Keenly aware of the importance of education and of the value of youth to the future of Thailand, he began attending graduation ceremonies early in his reign, personally handing out degrees to the graduates of every Thai university as well as to those of such institutions has made it necessary to delegate this responsibility to other members of the Royal Family in some cases but His Majesty still presides over the ceremonies at older ones like Chulalongkorn and Thammasat Universities, even though they now extend over several days.
     The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, a ritual marking the official start of the rice planting season that originated in Ayutthaya, was revived at His Majesty's suggestion in 1960 and is now held annually at Sanam Luang across from the Grand Palace. Prediction of the forthcoming rice, which is of considerable symbolic importance to the nation's farmers.
     All new ambassadors present their credentials to His Majesty and he grants audiences to foreign heads of state, diplomats, and officials of the Thai Government, including the Prime Minister. In addition, as Head of State he convenes Parliament at the beginning of each new session and every draft law is submitted to him for his signature before promulgation. As Head of the Armed Forces, he presides each December over the Trooping of the Colours, an impressive ceremony during which the elite Royal Guards pledge their allegiance to him.
     A devout Buddhist, King Bhumibol Adulyadej entered the monkhood for two weeks in 1956, as most Thai men are expected to do at some point in their lives. Throughout the year he participates in numerous merit-making ceremonies at various temples and personally visits many of Thailand's most venerated monks.
     To coordinate his active schedule, His Majesty relies on a royal bureaucracy staffed by a special category of civil servants classified as belonging to the Court and based at both the Grand Palace and Chitralada Villa, Divided into the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary and the Bureau of the Royal Household, this bureaucracy compiles the royal appointments calendar, arranges ceremonial functions, manages royal finances, supervises royal houskeeping, and performs a wide range of administrative duties; many members of the staff travel regularly with the Royal Family on provincial tours.
     The King personally appoints his Privy Council, a body composed of distinguished advisers noted for their exceptional experience and knowledge of state affairs. The Privy Council reviews all draft laws and makes germane recommendations to His Majesty. In addition, it meets twice weekly to consider unusual or complex issues, such as an appeal for royal clemency or a request without precedent, before forwarding recommendations for His Majesty's attention.


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.