His Majesty the King has begun the eighth cycle of one of the most remarkable lives. Almost no living Thai can recall when His Majesty was born, to a student doctor and his dedicated wife living in the United States.
But every Thai has been touched repeatedly during his or her life by the acts and guidance of this truly great monarch. On the occasion of his birthday celebrations, the words of Queen Elizabeth II say well what all Thais and so many foreign friends feel:
"I wish Your Majesty good health, longevity and happiness, and send you my very best wishes for continued happiness and prosperity of all."
It is almost impossible to credit now, but when His Majesty acceded to the throne more than 65 years ago, the expectations for a monarch were not high. The military coup against absolute monarchy occurred in 1932.
World War Two followed, and there were many years when there was no monarch living in Siam. The accession to the throne and the coronation of the young king gave the country heart.
The three institutions were once again in place _ the nation and religion, with the monarchy _ but few citizens could predict the extraordinary deeds which lay in their future and that of the whole country.
The surface achievements of His Majesty have been documented and archived, and will often be recalled. The solid advice and aid to citizens of all rank and every society is known and remembered.
His absolutely selfless dedication to communities far away, and his actual help to such remote areas is unforgettable.
Every Thai has a personal story of the commitment to every citizen that His Majesty has shown during his reign.
These physical achievements are barely the beginning of the story of past decades, however. His Majesty lives in Thailand, of course.
But he lives in a more cherished place, in the hearts of every citizen. We cannot know, of course, the exact feelings that the fortunate Thai people had for the great kings of olden times _ Ramkhamhaeng and Naresuan, Narai and Taksin, Mongkut and Chulalongkorn among them.
But all Thais today know their affection for the monarch, and know why they are proud of that affection. Thailand has suffered problems, but needs only to peer across the borders to see the alternative to having a wise, dedicated and guiding monarch.
Far beyond his astounding and always selfless physical achievements for the country, His Majesty the King has a particular and special place in the heart _ in the heart of the nation, as in the hearts of the Thai people.
The king without doubt is the leading light and driving force for the country. He is now 84 years old, but rather than the human frailty of age, the nation has again taken to its heart the strength in the example that His Majesty has set each day of his reign.
In his 84 remarkable years, the king has made contributions which can barely be measured, and can never be repaid. His 65 years as our monarch have made the nation better in almost every conceivable way.
He has not left his country for nearly 50 years, but even abroad, his reputation has grown. Just over five years ago, all the world's monarchs came to Thailand to visit His Majesty and attend his Royal Banquet.
During the current celebrations, Thais can consider again the contribution and leadership His Majesty has displayed since that day in May, 1956, when he gave his promise of righteousness.
It is not a slogan but a heartfelt recognition and trust when we say: Long Live The King.
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