Thailand, known as Siam before 1948, is a constitutional monarchy. With a population of more than 27 million and military strength of close to 100,000, the Kingdom is a member of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization. Bangkok, the capital, is the site of SEATO headquarters.
The Kingdom is also a member of the Association of Southeast Asia, which was formed in Thailand in 1961. The other members are the Philippines and Malaya.
Thailand has known one of the world's longest periods of independent existence. It has never experienced the indignity of colonialism.
A land more noted for picturesque architecture and pageantry than politics, Thailand had a bloodless revolution in 1932. King Prajadhipok, a liberal, signed a new constitution establishing the limited monarchy, but refused to sign a measure yielding the royal power of life and death and resigned. He was succeeded by his nephew, Prince Ananda. When the latter was found dead of a bullet wound June 9, 1946, the legislature named his brother, Prince Phumiphon Aduldet (Bhumibol Adulyadej) to succeed him.
King Bhumibol formally took the throne May 5, 1950.
Born on December 5, 1927, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, King Bhumibol is a musician and composer as well as a monarch. He is the first king to write a song good enough to be included in a Broadway musical.
His song, "Blue Night," was part of the score of Peep Show, produced by Mike Todd in 1952. The King plays the saxophone, trumpet or clarinet in a jazz orchestra that gives weekly broadcasts over the Thai radio.
Petite 30-year-old Queen Sirikit, who was married to King Bhumibol in April, 1950, is acknowledged to be one of the world's most beautiful women, as well as one of the best dressed.
The royal couple have four children: 10-year-old Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn and Princesses Ubol Ratana, 12, Sirindhorn, 8, and Chulabhorn, 5. They attend a private school at sprawling Chitlada Palace, the residence on the outskirts of Bangkok.
The palace grounds occupy an area of two square miles. They include an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, playhouse complete with stage and recording equipment, the school for the royal children, and the palace itself, a rambling Edwardian edifice.
Despite his private course, the King has not yet acquired a taste for golf. He prefers badminton on weekdays and skin diving or water skiing on week-ends.
However, the King's overwhelming pre-occupation is for the welfare and security of his country and people.
Widely Traveled
To promote understanding and friendly ties between Thailand and other free nations, King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit have traveled widely since 1959. They have visited 24 countries in America, Europe, and Asia, covering 40,000 miles.
Before coming to Taiwan, the royal Thai couple made a 12-day state visit to Japan.
The King and Queen received a tumultuous welcome upon their arrival in the capital city of Taipei.
The weather was perfect. A cold front had brought showers to the subtropical island and forced down the temperature.
The Thai Airways International Convair-990 carrying the royal couple and 16 high-ranking Thai officials, including Foreign Minister Thanat Khoman, touched down at Sungshan airport at 2:25 p.m. The arrival was delayed three hours because of plane trouble in Tokyo.
First to step from the spotless white jet airliner was King Bhumibol, dressed in the uniform of the commander-in-chief of the Thai armed forces. The King was followed by Queen Sirikit as he walked down the red-carpeted ramp to the accompaniment of thunderous applause.
President and Madame Chiang Kai-shek greeted the royal couple at planeside with warm handclasps.
Queen Sirikit looked regal and beautiful in a light violet dress. She carried a gold-colored umbrella. Madame Chiang looked lovely in a blue flowered dress. She carried a blue parasol.
After a brief exchange of greetings, the President led the King to a canopied reviewing stand, where the King received a 21-gun salute. King Bhumibol then inspected an honor guard of battalion strength.
Twenty-four F-86 Sabrejets of the Chinese Air Force roared over the airport in salute. They had escorted' the special plane through Chinese air space.
The military ceremony over, Taipei Mayor Chou Pai-lien presented the King with a gold key to the city as a token of respect from the 1,000,000 people of Taipei.
The King and Queen met top-ranking government officials and members of the diplomatic corps. Other welcomers included leaders of civic bodies, ranking Buddhist monks, and Thai residents in Taiwan.
Five mammoth welcoming arches spanned thoroughfares. Chinese and Thai flags and photographs of King Bhumibol and President Chiang Kai-shek were to be seen everywhere.
After the airport ceremonies, which lasted half an hour, the King and the President drove to the Grand Hotel. The Queen was accompanied by Madame Chiang.
Led by 24 police motorcycles, the motorcade was cheered by some 200,000 persons along a four-mile route.
Chinese opera troupes and dragon dancers gave colorful impromptu performances along the way.
A hundred monks gathered at the Shang Tao temple to pray for the health of King Bhumibol and President Chiang, and for the prosperity of Thailand and China.
The Buddhist Association presented a 98-volume Chinese translation of the Tripitaka to King Bhumibol. It was accepted by Thai Ambassador to China Swai Srihadung on behalf of the King.
