Both the government and private sector are promoting royal projects based on the sufficiency economy philosophy. His musical compositions and art, his birthday colour - yellow - even his dogs are all in vogue.

Thankfully, Thai art and culture have thrived and prospered under his reign.

A major exhibition, "Art in the Reign of King Rama IX: Six Decades of Thai Art" is now on display at the Queen's Gallery. The exhibition features over 200 works by 150 Thai artists who have been active during King Rama IX's reign. Highlights include HM the King's expressionist painting "Red Hand", depicting a red hand contrasting with a yellow-green background, and one black and white photograph, "Four Royal Hands", capturing his children's hands.

HM the King has been interested in painting, photography and music since he was young. A self-taught artist, he started studying painting while in Switzerland between 1937 and 1945. From 1959 to 1967, he painted 107 paintings, all signed with his initials. Royal duty forced him to stop painting in 1967. But he has maintained his love for photography.

Works by the Kingdom's late masters Fua Haripitak, Chamras Khietkong, Khien Yimsiri, Tawee Nandakwang and Montien Boonma, as well as by living masters including Chalood Nimsamer, Chakrabhan Posayakrit, Thawan Dachanee and Pratuang Emjaroen are also on display.

Through the artist's eye, art reflects the reality of society - both positive and negative. The works on display do not show only beauty, but also portray the dark side of our society.

Most of the works in this exhibition belong to the collection of the Rama IX Art Museum Foundation. A decade ago, the foundation was set up to carry a major exhibition project, "The Art of Rama IX Reign" to mark His Majesty the King's Golden Jubilee. It was one of the most important art exhibitions of the modern era with the main objective of dedicating a contemporary and modern art museum to our "Supreme Artist" monarch. The Rama IX Art Museum is a virtual museum with much information on the King's art and Thai art history.

Meanwhile, in music, jazz is now very trendy. This weekend, HM the King's jazz tunes will resonate at the Bangkok Jazz Festival at Sanam Sua Pa in Dusit. Terminal Extra Entertainment brings dozens of Asian and European musicians to its fourth annual gathering.

Down south in Phuket, Kenny G is treating fans to the King's romantic compositions at Jazz Royale, in the Tourism Authority of Thailand's debut jazz festival. Having spent over Bt100 million, the TAT has attracted world-class artists like Kenny G, Ahmad Jamal and Chris Botti to join in the celebrations for this auspicious year. The TAT takes every opportunity of a royal ceremony to also promote the country's art and culture.

But two festivals will not do justice to this very special occasion. Next Saturday, a group of 21 Thai artists will sing the King's tunes from the album "HM Blue Tunes" in a concert at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani. American jazz legend Larry Carlton will perform the King's songs at a promotional concert next year at Suan Lum Night Bazaar.

Jazz has a small but growing audience here. But HM the King's jazz compositions have never been promoted on this scale before.

"It's a trend for people to hang out at jazz concerts. But the jazz scene in Thailand is still way behind Europe and America," says music critic and lecturer Anant Lerpradit.

"But it will become a solid musical culture in the near future if there are organisers willing to put on jazz festivals on a regular basis. No matter what purpose the festivals are for, we the festival-goers get the advantage of exposure to many good live jazz acts from around the world. I applaud the organisers for that."

By taking this opportunity to learn about HM's art and musical compositions, and the philosophy behind his works, we will see how clever he is and how devoted he is to artistic expression.

The king's love of art came naturally and with the support of his mother. It's not just a trend; it comes from a life-long passion and from perseverance.

Although he loves to create art and music, his duty to making his people happy became his priority and lifelong pursuit. It's a huge responsibility. But whether pursuing his art or his love for his people, the King devotes himself totally and sincerely.

"The creation of a work of art requires clear practical training. Apart from good and appropriate techniques and methods, artists must have sincerity and honesty in the pursuit of their profession, which will bring about works of art worthy of respect," the King said in his speech to artists at the opening of the 21st National Art Exhibition in 1972.

Phatarawadee Phataranawik