When talking about their king, this lady tried to keep her emotions in check. But her eyes were filled with tears at her very first word.

A Bangkok citizen said:"He is such a great king, great and best king for the Thai people. We love him most. "

Even the United Nations has recognized the King's achievements, with a Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award given three months ago. This is the first time the U.N. has honored an individual in this way.

But this man is more than a monarch.

Jazz has been a life-long passion for King Bhumibol. Although this piece of footage from 1960 is mute, one can still feel the king's passion as he plays the saxophone with the famous Benny Goodman in New York. This passion has helped to soften his sometimes severe public image.