6 October 1948

King Bhumibol injured in car crash

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who had been badly injured in an automobile accident in Switzerland two days earlier, was reported to be out of danger and recovering well.

The 21-year-old monarch’s injuries included severe lacerations to the face and head. No bones were broken, but wounds to the King’s right eye raised fears he may lose its sight. The accident occurred as King Bhumibol was driving his car through Morges, a small town near Lausanne, and crashed into the rear of a truck.

The husband of the King’s sister, Aram Rattanakul, was with him in the car and suffered a fractured skull. The King spent several weeks recuperating in Lausanne, while regular updates on his condition were sent to Bangkok via telegram. Concerns over King Bhumibol’s safety had been voiced regularly following the death of King Ananda in 1946. He once had to speak out to quash a rumour in 1947 that said he had been injured in a skiing accident.

6 October 1948

King Bhumibol injured in car crash

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who had been badly injured in an automobile accident in Switzerland two days earlier, was reported to be out of danger and recovering well.

The 21-year-old monarch’s injuries included severe lacerations to the face and head. No bones were broken, but wounds to the King’s right eye raised fears he may lose its sight. The accident occurred as King Bhumibol was driving his car through Morges, a small town near Lausanne, and crashed into the rear of a truck.

The husband of the King’s sister, Aram Rattanakul, was with him in the car and suffered a fractured skull. The King spent several weeks recuperating in Lausanne, while regular updates on his condition were sent to Bangkok via telegram. Concerns over King Bhumibol’s safety had been voiced regularly following the death of King Ananda in 1946. He once had to speak out to quash a rumour in 1947 that said he had been injured in a skiing accident.