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King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand died Thursday at age 88. He was head of state for 70 years; that record now belongs to Queen Elizabeth II (64 years). He was the longest reigning monarch in the history of Thailand (Siam). He had 30 prime ministers, most of them from the army. He was born in Cambridge, Mass. while his father was a Harvard student.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand Dies at 88; Reigned 70 Years

What did he have in common with Bill Clinton?

Spoiler

He liked to play the saxophone.

Bob Juch wrote:What did he have in common with Bill Clinton?

Spoiler

He liked to play the saxophone.

He was also an accomplished dancer.

One of my sons is currently in Thailand. I'm hoping this will be a peaceful transition of power but the words "military junta" concern me.

jaybee wrote:One of my sons is currently in Thailand. I'm hoping this will be a peaceful transition of power but the words "military junta" concern me.

The military has been running the country for something like 80 years.

silverscreenselect wrote:

Bob Juch wrote:What did he have in common with Bill Clinton?

Spoiler

He liked to play the saxophone.

He was also an accomplished dancer.

That king was Rama IV, Bhumibol Adulyadej was Rama IX.

jaybee wrote:One of my sons is currently in Thailand. I'm hoping this will be a peaceful transition of power but the words "military junta" concern me.

There have been 12 military coups during the king's reign and he managed to stay enthroned and beloved of the people. His son doesn't have that popularity, so there may be some unrest.

Queen Sirikit, consort of King Bhumibol the Great and mother of the current King Vajiralongkorn, died Friday at age 93. They were married for 66 years. Her birthday, 12 August, is Mother’s Day in Thailand. She promoted tolerance for Muslims in southern Thailand.