King Bhumibol Adulyadej was the much loved and respected king of Thailand. He was the longest-serving monarch in Thai history. He was born in the United States in 1927 and was educated in Switzerland. He was an excellent musician, artist, and sailor. His popularity helped him maintain peace in his country many times. Many Thais see him as semi-divine. Bhumibol came to Thailand for the first time in 1928. He completed his elementary education in Bangkok and in 1933 moved to Switzerland. He graduated from the University of Lausanne. His elder brother was crowned King of Thailand in 1935 and Bhumibol became heir to the throne. He became King Rama lx following the death of his brother in 1946. King Bhumibol had very little power in the early years and was largely a symbol. was many decades into his reign before he decided to intervene in Thai politics. In 1992, there was a coup attempt in Bangkok. Many protesting university students were killed in the streets. Bhumibol appeared with the coup leader on Thai television. This led to elections, which brought democracy to Thailand.