Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, has passed away. He was 88. The announcement was made by the Thai royal palace. King Bhumibol - who is also known as Rama the 9th - was the longest-reigning monarch in history. He came to the Thai throne more than 70 years ago, on June 9th 1946, becoming the ninth reigning monarch of the Chakri Dynasty. During his time on the throne, he witnessed more than 20 military coups and more than 50 cabinet changes in his country. Thailand's long-standing relationship between the monarch and the military in governmental matters began in 1957.