The Mourning of Rama IX

Abstract

This dissertation is an anthropological study of the mourning of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Bhumibol’s reign spanned from the end of World War II, through the Indochina conflict, and into the 21st century. The only king most Thais had ever known in their lifetimes, he was widely revered and held in kind of sacred intimacy, both national father and holy Buddhist monarch. At 88 years old, his passing was not wholly unexpected, but nonetheless marked a moment of profound historical significance. With the king’s death, the country entered an official, year-long period of mourning, which is the object of this study.