Richard AmmonThailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, as the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. His Majesty the King is recognised as the Head of State, the Head of the Armed Forces, the Upholder of the Buddhist religion, and the Upholder of all religions. Due to the government of the Monarch, Thailand is one of the few countries in Southeast Asia that has never been colonized by a European power.
Photos 1-11 were taken at the ceremonies for his 50th year of reign.
Bangkok: In the span of over two hundred years, Bangkok has been the political, social and economic center of not only Thailand but for much of South East Asia and Indochina as well. Its influence in the arts, politics, fashion, education, entertainment as well as being the business, financial and cultural center of Asia has given Bangkok the status of a global city.
Photos 12-21 are random images of the city – including the erotic fertility Teptim shrine (playfully called ‘penis park’).
Photos 22-49 are from southern Thailand where there are secluded retreat islands, jungles, shrines, monasteries, a tree-house hostel and misty mountains.
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