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In
the world today, there are few monarchies surviving. One of which
is the British royal family who is arguably the most famous. But,
there are also others, including Thailand.
Thailand
has had a long history of monarchy dating back to the 13th century
with the Sukhothai kingdom. Currently, Thailand lives under the
Chakri Dynasty. The Chakri Dynasty began when General Chakri came
home from his Cambodian campaign and was offered the throne. He
moved his headquarters to Bangkok and took the name Rama I.  During
his reign, he was set upon restoring the assurance of his war-shattered
people. He had master craftsmen build buildings and brought many
Buddha images into the new capital. Today his successor, King
Bhumibol, Rama IX, continues the tradition of his ancestor.
Bhumibol
Adulyadej was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on December 5,
1927. He was the youngest son of Prince Mahidol and Mom Sangwalya.
Adulyadej was a music lover even from an early age. He is an accomplished
saxophone player and even has his own palace jazz band. Adulyadej
came to the throne in 1946. He is now the longest reigning monarch
in the world. He has been deeply loved and admired by his people.
As one person said, he is "a caring monarch who loves his people."
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Thai
Royal Family