Bhumibol Adulyadej Biography: Education, Wife, Height, Ethnicity, Children, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Death
King Bhumibol Adulyadej, known as Rama IX, was Thailand’s beloved monarch, reigning from 1946 to 2016 as the world’s longest-serving head of state at the time of his passing.
His love for his people shone through his “sufficiency economy” philosophy, which taught Thais to live sustainably, and his numerous royal projects, such as irrigation systems and hospitals, significantly improved the lives of rural communities.
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- Full Name: Phrabat Somdet Phra Poraminthra Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej
- Stage Name: King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX
- Born: December 5, 1927
- Died: October 13, 2016 (Age: 88 years old)
- Birthplace: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- Nationality: Thai
- Occupation: King of Thailand (1946–2016), Musician, Inventor, Philanthropist
- Height: 170 cm
- Religion: Buddhism
- Parents: Prince Mahidol Adulyadej ,Princess Srinagarindra
- Siblings: Princess Galyani Vadhana, Prince Ananda Mahidol
- Spouse: Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara (M. 1950–2016)
- Children: Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Princess Chulabhorn Walailak
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: $30 billion to $40 billion
Early Life & Education
Bhumibol Adulyadej was born on December 5, 1927, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where his father, Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, was studying medicine at Harvard University.
His mother, Princess Srinagarindra, raised him with love for Thai culture despite his birth abroad.
His ethnicity is Thai, tied to the Chakri dynasty, and he was raised Buddhist, learning the values of compassion and duty.
Named “Bhumibol” (Strength of the Land) by King Prajadhipok, he grew up with an older sister, Princess Galyani Vadhana, and an older brother, Prince Ananda Mahidol.
Bhumibol began his education at Mater Dei School in Bangkok before moving to Switzerland, where he studied at École Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande and Gymnase Classique Cantonal in Lausanne. He excelled in French, German, Latin, and music.
In 1945, he enrolled at the University of Lausanne to study science, later switching to law and political science to prepare for his unexpected role as king after his brother died in 1946.
Career
Bhumibol became King of Thailand on June 9, 1946, at age 18, following the sudden death of his brother, King Ananda Mahidol.
Crowned as Rama IX, he reigned for 70 years, guiding Thailand through 15 coups, 20 prime ministers, and rapid modernization.
He traveled to rural areas, launching over 4,000 royal projects, including dams, irrigation systems, and hospitals, to improve the lives of farmers.
His “sufficiency economy” philosophy, which promoted sustainable living, earned him global praise.
A talented inventor, he patented a low-cost water aerator in 1993 and a biodiesel fuel process, showing his care for Thailand’s environment.
As a musician, he composed 49 songs, including jazz pieces such as “Blue Night” and “Candlelight Blues,” which he performed with his Au Sau Wan Suk Band.
He won a gold medal in sailing at the 1967 Southeast Asian Games, sharing the victory with his daughter Ubolratana.
Bhumibol strengthened Thailand’s monarchy by attending ceremonies in traditional Thai silk, visiting temples, and meeting world leaders, including U.S. Presidents Eisenhower and Obama.
His speeches, such as those at Chulalongkorn University, urged unity and progress, solidifying his role as Thailand’s unifying “Father.”
Health issues slowed him after 2006, but his legacy endures through the Royal Project Foundation and nationwide devotion.
Social Media
He does not have a social media account.
Personal Life
King Bhumibol, who passed away at the age of 88 on October 13, 2016, married Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara on April 28, 1950, at Srapathum Palace in Bangkok.
They met in Paris in 1948 when she was 15, and their love grew during his recovery from a car accident. Their Buddhist wedding, followed by his coronation, was a joyful moment for Thais.
They had four children: Princess Ubolratana (born 1951), King Maha Vajiralongkorn (born 1952), Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (born 1955), and Princess Chulabhorn Walailak (born 1957).
His height was estimated at 170 cm, and he carried himself with calm dignity, often wearing Thai silk to honor his culture. A devoted father, he sailed with his children and taught them Thai values.
Net Worth
King Bhumibol’s net worth was estimated at $30 to $40 billion at his death, making him one of the world’s wealthiest monarchs.
His wealth stemmed from the Crown Property Bureau, which managed vast landholdings, investments, and businesses, including Siam Cement and Siam Commercial Bank.
His focus was on funding royal projects, not personal luxury, with billions spent on hospitals, schools, and irrigation for Thai farmers.
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