King Bhumibol 1927-2016

Dec 5, 1927: Born in U.S. while father, Prince Mahidol, is studying at Harvard. Educated mainly in Switzerland

1946: Bhumibol Adulyadej accedes to throne on death – possibly murder – of older brother King Ananda Mahidol

1950: Marries cousin Sirikit, daughter of Thai ambassador to France.
Crowned king after completing studies in politics and law but has little real power

1957-63: Monarchy revitalized under dictatorship of Sarit Dhanarajata – Bhumibol becomes revered figure

1973: Amid massive pro-democracy protests, king makes first intervention into politics by withdrawing support for military rule of Thanom Kittikachorn

1980s: Gradual democratisation process overseen by king and army chief, General Prem Tinsulanonda

1992: King again intervenes to restore democracy, allaying fears of return to military dictatorship after 17th coup in 60 years

2004: Bhumibol’s 21-year-old grandson dies in Asian tsunami

2006: King calls on judiciary to resolve political crisis over
leadership of prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin eventually
deposed in bloodless coup, in which military pledges allegiance
to king

2006-08: Lavish celebrations mark Diamond Jubilee and 80th birthday

2014: Now increasingly frail, king endorses Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha as prime minister following another military coup

Oct 13, 2016: King Bhumibol, world’s longest-reigning monarch, dies after 70 years on throne

Picture: Getty Images