At 82 years old, King Bhumibol Adulyadej has reigned since 1946 and presided over 15 coups, 16 constitutions, and 27 changes of prime ministers. And while laws do forbid speaking ill of him in any way, he is near universally revered by the Thais. There's a sense of very genuine respect and even love for the man here. I've heard people say that he has the power to make it rain.

There are images of The King everywhere. Every shop, home or wat has his likeness somewhere. His face is on every Thai coin and banknote, he looks at you from banners in public spaces, and he peeks out from between liquor bottles at even the smallest street-side bar.

The King is also an avid photographer and is seldom seen without a camera. It's said his Buddhist preferences for simplicity make him prefer shooting black and white. In 1996 he had a gold-plated Leica M6 made in honor of his having reigned for 50 years.

His full official title is "Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Bhumibol Adulyadej Mahitalathibet Ramathibodi Chakkrinaruebodin Sayamminthrathirat Borommanatbophit." He must have such a weird life.