Date: 19 January 2003

A novel written by Thailand's king is to be made into an animation film. The plot spotlights a fictional Buddhist ruler who sacrifices himself for his subjects. The film is based on His Majesty the King Bhumipol's novel "Mahachanok" or "The Great Father", telling about a monarch who is praised for holding to the perseverance and compassion under the Buddhist percepts. Hereby, he could achieve the Enlightenment and would be free from the cycle of birth and rebirth, but he instead stays on Earth to serve and teach people.

The movie, being produce by the government's National Youth Bureau, should be complete by 2006 when Thailand celebrates the 60th anniversary of the king's reign. It is said that the animated characters as well as samples of the musical score and screenplay would also be submitted to the King.

King Bhumipol, 75, is the beloved king and much adored figure of Thailand. Apart from being the competent developer of his numerous Royal Development Projects, he is also a jazz musician, ardent photographer and amateur inventor.

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