President's Welcome
The Rev. Pai-sheng, president of the Chinese Buddhist Association, said the Chinese Buddhists "are happy to have the Thai King, a devout Buddhist himself, visit China."
In the evening, the royal couple were honored by President and Madame Chiang at a state banquet at the presidential residence. Other guests included cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, Thai officials, and commanders-in-chief of the three armed forces.
In his address, President Chiang extended a heartfelt welcome on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China.
"The Kingdom of Thailand and the Republic of China, which have enjoyed close historical, cultural, political, and economic ties, are truly sister nations, " President Chiang said.
"These ties," the President added, "are further strengthened by the traditionally friendly relations which have long existed between our two countries and by our common struggle in the preservation of freedom, democracy, and peace with justice."
President Chiang condemned Communism as the source of world turmoil and reiterated China's determination to liberate the mainland.
"Following the conclusion of World War II," the President said, "the International Communists have been actively promoting a vicious program of infiltration, subversion, and aggression in every part of the world. This program has resulted in the tragic loss of the Chinese mainland and the enslavement of hundreds of million of our people by the Communist tyrants.
"The Government and people of the Republic of China consider it their sacred duty to liberate the people on the Chinese mainland who live in terror under the Communist regime, and are doing everything possible towards that end."
The Chinese chief of state expressed China's appreciation for Thailand's support in the United Nations and at various international conferences.
"The government and people of the Republic of China value very highly the close and happy ties between our two countries," the President said.
"The dedication of Your Majesty to the welfare of your people and the graciousness and contributions of Your Majesty the Queen to humanitarian causes have won not only the devotion of your people, but also our profound admiration," he added.
Closer Relationship
In response, King Bhumibol said the relations between Thailand and China have been very cordial for centuries. "In recent years," the King said, "the ties between the two countries have become even closer despite the changing world situation."
King Bhumibol expressed admiration for China's achievements in land reform and other fields of economic development.
"The Queen and I have been constantly concerned with the well-being of this country," the King said.
King Bhumibol said he hoped understanding and friendship between the two countries will be further promoted.
Chinese dishes were served. A Chinese orchestra played Chinese classical music and melodies composed by the King.
Before the dinner, which started at 8:30 and lasted more than two hours, the two chiefs of state had exchanged decorations.
The King decorated President Chiang with the Most Auspicious Order of the Rajamittabhorn and Madame Chiang with the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao.
President Chiang decorated King Bhumibol with the Special Grand Cordon of the Order of Brilliant Jade and Queen Sirikit with the Special Grand Cordon of the Order of Propitious Clouds.
In the afternoon, the royal couple had granted an audience to Vice President-Premier and Mrs. Chen Cheng and Foreign Minister and Mrs. Shen Chang-huan at the Grand Hotel.
The King decorated Vice President Chen with the Special Class of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant and Minister Shen with the First Class of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant.
Early the morning of Thursday, June 6, the King, accompanied by Vice President-Premier Chen Cheng, laid a wreath at the Martyr's Shrine in suburban Taipei.
Later that day, King Bhumibol motored south to Taoyuan with Vice President Chen to .see the gigantic Shihmen dam and reservoir.
Queen Sees Projects
Queen Sirikit visited projects operated by the Chinese Women's Anti-Aggression League headed by Madame Chiang Kai-shek.
Prior to departure for Taoyuan, His Majesty visited the land reform exhibition at the Provincial Taipei Museum in New Park.
The King listened attentively as briefing officers explained various phases of the highly successful reform program. He extended congratulations to the Vice President, who was mainly responsible for successfully carrying out the land reform.
On the way to Taoyuan, school' children and other well-wishers lined the streets of villages to cheer the Thai monarch.
King Bhumibol showed keen interest in Shihmen dam. Thailand has a similar project. The Yanhee Dam will be 154 meters high, compared with the 132 of Shihmen.
On his way back, the King stopped at a farm. He saw one of the bedrooms and the sitting room of a ten-room red brick house. The farm family is a typical large grouping of three generations.
The King spent ten minutes talking to farmers about their crops and looking over farm tools. Yu Wen-shan, the head of the family, shook hands with the King four times.
Queen Sirikit visited the headquarters of CWAAL in the company of Mrs. Chen Cheng. The beautiful Queen also saw the Hua Hsing Orphanage, founded by Madame Chiang, and bought Taiwan-made goods and souvenirs at the Taiwan Handicraft Promotion Center. Her Majesty donated US$500 to the orphanage.
Opera Performance
That evening, the royal couple attended a banquet given by Vice President-Premier and Mrs. Chen Cheng. Some 160 other guests included ranking government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and legislators.
