Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej:
One of the world's longest-reigning monarchs
(CNN)King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who died Thursday aged 88, reigned through an era of rising prosperity and frequent political turmoil.
A member of the Chakri dynasty, which has occupied the Thai throne since the 18th century, US-born and Swiss-educated Bhumibol was a deeply revered figure whose unifying appeal stretched across the spectrum of Thai society, from the rich urban elite to poor provincial farmers.
His seven-decade reign began in the aftermath of Thailand's occupation by Japan during the Second World War, and ended deep into the Internet age.
During the upheavals of the 20th century, he skilfully charted a course that put the monarchy at the center of Thai society, acting as a force for community and tradition even as the country lurched between political crises and military coups.
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