Happy 80th Birthday, King Bhumibol!

Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej celebrated his 80th birthday today and Thais, showing their support for their king, lined the streets wearing yellow shirts. Millions of people across the country have worn yellow shirts every Monday since last year, when the king marked his 60th year on the throne as the world’s longest-serving monarch. Yellow is the colour that Thais associate with Mondays, the day of the week when the king was born.

Bhumibol’s birthday is a national holiday in Thailand and has become a day of nationwide tribute to the man who is the most influential figure in modern Thai history. Many Thais have never known another sovereign. King Bhumibol’s position is constitutional with no formal political role, however, he is regarded as a key to Thailand’s stability. In his six decades on the throne, he took an active role in rural development and is respected for his dedication to helping the country’s poor. Click here for more on the King’s birthday celebrations.

The Culinary Chase’s Note: The Thai people love their king as he has given his life for them and they see him as an honest, dedicated man. It’s quite awe inspiring for me to witness this on a day to day basis. Happy birthday and long live the king!