In a revolutionary departure from traditional kingship,he spent most of the year in the countryside, traveling extensively to all parts of the country to meet his people, to talk to them in person, to find out about their needs and to help themselves.
By the time the country celebrated his sixth-cycle or 72nd birthday, the international community had already recognised him not only as the world's longest-reigning monarch, but also the hardest-working and the best-loved.
When Thailand celebrated the 60th anniversary of HM the King's accession to the throne in 2006, the world watched in admiration and amazement at the Thai people's outpouring of genuine love and reverence for the monarch.