selected for her a boarding school in Lausanne, Riante Rive. A quiet engagement in Lausanne followed on 19 July 1949, and they were married on 28 April 1950, just

4307-615: The throne following the death by gunshot wound of his brother, King Ananda Mahidol , on 9 June 1946, under circumstances that remain unclear. While an initial government statement stated that Ananda had accidentally shot himself, an investigation committee ruled this was virtually impossible. Three palace aides ( Chit Singhaseni , But Patthamasarin , and Chaliao Pathumrot ) were eventually convicted of regicide , and were executed by firing squad on 17 February 1955, after their appeals for clemency were rejected by Bhumibol. A third possibility, that Bhumibol accidentally shot his brother while

4380-501: The throne in June 1946, succeeding his brother, King Ananda Mahidol , (Rama VIII), who had died under mysterious circumstances. In the course of his rule, Bhumibol presided over Thailand's transformation into a major U.S. 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

4453-494: The topic. In a BBC interview, Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University noted, "This coup was nothing short of Thaksin versus the King   ... He [the king] is widely seen as having implicitly endorsed the coup." In the same interview, social critic Sulak Sivaraksa claimed, "Without his [the king's] involvement, the coup would have been impossible." Sulak added that the king is "very skillful. He never becomes obviously involved. If this coup goes wrong, Sonthi will get

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4526-405: The victory of forces loyal to the government, despite some violence – including, in 1981, the seizure of Bangkok by rebel forces. The coups led many to believe that Bhumibol had misjudged Thai society and that his credibility as an impartial mediator between various political and military factions had been compromised. In 1989, Bhumibol became the world's longest-reigning living monarch following

4599-450: Was again listed as US$ 30  billion. After a period of deteriorating health which left him hospitalized on several occasions, Bhumibol died in 2016 at Siriraj Hospital . He was highly revered by the people in Thailand —some saw him as close to divine . Notable political activists and Thai citizens who criticized the king or the institution of monarchy were often forced into exile or suffered frequent imprisonments. His cremation

4672-420: Was also called Chao Chiwit ("Lord of Life"). Formally, he was referred to as Phrabat Somdet Phra Chao Yu Hua or, in legal documents, Phrabat Somdet Phra Paraminthara Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej , and in English as "His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej". He signed his name as ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช ป.ร. (Bhumibol Adulyadej Por Ror, the Thai equivalent of "Bhumibol Adulyadej R[ex])". In 1957, a military coup overthrew

4745-558: Was attended by the king and queen and royal visitors from 26 other countries. On 13 June, a state banquet for the royal visitors was held in the newly constructed Rama IX Throne Hall at the Grand Palace, the first official function of the hall. The Chiang Mai Royal Floral Expo was also held to honour the anniversary. On the evening of 19 September, the Thai military overthrew the Thaksin government and seized control of Bangkok in

4818-546: Was crowned King of Thailand on 5 May 1950 in the Phaisan Thaksin Throne Hall in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. It was the first coronation ceremony of a Thai sovereign to rule under the system of constitutional monarchy . During the ceremony, he pledged that he would "reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people". Notable elements associated with the coronation included

4891-652: Was declared the national day , replacing the previous national day, the anniversary of the Siamese revolution of 1932 (24 June). Upon Sarit's death on 8 December 1963, an unprecedented 21 days of mourning were declared in the palace. A royal five-tier umbrella shaded his body while it lay in state. Long-time royal adviser Phraya Srivisaravacha later noted that no Prime Minister ever had such an intimate relationship with Bhumibol as Sarit. Bhumibol biographer Paul Handley, in The King Never Smiles , writes that

4964-539: Was delayed. Once the extension to Taling Chan is built the BMA has canvassed the possibility of a further future extension north to connect with the MRT Purple Line at Rattanathibet Road . Silom Line is planned to be extended by two stations west from National Stadium to link with the SRT Dark Red line at Yot Se station. However, no time frame for this extension has been announced and this section of

5037-538: Was ever produced to verify the existence of such a plot, and Thaksin and his Thai Rak Thai party vehemently denied the accusations and sued the accusers. In a rare, televised speech to senior judges, Bhumibol requested the judiciary to take action to resolve the political crisis. On 8 May 2006, the Constitutional Court invalidated the results of the April elections and ordered new elections scheduled for 15 October 2006 . The Criminal Court later jailed

5110-455: Was held in 2017 at the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang . His son, Vajiralongkorn , succeeded him as King Rama X of Thailand. Bhumibol was born at Cambridge Hospital (now Mount Auburn Hospital ) in Cambridge, Massachusetts , United States, on 5 December 1927, during the reign of his paternal uncle, King Rama VII (Prajadhipok). He was the youngest son of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej ,

5183-425: 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

5256-624: Was one of the few occasions in which Bhumibol directly and publicly intervened in a political conflict. A general election was held shortly afterward, leading to a civilian government. Weeks before the April 2006 legislative election , the Democrat Party -led opposition and the People's Alliance for Democracy petitioned Bhumibol to appoint a replacement prime minister and cabinet. Demands for royal intervention were met with much criticism from

5329-533: Was revived in certain situations and the royal-sponsored Thammayut Nikaya order was revitalised. For the first time since the absolute monarchy was overthrown, a king was conveyed up the Chao Phraya River in a Royal Barge Procession to offer robes at temples. Other disused ceremonies from the classical period of the Chakri Dynasty , such as the royally patronised ploughing ceremony (Thai: พิธีพืชมงคล), were also revived. Bhumibol's birthday (5 December)

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