Revelry For A King

Fireworks light the sky near the Grand Palace in Bangkok, right, as part of the ceremonies celebrating Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday on Dec. 5, 2006. King Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, celebrated his 79th birthday on Tuesday.

Thai people light candles as they gather near the Grand Palace in Bangkok, right, to celebrate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 79th birthday on Dec. 5, 2006. Thais celebrated their beloved king with prayers, fireworks and good deeds, marking a tumultuous year for the world's longest-reigning monarch, who was reluctantly drawn into political disputes that culminated in a military coup in September.

Thais participate at ceremonies in Bangkok celebrating Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday on Dec. 5, 2006. King Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, celebrated his 79th birthday on Tuesday. Yellow shirts were worn in a sign of devotion to the king. In Buddhist tradition, yellow represents Monday, the day that Bhumibol was born.

Thais wearing yellow to show their devotion gather in predawn ceremonies in Bangkok on Dec. 5, 2006, to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej on his 79th birthday. Although the king is a constitutional monarch with limited political powers, he has used his prestige to smooth over political crises throughout the years, persuading opposing parties to compromise for the sake of peace and stability.

Thais look on during ceremonies on Dec. 5, 2006, in Bangkok to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej on his 79th birthday. This year marked Bhumibol's 60th anniversary on the throne, a milestone celebrated in June with festivities attended by royalty from around the world.

Thai Buddhist monks receive offerings during early morning ceremonies in Bangkok on Dec. 5, 2006, to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej on his 79th birthday. The king is the world's longest-reigning monarch.

Thai students chant prayers during predawn ceremonies in Bangkok on Dec. 5, 2006, to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej on his 79th birthday. The king is the longest-reigning monarch in the world. The celebration started on Saturday with a military parade.

Thai Buddhist monks walk past a giant portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej during ceremonies in Bangkok on Dec. 5, 2006, celebrating the king's 79th birthday.

Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej sits in a car during the annual military parade to celebrate his birthday in Bangkok, Dec. 2, 2006. The king, born Dec. 5, 1927, in Cambridge, Mass., where his father was studying medicine, became the ninth king of the Chakri dynasty on June 9, 1946, succeeding his older brother Ananda, who died in an unexplained shooting.

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej salutes members of his Royal Guards during Trooping of the Color ceremonies on Dec. 2, 2006, in Bangkok. The day is when Royal Guards renew their allegiance to the king and marks the start of his birthday celebrations.

Members of Thailand's Royal Guards march in formation during Trooping of the Colors on Dec. 2, 2006, in Bangkok. It is the day when the oath of allegiance to the king is renewed and marks the start of birthday celebrations for King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit look on during Trooping of the Color ceremonies in Bangkopk on Dec. 2, 2006. The king has reigned for 60 years through a score of governments, democratic and dictatorial, through the force of his personality and a lifetime of face-to-face work among the rural poor.

Thai dancers in traditional costume perform for officials and Thai royalty during Trooping of the Colors ceremonies in Bangkok on Dec. 2, 2006. The day is when Royal Guards renew their allegiance to Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who turned 79 on Tuesday.

Members of Thailand's Royal Guards step into formation during Trooping of the Colors in Bangkok on Dec. 2, 2006. It is the day when the oath of allegiance to the king is renewed and marks the start of birthday celebrations for King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The world's longest-serving monarch turned 79 on Dec. 5.

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