King of Thailand from 1946 until his death in 2016, a seven-decade reign. He was an anti-communist ally of America's; in 1960 New York threw a ticker-tape parade in his honour. He was married to Queen Sirikit.
On his accession in 1946, the Thai monarchy had been consigned by the moderates and fascists vying to lead the country to being a remote symbol. The royal couple's winning personalities and charitable works—bolstered by aggressive public relations and strict laws against criticising them—made the monarchy an inseparable part of the Thai trinity of nation, religion and king. Bhumibol frequently intervened to bless coups and discourage violence.
He was succeeded by his son, Vajiralongkorn, who rules as Rama X.
"I'd love to go out with you, but I want to spend more time with my blender."