Thailand Celebrates World's Longest Living Monarch

Well-wishers hold a lit candle and portraits of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Siriraj hospital, where a group has gathered to mark his 88th birthday, in Bangkok

Well-wishers hold a lit candle and portraits of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Siriraj hospital in Bangkok, on Dec. 5, 2015.Chaiwat Subprasom—Reuters

Thai policemen pose for a picture during a massive candle light ceremony for King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday at Sanam Luang in Bangkok, on Dec. 5, 2015.Borja Sanchez Trillo—Getty Images

King Bhumibol Adulyadej 88th birthday celebration

Thai well-wishers light candles and hold up portraits of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej during his 88th birthday celebration at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, on Dec. 5, 2015.Diego Azubel—EPA

Fireworks over Grand Palace as people hold candles to mark birthday of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej to mark 88th birthday in Bangkok

Fireworks over the Grand Palace as people hold candles to mark the birthday of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej to mark his 88th birthday in Bangkok, on Dec. 5, 2015.Athit Perawongmetha—Reuters

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during celebrations for Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej on his 88th birthday in Bangkok, on Dec. 5, 2015.Paula Bronstein—Getty Images

Thai soldiers hold candles during a massive candle light ceremony for King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday at Sanam Luang in Bangkok, on Dec. 5, 2015.Borja Sanchez Trillo—Getty Images

Army officials and guests pose after attending the official ceremony to celebrate Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej 88th birthday in Bangkok, on Dec. 5, 2015.Jorge Silva—Reuters

Thai well-wishers take pictures during celebrations of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 88th birthday in Bangkok, on Dec. 5, 2015.Christophe Archambault—AFP/Getty Images

Children play next to a portrait of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, placed in celebration of the King's 88th birthday, in Bangkok

Children play next to a portrait of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Bangkok, on Dec. 5, 2015.Jorge Silva—Reuters

Thailand Celebrates World’s Longest Living Monarch on His 88th Birthday

More Must-Reads From TIME