07 OCTOBER 2012 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People walk past a portrait of Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, in front of the C.P. Tower in Bangkok. Bhumibol Adulyadej is the reigning King of Thailand. He is 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 revered by the Thai people, his birthday, Dec. 5, is a national holiday and is also celebrated as Father's Day in Thailand. As the King's Birthday approaches, businesses put up giant portraits of the King in front of their buildings. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