Born in 1925 in Heidelberg, Germany, Ananda Mahidol became the first Thai monarch to enter the world outside his home country. In March 1935, at age nine, the National Assembly recognized him as the eighth king of the Chakri dynasty, known as Rama VIII, while he resided in Switzerland for his education.
Early Life and Succession
The son of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej and Mom Sangwan, Ananda Mahidol returned to Thailand in 1928 following his father's medical studies at Harvard. After his father died in 1929, he attended schools including Debsirin and Mater Dei. Concerns regarding his safety after the 1932 revolution prompted his return to Switzerland in 1933. Following the 1935 abdication of his uncle, King Prajadhipok, the cabinet and National Assembly favored Ananda Mahidol's selection as monarch, viewing his youth and overseas residence as practical for the new constitutional government.
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During his years abroad, he studied at the Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande and the University of Lausanne. Despite his youth and absence from the capital, he held significant military ranks, including admiral of the fleet, field marshal, and marshal of the air force. Throughout his life, he demonstrated proficiency in French, English, and Thai.
Return and Unexpected Death
Ananda Mahidol returned to Thailand in December 1945. His reign ended abruptly on 9 June 1946 when he was discovered shot dead in his bed at the Boromphiman Residential Hall. While early reports suggested an accident, medical examiners later ruled the death a murder. The subsequent trials of three royal aides resulted in their execution, leaving the circumstances of his passing a subject of enduring controversy. He was buried at Wat Suthat and the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall.
Fast facts
- Born: 1925, Heidelberg
- Died: 1946, Boromphiman Residential Hall
- Reign: 1935-1946
- Dynasty: Chakri
- Languages: French, English, Thai
- Posthumous title: Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramenthra Maha Ananda Mahidol Phra Atthama Ramathibodindara
Questions readers ask
Why was Ananda Mahidol living in Switzerland during his reign?
He moved there in 1933 for health reasons and education, which the Thai government found convenient during the transition to a constitutional monarchy.
What caused the death of the king?
He was found shot in his bed in 1946. Investigators ruled the death a murder, though the event remains historically contested.
Achievements
- Knight Grand Cordon of the Order of Chula Chom Klao — 1935
- Educated at University of Lausanne, Mater Dei School and Debsirin school
- Worked as monarch, social worker and military officer
