A monarch like no other
A new series of books about King Bhumibol Adulyadej sheds light on his childhood and his tireless work for the people of Thailand

Story by PICHAYA SVASTI

          As a youth studying in the US, Danai Chanchaochai found it hard to explain to his US peers why the Thai monarch is so much loved by his people. The 17-year-old was often bemused by questions like why there were paddy fields and fish ponds in the royal palace. "Why is a person with such lifestyle
called a king?" he quoted one query.

           Years passed, and Danai set himself the task of expounding on royal achievements, something he has done in his recently published three-volume set titled King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. Based on four years of research and writing, the set comprises From Prince to King, Strength of the Land and By the Light of Your Wisdom.

           "My main objective is to see that Thai students read more and learn more about our King who has been recognised as the world's hardest-working monarch," Danai noted.

          Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of the Chaipattana Foundation and chairman of the organising committee for this book, said it should provide a glimpse of His Majesty's youth and his wisdom, which has saved Thailand from crises on various occasions and guided the people toward his sufficiency economy concept.

          The King's close aide urged all Thais to follow in line with the monarch's ultimate goal to bring happiness to his people. "How can one become rich without misery? How can one be happy even if he isn't rich? I'm delighted that more of us have started to see the light. His Majesty has seen this path long before foreigners did _ about 30 years ago," Sumet remarked.

          Written in simple English, the first volume targets upper primary to junior high school students. It tells of Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej's birth in the US in 1927, his peaceful, down-to-earth childhood and his mother's influence which shaped his personality as a wise, hardworking monarch.

          Then came his unexpected accession to the throne in 1946, his return to Switzerland for further studies, his holiday in Paris in 1947 where he met the striking daughter of Thailand's ambassador to France _ the future Queen Sirikit, their wedding in 1950 and his coronation in the same year.

          Despite the glamorous palace and the romance between the king and his beautiful queen, the story of the King is much more than a princely fairytale. The author provides a background of Thai history, defines difficult terms, points out major differences between European and Thai kings,
and describes how Thais feel about their King and what the King feels is his duty towards his people.

          In terms of language and content, the second volume seems fit for older readers. Focussing on the King's tireless dedication to his people, it describes the challenges that lay ahead for the newly crowned King and reasons why this longest-reigning monarch in the world has lived up to his name
of Bhumibol Adulyadej _ "the strength of the land".

          His Majesty has unfailingly tried to honour his original oath of accession to "reign with righteousness for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people". The book details his endless trips to visit his people, listening to their problems, planning assistance, setting up foundations and royal projects
that work on such issues as improving health care, education, job creation and crop substitution to flood prevention and battling traffic urban jams.

          The book gives a clear picture of the King's Chitralada Palace as the home of a dairy farm and processing plant, a tropical forest, experimental rice fields, a mill, fish ponds and much more _ all designed as models for research and replication upcountry.

          The third volume By the Light of Your Wisdom, written for more advanced readers, focuses on the wisdom that underpins the King's achievements. It tells of his words and deeds which have had a profound impact on his people.

          This book also shows the King's role in reviving various traditional ceremonies to deepen the nation's agricultural roots and preserve Thai customs and arts. Another section depicts His Majesty as a skilful songwriter, composer and musician, poet, writer, painter, photographer and athlete.

          One of his books, The Story of Mahajanaka, based on a story about a previous life of the Lord Buddha, reflects his belief in perseverance and self-reliance as the basis of a just society. It also deals with the King's cautioning against the temptation to take an easier, yet wrong path, as a way of avoiding problems.

          In keeping with the examples set by his ancestors, His Majesty is a warrior king, but the wars he fights tirelessly against are not army of invaders, but poverty, hardships and ignorance.

          The best conclusion should be the King's very own words: "Wisdom refers not only to intellect or academic ability, but also to moral intellect, or the ability to judge right from wrong, to be far-sighted, to be almost enlightened to the point of seeing into the future by the light of your wisdom."

          The third volume also includes interviews with famous figures like Sumet of the Chaipattana Foundation, former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun and social critic Dr Prawase Wasi, that give further insights into His Majesty's legacies.

          Some shortcomings _ a few misspellings, and a certain redundancy of information _ could improve the next edition.

          The complete box set of 'King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand' is available at all leading bookshops, priced at 990 baht.

          In response to the Chaipattana Foundation secretary-general's wish for the books to be donated to needy youngsters and schools, DMG Books will soon publish a student edition with glossary and reading exercises at a price of around 60 baht, with discounts for book donors. Reservations for the student edition can be made at DMG Books and at its booth at the National Book Fair.

          For more information, call DMG Books on 02-658-6444 or 02-684-1251/61 or visit www.dmgbooks.com/