Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej was the revered "father of the nation" whose reign spanned seven politically turbulent decades Jahleel Addae Chargers Jersey , shielded by harsh defamation laws and an intense personality cult.


The world's longest-serving royal sovereign until his death on Thursday at the age of 88, Bhumibol rebuilt a near-extinct monarchy into one of the wealthiest and most powerful on the planet -- and one whose roots go deep into modern-day Thailand.

Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose reign witnessed regular bouts of political turmoil, coups and violent unrest, was revered as a serene and caring father of the nation Keenan Allen Chargers Jersey , and a bulwark in troubled times (AFP PhotoPornchai Kittiwongsakul) Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose reign witnessed regular bouts of political turmoil, coups and violent unrest, was revered as a serene and caring father of the nation, and a bulwark in troubled times (AFP PhotoPornchai Kittiwongsakul) Thai royal family Thai king and his wife when they were young

Thailand's absolute monarchy was abolished in 1932, but under the official title of King Rama IX Melvin Ingram Chargers Jersey , Bhumibol exercised a powerful moral authority and also a political one as his reign matured -- albeit often away from the public eye.


Crowned in 1950, many analysts attribute his longevity during an era pock-marked with political violence to deep ties with a military that relied on his official endorsement of their repeated coups.


"He viewed it as a partnership for developing the country," said Paul Handley, author of the unauthorised biography "The King Never Smiles", which is banned in Thailand.


The army's latest power grab was in May 2014, when it toppled the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra.


Right up until his death after a long period of ill health Joey Bosa Chargers Jersey , Bhumibol was seen as a unifying figure in the deeply divided country.


But the end of his reign will heighten fears of an eruption of the turmoil that has blighted the kingdom since Yingluck's billionaire brother Thaksin was overthrown as premier in 2006.


- Image crafting -


Helped by well-publicised rural development projects, the soft-spoken, bespectacled king enjoyed an image of a benevolent moral force in a kingdom with a long history of instability and political bloodshed.


In 2011, Forbes Magazine rated Bhumibol as the world's richest monarch.


But despite his wealth, the keen saxophonist, photographer and sailor was seen as in touch