His Majesty is recognised for his remarkable contribution to intellectual property both as an inventor and as an active proponent of intellectual property as a tool for development.

In its statement, WIPO said the WIPO Global Leaders Award was its most prestigious recognition of outstanding contributions by world leaders to the cause of intellectual property to promote development

As an inventor and an artist, His Majesty is a strong advocate of intellectual property, owning over 20 patents and 19 trademarks. Many of his inventions have generated concrete benefits for Thai communities, having been put to practical use in a range of rural development projects in Thailand.

His Majesty was granted his first patent in 1993 for a system to resolve water shortage problems in the dry season, making him the first member of the royal family to obtain a patent.

His Majesty is also a recognised and prolific artist, having created over 1,000 works, including paintings, photos, musical and literary works - such as songs and novels.

The WIPO Global Leaders Award, which comprises a citation and a medal honouring the recipient, recognises leadership and personal engagement in promoting intellectual property at the national, regional and international levels. It also rewards exceptional personal creative and innovative activities and use of the intellectual property system to protect these works.

An informed source said the WIPO was also planning to present the award to Nelson Mandela - a Nobel laureate and a former South Africa president - and Spain's HM the King Juan Carlos.