Bhumibol Adulyadej is the King of Thailand. He is also known as Rama IX, as he is the ninth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty. Having reigned since 9 June 1946, he is the world's longest-serving current head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history, serving for 68 years, 170 days.
King Bhumibol is respected and revered by most Thais. The King is legally considered "inviolable", and lèse majesté, that is, offence against the dignity of the monarch, may be punished.[4] In 1957, the overthrow of the government was justified with allegations of lèse majesté.Although Bhumibol invited public criticism in a 2005 speech,[7] politicians and individuals are still being arrested over claims of lèse majesté.