Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Coronation

May 5th marks the anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s coronation. This year Thais join together to celebrate the 60th year of this auspicious occasion.

“We shall reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people.”  This is the accession oath His Majesty the King took upon his coronation on 5 May 1950, which remains true to these days.

For more than six decades, he has carried out his duties and responsibilities both as a constitutional monarch in accordance with the role defined under the constitution, and as a Thai king in keeping with the traditions and deep-seated beliefs evolved over the seven centuries of the country's existence. For more than six decades, he has dedicated himself to fulfilling the oath he made, to the benefit and happiness of the Thai people.

A pillar of national stability and unity, His Majesty is truly the King of all Thais. For up to eight months each year, His Majesty used to travel to all corners of Thailand, including its remotest, most dangerous parts, talking with his people, learning their needs and helping them find ways to help themselves in resolving problems and improving their lives. Today there are some four thousand royally initiated projects. Ranging from irrigation, farming, drought and flood alleviation, crop substitution, public health, distance learning to employment promotion, they have touched the lives of millions of Thais, particularly those in rural areas.

Beyond national boundaries, His Majesty's contributions have been recognised in a multitude of honours, including more than 30 international awards and more than 20 honorary degrees. In 2006, the United Nations awarded him the first United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award, according to the citation, "for his dedication to develop and industriously uplift the living condition of Thai people all through his 60-year reign". In 2009, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) awarded him the first WIPO Global Leaders Award in recognition of his remarkable contribution to intellectual property both as an inventor and as an active proponent of intellectual property as a tool for development.

The Thai people's love and loyalty is founded not just on respect for the institution of the monarchy but on the King personally - with his moral integrity, close contact with his people and his lifelong devotion to them, as evidenced in the many works he has undertaken on their behalf.

In June 2006, as Thais from all walks of life celebrated the 60th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne, the world’s reigning monarchs or their royal representatives gathered in Bangkok to honour him as the world’s longest reigning monarch.

The words and images on these pages represent more than a celebration of the birthday anniversary of Thailand's beloved monarch. They are an examination of the factors and events which have shaped him, as well as an exploration of his many deeds, wisdoms and contributions which have benefited and inspired millions of Thais throughout a unique reign.

5 May 2010