Blessing and pardon
He pledged that he would not take sides in Thailand’s politics. But behind the scenes the palace’s power grew, stoked by a cabal of ambitious princes. They made Bhumibol one of the world’s wealthiest men; his court could outspend any politician or general who dared vie for the people’s adoration. Through rituals and ceremonies encased in gold, the courtiers strove tirelessly to restore the king to the heart of Thai Buddhism and make him semi-divine.