Nai Luang Beloved King of Thailand - A History of the Chakri Dynasty (Paperback)

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej - King of Thailand - is divinely revered by his people. Still, during His Majesty's long reign of 65 years as of 2011], the King has seen over 15 military coups, 16 constitutions, and 28 changes of prime ministers. The King has also used his influence to stop military coups, among others, including attempts in 1981 and 1985. It has often been said that the independence and integrity of Thailand is assured by three unifying factors: its people's carefree disposition, the tolerant Buddhist Religion, and the Thai Throne. For seven centuries Thailand has successfully survived as an independent country while countries all around in Southeast Asia disintegrated or fell victim of colonialist powers. For that reason, no Thai would now deny that as these unique and sacred institutions survive and flourish, so the Thai nation will also survive and flourish. Without either one of them, no one could foresee what Thailand would be like King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Queen Sirikit, and the Heir-apparent are legally considered "inviolable" and criticism can result in three to fifteen years imprisonment; although the King said in his 2005 birthday speech that he would not be offended by lese majeste, since "the King is human.""