King Bhumidol receives Global Leaders Award from WIPO

The World Intellectual Property Organization, (WIPO) is a UN agency that deals with international norms related to intellectual property. This organization has decided to award its first Global Leaders Award to King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand for his work to better the living conditions of his subjects.

The award is for those who “support the development of a community, creative ideas and innovation.” WIPO director-general Francis Gurry presented a medal to the King at Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Klai Kangwon Palace in Huahin, Thailand.

King Bhumibol, also known as Rama IX, was born on December 5, 1927 in Cambridge in the United States. Married to Princess Sirikit Kitiyakara he has reigned over Thailand since May 5, 1950. He is the ninth king of the Chakkri dynasty, which has reigned in Thailand since 1782. To date, more than 20 of the King’s inventions have been patented.