The dinner was followed by a Chinese opera performance at the Kuokwang theater.
On the morning of June 7, the King and Queen flew to central Taiwan.
Accompanied by Vice President-Premier Chen Cheng, Foreign Minister and Mrs. Shen Chang-huan, and other government officials, the royal couple arrived at a Taichung airbase at 9:50. They were greeted by Governor Huang Chieh and Speaker of the Provincial Assembly Hsieh Tung-ming.
Chinese Air Force Thunder-Tigers gave a precision flying demonstration, and the royal visitors were visibly impressed.
The nine F-86 Sabrejets of the team flew in tight formation through a series of such precision maneuvers as loops, vertical turns, and an exciting finale called the "bomb-burst."
The King praised each member of the team personally for a "wonderful show."
The aerial performance was followed by a fancy rifle drill by an Air Force honor guard and an emergency take-off exercise by four supersonic F-104 Starfighters. The pilots had their planes aloft in only 2 minutes and 40 seconds.
King Bhumibol received a Chinese armed forces emblem plaque from Gen. Peng Meng-chi, chief of the general staff.
The party then left the airbase, one of the largest in the Far East, for nearby Chung Hsing New Village, seat of the Taiwan Provincial Government.
Before returning to Taipei, the royal couple saw priceless art treasures at the National Palace Museum at Wufeng.
In the evening, King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit honored President and Madame Chiang Kai-shek at a state banquet.
Also invited were 140 top government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
The King, clad in a snow-white Thai navy uniform, stood to drink a toast to the health of President and Madame Chiang and the prosperity of the Republic of China.
The King also thanked the President for the warm reception accorded him.
President Chiang returned the toast and expressed hope the traditionally friendly relations between China and Thailand will be further augmented.
Saturday noontime, June 8, King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit had lunch with President and Madame Chiang as part of a farewell call at the President's official residence in suburban Taipei.
Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Minister Thanat Khoman held a press conference at the Grand Hotel to convey Their Majesties' sentiments about the visit.
Thanat said the King and Queen were much impressed with free China's economic achievements and social tranquillity. Their Majesties, he noted, found the visit "very pleasant and instructive."
The Thai foreign minister also called it a "symbol of understanding and goodwill."
The minister urged Asian countries to establish better understanding and cooperation to achieve peace and prosperity.
He said Thailand has been seeking to strengthen relations with other countries in Asia that have the same aspirations for peace, goodwill, and social justice.
Thanat added, however, that "our desire for peace and prosperity must not be misconstrued as indication of our tolerance for any force bent on destroying our freedom and independence. "
Ready for Sacrifices
"Peace and independence are not negotiable," Thanat noted. "When Thailand's independence is threatened, the people of Thailand are ready to make sacrifices to defend it."
The Thai foreign minister expressed confidence that in the event of emergency, the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization will be able to cope with the situation.
The King and Queen were accompanied to Sungshan airport by President and Madame Chiang Kai-shek, ranking government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Police estimated that more than 200,000 well-wishers again lined the streets.
The visit was unanimously acknowledged to have been highly effective.
The English-language China News said editorially June 10: "Success of the state visit by the King and Queen of Thailand is almost without parallel.
"What made for the great warmth and unparalleled interest of the Chinese people is the anti-Communist unity that has been forged between this country and the Kingdom of Thailand.
"Of prime Asian targets that the Communists would like to take over, Thailand ranks rights along with Taiwan and South Korea. The last two are at war with Communism in a de jure sense. Only Thailand is not.
"The Thais nevertheless have stood just as stalwartly at the anti-Communist barricades as the free Chinese and the free Koreans.
"Thailand is rice-rich, has important timber resources and Southeast Asia's most progressive population. Geographic position is central. With Thailand in Communist hands, the rest of free Southeast Asia would be doomed.
"Recognizing this, the free people of the Republic of China have shown their respect for Thai courage and anti-Communist determination by saluting King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit with unprecedented warmth and affection. "
During the last few years, China has carried out a technical cooperation program with Thailand. Chinese specialists have been sent to help build factories and roads, and to train Thai technicians in industry and agriculture.
From 1957 to 1962, trade volume between the two countries increased seven times. In 1962, Taiwan exports to Thailand totaled 255,000,000 baht (US$12,500,000) as against 35,111,000 baht (US$1,750,000) in 1957.
Taiwan exported sugar, cotton textiles, and industrial products to Thailand and imported jute, ramie, soybeans, and leather.
Partly as an aftermath of the royal visit, trade volume is expected to soar above US$20 million this year. This was important for both countries. But the overriding triumph of the emerging Sino-Thai relationship is political, not economic. Communism has been given stern warning that the two friends will stand firmly together in defense of freedom.