Today is the 81st birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, Buhmibol Adulyadej.  Born in 1927 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, HMTK has reigned over the Kingdom of Thailand for more than 62 years, making him the longest-reigning current monarch in the world.

Those of you who haven’t been to Thailand may have a difficult time fully appreciating the level of respect Thais have for their fatherly monarch.  His image appears on all the currency, there are portraits of the King and the Queen in almost every home and business, and the royal anthem is played before movies and all performances.

Unlike many countries where the leader’s visage is so widespread (what was that European country where the leader named one of the days after himself?), the Thai people’s affection seems very sincere and genuine. 

This seems difficult for most foreigners to believe and I regularly encounter people – both expats and visitors – who insist on asking about “the truth about the King”, and usually do so in public and in front of Thais.  Needless to say, this is highly taboo, not to mention illegal.  If you want to show good manners while in Thailand, please don’t make Thais uncomfortable by asking them probing questions about the monarchy, especially in public and in front of other Thais.

After six decades of leading the nation, the King is seen as a beacon, something constant amidst the ever changing tides of Thai politics.

To that end, he annual birthday message, which he delivers on the eve of his birthday, is widely anticipated.  What will he say?  What guiding lessons will we receive?  The anticipation was all the higher this year after the resolution of the airport seige just three days ago.

So it was with great disappointment that the public learned that His Majesty was feeling unwell and did not have the strength to make a public address.  He sent two of his children, the Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn and the Crown Princess Maha Chakri, to receive the public’s well-wishes and to return them.

So we will wait with baited breath until HMTK is well enough to address his subjects.

This morning while out on an early morning bike ride, I came across a community event in a dead-end street down near the river.  The local emergency corp and all their volunteers were celebrating HMTK’s birthday.  After a short parade they made merit for the King, said an oath of loyalty to him, and then sang the royal anthem.

Happy Birthday, Your Majesty!