--King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thailand--

Bhumibol Adulyadej (Royal Institute: Phumiphon Adunyadet; Thai: ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช, pronounced [pʰuːmipʰon adunjadeːt]( listen);^{[missing tone]} see full title below) (born 5 December 1927), is the current King of Thailand. Publicly acclaimed "the Great" (Thai: มหาราช, Maharaja), he is also known as Rama IX. Having reigned since 9 June 1946, he is the world's longest-serving current head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history. He is seen as so important by the Thai people that his ill-health has affected the financial markets.

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Although Bhumibol is legally a constitutional monarch, he has made several decisive interventions in Thai politics. He was credited with facilitating Thailand's transition to democracy in the 1990s, although he has supported some military regimes, including Sarit Dhanarajata's during the 1960s and the Council for National Security in 2006-2008. He has been accused of interfering in politics, although since this would be unconstitutional of him and accusers are liable to be charged with lèse majesté. During his long reign he has presided over 15 coups, 16 constitutions, and 27 changes of prime ministers. He has also used his influence to stop military coups, including attempts in 1981 and 1985.
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~http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhumibol_Adulyadej