Fate, however, determined otherwise. Prince Mahidol died in 1929, and the abdication of King Prajadhipok followed in 1935. For the first 11 years of his rule, the young King Ananda Mahidol remained mostly in Switzerland with his mother, sister, and younger brother, pursuing his studies while effectively cut off from his homeland by the World War. In 1946 he died in the Grand Palace while on a visit, and Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej, then 19 years old, suddenly found himself the ninth Chakri King. He subsequently returned to Luzern to complete his education, changing from science to political science and law in recognition of his new role.
     Two years later, while on a visit to Fontainebleau, he met the beautiful young Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara, daughter of the Thai ambassador to France, HRH Prince Nakkhatrmongkol Kitiyakara, Krommamun Chandapuri Suranath, and in 1948 their engagement was announced by the Government.
     They were married in Bangkok on April 28, 1950, and seven days later His Majesty was crowned in ancient ceremonies held at the splendid Grand Palace from which his ancestors had ruled the kingdom. He himself, characteristically, has chosen to take as his official Bangkok residence the more modest Chitralada Villa, while steadfastly adhering to the momentous Oath of Succession to the Throne pledged during the coronation: "We will reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people."
     As a man, King Bhumibol Adulyadej has displayed a remarkable range of talents. He is a gifted musician an composer, particularly in the field of jazz; one of his songs was featured in a Broadway musical in the early 1950's and his skills have been Goodman and Lionel Hampton. He was an enthusiastic sailor in the early years of his Games gold medal in 1967. In addition, he can point to impressive achievements in the fields of painting, photography, and engineering. Thanks to his international education and upbringing, he is fluent in three European languages and at ease in a Variety of cultures. Undoubtedly, though, accomplishments as leader of the Thai nation during a critical period in its history.


With permission from : The National Identity Office, Office of the Prime Minister, Royal Thai government. (1995). Thailand in the 90s. Bangkok: Amarin Printing and Publishing Public Company Limited.