King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A Life's Work

by Nicholas Grossman (Editor), Dominic Faulder (Editor)

King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand is the world’s longest reigning monarch. Indeed, his 65-year reign is one of the longest in world history, an achievement few would have predicted when the Thai king acceded the throne after the mysterious death of his brother in 1946. How did King Bhumibol revive the sinking fortunes of the Thai monarchy? Why has he become arguably the most revered king in Thai history? This illustrated biography tells that remarkable story.

Beginning with an introduction explaining the unique history and traditions of the Thai monarchy, King Bhumibol A Life’s Work offers a fresh and insightful account of his life, from his birth in America and education in Europe to his unexpected accession to the throne. Following him through the Cold War and Indochina War periods, the book shows how the king has used his position to help develop the country and its people while at the same time securing the status of the monarchy itself. King Bhumibol A Life’s Work also includes insightful chapters on the often-misunderstood institutions that support the crown – the Crown Property Bureau and Privy Council – as well as essays on the controversial lèse-majesté law and the issue of succession.

Genres: Biography, History

384 pages, Hardcover

First published April 20, 2012

Reviews

[Mam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a comprehensive introduction to Thai monarchy, including the Thai Buddhist ideal of kingship, and a summary of HRH King Bhumibol's life and work from 1946 - 2011 (time of publication of book). In addition to being a modern Thai history book through the monarchy lens, it also provides a background to Thai monarchy within a historical context and background to the Royal House of Chakri. The main content follows the chronological order but divided into sections: the life, the work and the crown. With over 350 pages, the book does present the content in a balance, accurate way and allowing this book to speak for itself. With his recent passing, there have many things written about HRH and many were written without understanding. I believe many people would find the crown section very informative as it covers the crown property (how it works), the lese-majeste law (HRH was one critic of this law himself), the privy council, succession and ceremonies and regalia. For those not understanding why Thai people loves and respect him so, this book will explain. HRH worked endlessly to fulfilled his lifelong promised to us - Thai people.

[Setthapark · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A Life's Work is the story of King Rama the 9th's life, reign and work and reading this book again after the passing of this great man, I can't help but feel proud to have been able to live during his Majesty's reigned. He devoted his life for the betterment of the country and worked tirelessly for his beloved people. I can go on forever about all his great accomplishments but that would just be repetitive to what everyone here in Thailand already knows.
My King maybe gone and I'm brokenhearted, he will be missed dearly and will forever be in my heart with the highest of reverence.

[Mohd Nordin Che Omar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A King loved and idolised by his people. A detail illustration of the life of RAMA IX- King of Thailand under Chakri Dynasty.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a state sponsored book this one is not too biased. Problems that are yet to be tackled are presented as such.

[Christine Hall]

As a person who retired to Thailand after the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, I approached King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A Life’s Work with both curiosity and respect. The book is not a conventional biography but rather a carefully structured exploration of the monarch’s legacy, divided into three broad sections: The Life, The Work, and The Crown.

• The Life traces his journey from birth in the United States and education in Europe to his unexpected accession to the throne in 1946. It situates his personal story against the turbulence of mid‑20th‑century Thailand, showing how his character and upbringing shaped his reign.

• The Work highlights his development projects, his role during the Cold War and Indochina conflicts, and his efforts to modernize Thailand while preserving cultural identity. This section emphasizes his practical contributions to agriculture, water management, and rural development, which earned him deep respect among ordinary Thais.

• The Crown examines the institutions that support the monarchy—the Crown Property Bureau, the Privy Council—and addresses sensitive topics such as lèse‑majesté and succession. These chapters provide context for understanding how the monarchy has endured and adapted within Thailand’s political landscape.

This structure makes the book accessible to readers who want both a personal portrait and an institutional analysis. It’s a way of showing that King Bhumibol’s legacy is not only about his individual life but also about the systems and traditions that sustained the monarchy.

[Karl Kraus · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's difficult to suppress a chuckle when reading a line such as "Differing opinions and perspectives were exchanged freely and forthrightly to achieve the finished volume" -- which can only be true if all of the authors were censoring themselves prior to exchanging those opinions and perspectives. That much said, some of the sections, in particular the one on lese-majeste, would never have made it to print in Thailand nowadays (I write this in early 2023).

In any case, the laudatory tone is entirely justified: the love of the great majority of Thais for their king was genuine, and even critics would have to admit that in terms of social engagement he was one of the best monarchs -- if not the best one -- of what Westerners would call the modern era. Informed readers will anyway read between the lines as necessary, and note the occasional omissions and elisions.