A nation’s tears: Thai king was ‘like our father’
Revered monarch, who reigned for seven decades, dies after years of ill health, leaving his kingdom of 67 million people in deep mourning
Thailand was plunged into deep mourning on Thursday while tributes poured in from world leaders after the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, revered as a sentinel of stability in a country beset by constant political turmoil.
The Royal Palace issued a statement in the evening announcing the 88-year-old monarch, following long, age-related illness, including renal failure, had died. Thailand’s junta named the king’s 64-year-old son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, as his successor.
“His Majesty has passed away at Siriraj Hospital peacefully,” the palace said, adding that he died at 3.52pm local time. The official announcement came three hours later.
“Although the team of doctors treated him to the best of their ability, his condition deteriorated,” the palace said as large crowds processed the news outside the hospital, where the monarch had spent most of the last two years.
The king , who reigned for seven decades after ascending the throne in 1946, was revered for his work in rural development and conservation. He acted as a backbone for the kingdom of 67 million people that has seen some 20 attempted coups in the last century – including 12 successful ones.