Ananda Mahidol was the eighth king of Siam from the Chakri dynasty, titled Rama VIII. At the time he was recognised as king by the National Assembly in March 1935, he was a nine-year-old boy living in Switzerland. He returned to Thailand in December 1945, but six months later, in June 1946, he was found shot dead in his bed. Although at first thought to have been an accident, his death was ruled a murder by medical examiners, and three royal aides were later executed following very irregular trials. The mysterious circumstances surrounding his death have been the subject of much controversy.
Formal portrait, 1946
Thirteen year old King Ananda of Siam (left), and his brother Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej (right), inspect a model train presented to him at Saranrom Park in Bangkok in 1938
Photograph of the King in 1939
King Ananda Mahidol and Louis Mountbatten on 19 January 1946
The monarchy of Thailand is the constitutional form of government of the Thailand. The king of Thailand is the head of state and head of the ruling Royal House of Chakri.
King Naresuan of Ayutthaya fought several wars against the Burmese to preserve Siamese independence.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet next to the king's palace was the most sacred temple in the kingdom of Ayutthaya.
Thongduang, later King Rama I of Siam, founded the Chakri dynasty in 1782.
King Prajadhipok signing the Constitution of Siam, 10 December 1932.