Beginning in 2005 and running through 2006, Thais all over the world have been celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of His Majesty the King?s accession to the throne. Throughout the 60 years of his reign, His Majesty has worked very hard for the benefit and happiness of the people.
His Majesty?s 60 years on the throne make him the longest-reigning monarch, not only in Thai history but also in the world. He has devoted his entire life to the people, working and trying to make their lives better. On the day of his coronation, His Majesty pronounced the traditional Oath of Accession: ?We will reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people.?
Today, His Majesty?s words still ring true, as his reign has been characterized by genuinely righteous rule and untold sacrifice for his subjects. He is widely known as one of the hardest working monarchs on earth. Ever since he acceded to the throne in 1946, His Majesty has traveled extensively across the country to visit people in rural remote areas, sometimes in the baking sun or in pouring rain. Such trips help him get first-hand information about the living conditions and problems of the people, their needs, and their desires. When he arrives at the destination, he asks the local people about their life, work conditions, and other problems.
On these trips, His Majesty?s team of experts and people from relevant agencies study details and work out new development projects that are considered necessary. At the same time, they follow up on the progress of past royally initiated projects. Out of these countless trips have arisen thousands of royal development projects and other royally initiated schemes. Among these projects and schemes are those concerning crop substitution, introduction of new cash crops, livestock diversification, construction of dams, bridges, and roads, soil conservation, and forest and wildlife preservation.
Some projects are implemented by government agencies, while others are ?self-help? programs. His Majesty once said that it was better to give a person a rod and teach him how to fish than simply to give him fish. He has been a pioneer in Thailand?s development efforts in numerous fields, particularly in agriculture and water resource development. Royally initiated projects in agricultural development have directly benefited farmers? living standards, as they are designed to address major issues threatening cultivation and to provide them with knowledge about modern farming techniques.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has shouldered the country?s heavy burdens. His dedicated work for the benefit of the Thai people has been a source of pride and inspiration for them. He has reigned for 60 years, during which he has worked tirelessly and recorded numerous significant achievements. All Thais know and appreciate his dedication for the benefit and happiness of the people
