King Ananda Dies: Bhumibol's Long Reign Begins
Thailand's King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) was found dead in his bed from a gunshot wound on June 9, 1946, at the age of 20. The circumstances remain Thailand's most enduring mystery. Three royal pages were convicted and executed for the murder in 1955, but the evidence was circumstantial and the trial widely considered political. Theories range from assassination to accident to suicide. Ananda's 18-year-old brother Bhumibol Adulyadej succeeded him as Rama IX and reigned for 70 years until 2017, making him the longest-reigning monarch in the world at the time of his death. Bhumibol became revered by Thai citizens and wielded enormous behind-the-scenes political influence. Strict lese-majeste laws prevent public discussion of the royal family, including the circumstances of Ananda's death.
June 9, 1946
80 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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