Among the world's few remaining kings, the monarchs of Southeast Asia are unique in one respect: they write music. King Phumiphon Adundet of Siam sold five songs (Falling Rain, Blue Night, etc.) to Mike Todd for his Broadway Peep Show. Phumiphon's neighbor. His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia (TIME, July 21), though affairs of state keep him on the run, also composes.
Once or twice a week the 29-year-old monarch puts on a gay, all-night party in his palace at Pnompenh. The guests are treated to ice cream, Coca-Cola and pink champagne, music by the royal band and free-hand composing by His...
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