Adhering to the traditional close relationship between King and people, yet daring to be innovative, Thailand's modern monarchy meets need that are at once old and new. This makes it the central element in the traditional Thai triad of nation, king, and religion, binding the diverse elments of the country in a literal as well as symbolic way. Much of its extraordinary success ninth Chakri ruler, who in 1987 was popularly acclaimed as "Maharaj", or King Bhumibol Adulyadej "the Great," by his loyal and loving subjects.