[Article] The King's Birthday in Thailand.

[Article] The King's Birthday in Thailand.
By Greg Rodgers

December 5 marks the 84th birthday of His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand and the longest-serving monarch in the world.

The King's Birthday in Thailand is celebrated vividly with fireworks, a candle ceremony, and a chance to see a flash of the King as he speeds by in his motorcade. Throngs crowd the streets to wave flags, socialize, and to enjoy spectacular fireworks in honor of their king.

Anyone who has traveled in Thailand knows: the Thai people love their king. Authorized photos of the monarch adorn buildings, intersections, shops, and even family living rooms. Insulting the King -- or an image of the King, including currency -- is not only a big no-no in Thailand etiquette, it can result in prison time; just ask one Swiss tourist who was sentenced to 10 years in jail!

I jostled and fought my way through the crowds during the King's Birthday in 2010, and managed to catch a quick glimpse of the monarch as he sped by in his procession. Although he was barely visible through the tinted windows of his car, the crowd erupted into a flag-waving frenzy.

The King's Birthday is also Father's Day, so most businesses close and families are given some time together away from the daily grind. If attending the King's Birthday celebration in Bangkok, be sure to wear yellow or gold -- the colors of the monarchy. Some people choose to wear pink, the color of the Queen.

What many people don't know is that His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej -- known in Thailand as King Rama IX or Wan Chalerm -- was actually born in the United States. The King was born on December 5, 1927, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He later finished his education in Switzerland and was crowned the King of Thailand on June 9, 1946.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej rear-ended a truck in 1948 while studying in France. He lost his right eye after the accident, however, gained a queen. The Queen of Thailand was the daughter of the Thai ambassador to France; she helped nurse the King back to health after his fateful accident.

The King of Thailand is not only the longest-serving monarch, but also the richest. His fortune was estimated in 2010 to be worth at least US $30 Billion dollars.

The name Bhumibol Adulyadej means "Strength of the Land." Considering that the king of Thailand has seen, encouraged, or put down over 15 coups during his 65-year-long reign, he lives up to the name well!