Royalty in Thailand
Taken from Royalty in Thailand
The Chakkri dynasty has reigned in Thailand since 1782. At the dawn of the 20th century, the country -- then called Siam -- was ruled by King Chulalongkorn, who was the son of Mongkut, the king portrayed by Yul Brynner in "The King and I." Chulalongkorn abolished slavery and otherwize modernized the country. He died in 1910 and was succeeded by two of his sons, one after the other -- first Vajiravudh and then, in 1925, Prajadhipok.
In 1935 the throne passed to Prajadhipok's nephew Ananda Mahidol. When he died unexpectedly in 1946 (shot under unclear circumstances), his younger brother became king. That brother, Bhumibol Adulyadej, known as King Rama IX, is still alive and has reigned longer than any other living monarch. He is greatly revered in Thailand although his real power is limited.
The king and his wife, Queen Sirikit, have been married since 1950. They have four children, including one son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who is heir to the throne.
