Thailand's lese majeste laws are intended to protect the monarchy, headed by 85-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
In the cold war America saw Bhumibol as a staunch ally and helped finance his image-making machine.
Thailand's first officially recognized "visit" year, 1987, coincided with the 60th birthday celebrations of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Many Thais are uneasy at the thought that they may be living in the twilight of Bhumibol's reign.
On his shirt Mr Sombat bears the logo of King Bhumibol's 80th birthday celebrations, held earlier in December.
The charity dinner was attended by HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, sister of Thailand's constitutional monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
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Bhumibol's tale, even if stripped of the mythology his courtiers have spent decades constructing around him, is exceptional.
With tensions ratcheting up, Thaksin decided to seek help and requested an audience with Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
But a few days beforehand, Thailand's revered King Bhumibol publicly chided Mr Thaksin for refusing to listen to criticism.
Mr Surayud, now an adviser to King Bhumibol, had a reputation for cleaning up corruption in the armed forces.
Some might argue that King Bhumibol shares the blame for the failure of democratic institutions to take root in Thailand.
Besides, no successor, however worthy, can hope to equal the stature King Bhumibol has attained after 55 years on the throne.
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King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, whose authority is impossible to compare to those of politicians and businessmen, was profiled separately this year.
On the streets the 79th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, with 60 years on the throne, occupied most of the attention lately.
King Bhumibol himself said in 2005 that he was not above criticism.
Approved in 1990, the Thai project is finally moving after King Bhumibol Adulyadej recently urged the government to solve the capital's transport problems.
The most senior of these is Prem Tinsulanonda, chief adviser to King Bhumibol and a former army commander and prime minister in the 1980s.
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King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand , who is 81, was said to be in a stable condition after being hospitalised while suffering fatigue and a fever.
The Peruvian economist has been on the road this year for eight months, giving speeches, meeting with world leaders--from Russian President Vladimir Putin and King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand to U.N.
The yellow-brown diamond in a fire rose cushion cut was purchased from De Beers by a group led by Henry Ho of Thailand and given to Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in honor of his 50th coronation anniversary.
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