Thailand is marking 70 years since King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning living monarch, ascended to the throne. The 88-year-old king is revered by Thais, for whom he has been a figure of stability through the country’s decades of political upheaval. The king’s popularity stems partly from his long reign and service to Thai people, but also because he is seen as an arbiter in politics. Thailand has been wracked by political strife in recent years and is currently governed by a military-led government.