Thais celebrate king’s 60-year rule

THAILAND’S king, the world’s longest-serving monarch, marked 60 years on the throne yesterday, calling for unity in his politically troubled country as hundreds of thousands of adoring Thais cheered and waved yellow flags.

The monarch is beloved for his projects to help the rural poor and for using his moral influence to keep the country together through political turmoil.

Although the king is a constitutional monarch with limited powers, he has used his prestige to smooth over several political crises over the years, persuading opposing parties to compromise for the sake of peace and stability. He often mingles with people in remote villages where he has started hundreds of development projects.