Why is the Thailand's Royal Family so revered?

This is for you, my Thai friends.
I'm a foreigner, and I've been wondering just why the King, the Queen and the Royal Family of Thailand is so respected and loved by the Thai people. If you go to a Thai restaurant in the USA, chances are, there is always a photo or a portrait of the king on the wall somewhere. The guidebook says not to be disrespectful of the King or even say anything bad about them. What great thing has he done for the Thais for the Thais to love them so much?? It would be nice to understand why before I go to Thailand.

Primarily because of what he and his family did for Thailand and (mostly) for the country's poorest people (e.g., northern hill tribes) throughout the 1960s and 1970s when the Thai military ruled the country.

The number of development projects (e.g., irrigation, agricultural research), humanitarian projects (e.g., "flying doctors"), and educational projects championed by King Bhumibol runs into thousands.

At the same time, the royal family traveled the country extensively during the 1960s & 1970s and thus firmly established themselves in the minds of the people; they weren't just spending their days lounging in the palace.

In short, you'd have to know Thai history over the past 90 years or so and know what roles the Thai royal family has played in order to start to grasp the importance of the Thai royal family and why they are so reveered today.

Some info in link

African Farmer, thank you, it is a good deal of information. Report It

It's very hard for foriegners to understand the importance of the Thai Royal family...they have a huge respect for the King and the King plays an important role to Thai people....He is almost like a God like figure and is treated in such a way.. If Buddah (Thier God) is at the very top , the King is sitting on the same seat if you know what I mean...then there are the monks and then government official,doctors,teachers and you go down the line... The King and queen have done alot to help the Thai people..they would go to the country to help the poor...and give out scholorships etc.. and keep in mind for hundreds of year Thailand has never been under control by a foriegn power they have always had thier independance...
They have their own language and proud culture.....
When you travel to Thailand you need to respect their culture and beliefs...you can NEVER dissrespect the KING or royal family..(if you do in public..you will get lynched)...they have a respect that a lot of other countries could learn from..and you have to remember the King is NOT a cruel dictator like Pol Pot,Stalin etc...he is the Father of Thailand, a greatly loved father who protects and looks after a fine and friendly nation,
and when you go to Thaialnd not only every resturant has a picture of the king but pretty much every house,apartment and Thai bungalow has one as well and there not always the current King but sometimes Kings from the past... have a great time in the Land of Smiles...I did :)

If you look back at the Thai history, you will note that reverence to the monarchy had been in existence since the 19th century. Much like what was happening in the west like the British Empire or even in France till the people's revolt bring about democratic rule.

The present Thai Royal Family had preserved much the tradition of their Chakri Dynasty, looking after the welfare of their people had always been on their agenda. Thus the people respected and revered their Royal Families.

The present King and His Family had been looking after the Thai people, especially reaching out to the rural majority to ensure that they are not disadvantaged by modernisation. He and His Family had been making regular trips to touch base with the people and introducing many programs to ensure that the people attain a minimum standard of living and have a sustainable livelihood. Thus the people treat them with much respect, almost treating them like Gods.

Just google the King's name and you note that He is probably the only monarch who patented systems and equipment to help the people and farmers. Not to mention composing songs for the Thais too. There is much to know about Him. just look up.

not Thai but here; it is because King is awesome, period. A gentleman and a scholar; super nice and humble; ultra lovable...ya gotta know.

well, i'm half thai...but i heard that he was a great king...he is the best king or something....same as england, why do they respect the queen??

Tradition.

The present king is the longest ruling monarch in modern times! Thai's have grown up and died while he was in office, he is like a revered relative.

The Royal Family has done a lot for Thailand. There are lots of hospitals, medicine is cheap the roads are good, these are things that help the common man.

The king has taken an interest in agriculture, encouraging the use of modern practices. Tourism is a number one business for Thailand, the king has encouraged this by making the country more tourist friendly!

Like in the movie, "The King and I," etcetera, etcetera, etcetera!

Here's the short answer (or at least as short as I can make it). I'm half Thai and just went to Thailand 2 years ago to visit my family. My Thai Grandmother is the exact same age as the King . . . 80. He became king at a very young age of 18 which means he has been king for almost 62 years now. The longest ruling king in the world !!! So for most Thais . . . he's the ONLY king they have known. He is the quintessential image of a good Thai man, and devout Buddhist. He is considered semi-divine, Like the Dalai Lama. He is also a good, honest, humble and a gentle man, qualities Thai Buddhist admire greatly. He has kept Thailand a peaceful, and self supportive country amongst a world of unrest and tragedy.

You should also know that The King has a daughter (the Princess) who is VERY well respected as well. She has taken a role as a humanitarian. She would be like the Thai version of Princess Diana. Hope this Helps.