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Ananda MahidolKing of Thailand under the name of Rama VIII, eighth king of the Chakri dynasty
Date of Birth: 20.09.1925
Country:  Thailand |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Born on September 20, 1925, in Heidelberg, Germany, Prince Ananda Mahidol was the eldest son of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej (son of King Chulalongkorn, or Rama V) and Mom Sangwal (Srinagarindra). His name, chosen by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), combined "Ananda" ("joy") with his father's surname, Mahidol.
Growing up in Europe and the United States, Ananda returned to Thailand in 1928 alongside his family. His younger brother, Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej, would later succeed him as Rama IX.
Succession and Regency
In 1932, a coup in Thailand ended absolute monarchy. Fearing for her grandson's safety, Queen Sawang Vadhana sent Ananda's family to Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1933. When King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) abdicated in 1935 without designating an heir, the succession line became complex.
Ananda Mahidol, then aged 9, was chosen by the cabinet despite a challenge from Prince Chulachakrabongse. He was proclaimed king on March 2, 1935, with Prince Anowat Chaturongh, Prince Artit Thipayarat, and Chaophraya Yommaraj serving as regents.
Wartime and Foreign Occupation
Ananda Mahidol visited Thailand as monarch for the first time in 1938. During his reign, Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkram served as prime minister and dictator. Thailand entered World War II on the side of Japan in 1942, and British forces occupied the country after Japan's surrender in 1945.
Death and Controversy
On June 9, 1946, Ananda Mahidol was found shot to death in his bedroom. Although officially ruled an accident, the circumstances surrounding his death remain controversial. In 1955, his personal secretary and two valets were executed for murder after a lengthy trial.
Discussion of Rama VIII's death remains forbidden in Thailand, but various conspiracy theories have been proposed, including both murder and suicide.
