Editor’s spotlight — updated daily
King Bhumibol
United States
King Bhumibol Adulyadej ascended the throne on June 9, 1946 after his brother King Ananda Mahidol's death. He reigned for 70 years until his death on October 13, 2016 in Bangkok, the longest reign in Thai history. He married Queen Sirikit in 1950; they had two children: Princess Ubol Ratana and King Vajiralongkorn. Among his many honors were the UNDP Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award and the Gold Olympic Order.