AMN
Thailand’s most revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away today, ending a remarkable seven-decade reign as the world’s longest ruling monarch who was considered a demigod by Thai people. He was 88. The king passed away at the Siriraj hospital “peacefully”, the palace said in a statement.
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Princess Soamsawali and Princess Chulabhorn were at the hospital, outside which hundreds of people had gathered for the past two days fervently praying for the widely revered king but broke down on the announcement of his demise. The 63-year-old Crown Prince will succeed the king, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said in a televised address.
Prayuth also said Thailand would hold a one-year mourning period and urged all sectors in the society to refrain from holding entertainment activities for a month. Flags will be flown at half-mast for 30 days and government officials will wear black for a year. The widely revered monarch was central to Thai society and was often treated as a virtual god. He was seen as a stabilising figure in a country hit by cycles of political turmoil and multiple coups.
The king’s death comes as Thailand remains under military rule following a coup in 2014. He was also known as Rama IX, as he was the ninth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty. King Bhumibol was the world’s longest serving monarch, having acceded to the throne when his brother died in 1946. During his seven decades on the throne, the king, who is seen as a unifying force, has intervened when events threatened to plunge Thailand into crisis.
PM Modi condoles death of Thailand’s King
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of the King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej. In his condolence message, Mr Modi said, the people of India are with the Thai people in grieving the loss of the King Adulyadej, one of the tallest leaders of our times. He said, the King was widely revered by his people.