IN REMEMBRANCE OF HIS MAJESTY
KING
BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ BY THE QUILL
Autumn 2016
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HIS MAJESTY THE KING
BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ 1927 -2016 2
The Quill KING BHUMIBOL HUMANS OF ICS
“ A good person can make another person good; it means that goodness will elicit goodness in the society; other persons will also be good. “
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It has been a time of mourning for Thailand after the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died on October 13, 2016 at the age of 88. His Majesty passed away at 3:53 pm in Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital, and after his death, Thailand continues to mourn for the loss of its beloved king, or more aptly,
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The Quill HUMANS OF ICS KING BHUMIBOL
the Father of the country. The King’s reign lasted for 70 years, setting him as the world’s longest reigning monarch at the time of his passing. Throughout his reign, the King continually loved and cared for the people of Thailand, and in return, His Majesty was loved and respected by the people of Thailand as well.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej was born on December 5, 1927 at Mount Auburn Hospital in the Cambridge, Massachusetts in the United States of America. His Majesty was the son of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej and Princess Srinagarindra. After his birth, the King spent his adolescent years attending Champ Soleil boarding school along with École Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande in Switzerland. As a student, the King was intelligent and diligent, never
failing to recognize the importance of education and learning. His Majesty also possessed many talents and passions such as photography, jazz, painting, and writing.
“ I have been extremely touched by these signs of affection on the part of all the Thai people. “
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At that time, King Bhumibol’s brother, King Ananda Mahidol, was the monarch, but due to his health problems, he did not reign until 1938—when he was at the age of 13. However, when King Ananda was found shot in his bed in Boromphiman Throne Hall at Bangkok’s Grand Palace on June 9, 1946 at the mere age of 20, King Bhumibol rose up as King Rama IX of Thailand on the same date, but he was not officially crowned until 1950. During that time, the King returned to Switzerland to continue his studies in science before his coronation. 6
The Quill HUMANS OF ICS KING BHUMIBOL
His Majesty was officially coronated on May 5, 1950. After that, the King continued a long and prosperous rule over Thailand. He also dedicated himself to over 4,000 projects to construct dams and irrigation systems in Thailand’s countryside. In addition to improving Thailand’s dams and irrigation systems, His Majesty also strived to make education more available and accessible to those in poverty.
His Majesty continuously demonstrated great empathy and care for his people, one of the ways being providing shelter for the pro-democracy protesters in the Royal Palace to protect them from being fired on by soldiers during the popular 1973 October 14 Thai uprising. Throughout his reign, the King helped unify Thailand with his love and wisdom. Therefore, it is in no doubt that the King’s loyal dedication and hard work have forever touched the hearts of the people of Thailand.
As Thai people believe that the King is their father, his death has taken a toll on all the citizens of Thailand; it has been a time of sorrow and mourning for the country. It is due to the King’s unwavering love for his people that has earned him their immense respect and loyalty. His Majesty’s enduring determination to help Thailand with his full efforts will forevermore hold a place in everyone’s heart. No matter how much time goes by, King Bhumibol Adulyadej will always remain in our hearts. Autumn 2016 WINTER 2016
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The Quill HUMANS
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