Bhumibol: The People's King

An old photograph of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (right) meeting his people during earlier days of his reign.

SINGAPORE: On April 3, 1950, temple gongs rang out across Siam as he sailed into Bangkok aboard the Royal Thai Navy's flagship Sri Ayutthaya.

Thousands of fishing boats rushed out to greet 22-year-old Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was returning to be crowned King. On April 28, he married Queen Sirikit. When he took his place on the throne on May 5, 16 warplanes flew above dropping rose petals.