The late Ananda Mahidol, better known as King Rama VIII of Thailand, passed away on June 9th, 1946, at the young age of 20. He was born on September 20th, 1925, in Heidelberg, Germany, while his parents were studying abroad. Ananda Mahidol was the eighth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty and the reigning King of Thailand from 1934 to 1946. He was briefly known as Mahidol Adulyadej, after a change in succession rules in 1925. Ananda never took the throne after his father's death, instead choosing to pursue an education in Switzerland. As the first Thai king to take up residence in Switzerland for an extended period of time, Ananda gained a strong basis in western knowledge and was a well-educated polyglot by the time of his death. Ananda Mahidol died suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving his young kingless country in shock. He was beloved by his people and his sudden passing left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the Thai people. His memory and legacy will continue to live on.