The King's well-wishers

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, known as King Rama IX, will turn 87 on 5 December. He is the longest reigning sovereign in the world today. He has been on the throne of Thailand for 68 years. Although Queen Elizabeth II is one year older, she is next in line having been the British Monarch for 62 years. For a reminder, Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years. But in History, King Louis XIV of France reigned for 72 years, and lived till 76, at a time when the life span was much shorter than today. Evoking Louis XIV is particularly relevant. For the 'Sun King' was the first European monarch to seal diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Siam. Also, the King & the Queen of Thailand are both French speakers. They first met in Paris as the Queen was the daughter of the Royal Thai Ambassador to France and that the King was still studying in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Today, I noticed that many Thais were wearing yellow shirts in respect to the King's birthday. Every institution, public or commercial buildings in the Kingdom have similar stands as on today's blip. Well-wishers of any age come and sign the book to celebrate His birthday. At the left of the King's portrait stands the Thai flag and on the right is the Royal banner. Yellow is a Royal Color. Thai monks usually wear saffron robes.

Although the King is ailing at the time, the local press announced today that the King & the Queen with the whole Royal Family will make a brief apparition on the balcony of the Grand Palace on 5 December.

Hopefully, you enjoyed reading a bit of local history and an update on all these crowned heads in our World.