King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand died on Thursday, prompting deep mourning in a country which viewed the world’s longest serving monarch as a figure of unity.
The health of the 88-year-old, who came to the throne 70 years ago, had been ailing for years but he had been seriously ill at a Bangkok hospital for about a week.
"His Majesty has passed away at
Siriraj Hospital peacefully," the Royal Household Bureau said, adding he
died at 15:52 (9:52 BST).
"Even though the board of doctors has closely monitored and treated
him to the best of its abilities, the king's condition never improved
but deteriorated until Thursday," the statement added.
The palace did not provide further details or give a specific cause of death.
Earlier this week it said King Bhumibol was on a ventilator, battling kidney problems and that his condition was “not stable", leading many Thais to fear the worst.
Hundreds have been praying on the streets near where he was being treated, holding his picture and wearing pink and yellow, colours associated with the monarch.
The palace did not provide further details or give a specific cause of death.
Earlier this week it said King Bhumibol was on a ventilator, battling kidney problems and that his condition was “not stable", leading many Thais to fear the worst.
Hundreds have been praying on the streets near where he was being treated, holding his picture and wearing pink and yellow, colours associated with the monarch.
How Thailand announced the King's death
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Many started to cry when news of his death was announced. Local media said that the other members of the Royal Family were with the King when he died.
The world will now be watching how Thailand’s ruling military junta react to what is certain to be a pivotal and unstable moment for the south-east Asian country.
The military is closely connected to the monarchy, but the Buddhist king’s death throws the country’s political future into uncertainty.
King Bhumibol has been on the Thai throne since 1946, and will be succeeded by his named successor, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
The world will now be watching how Thailand’s ruling military junta react to what is certain to be a pivotal and unstable moment for the south-east Asian country.
The military is closely connected to the monarchy, but the Buddhist king’s death throws the country’s political future into uncertainty.
King Bhumibol has been on the Thai throne since 1946, and will be succeeded by his named successor, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Shortly after the palace
announced the death, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha confirmed the
succession in a statement broadcast on all Thai television channels.
"The government will proceed with the succession. The government will inform the National Legislative Assembly that His Majesty the King appointed his heir on Dec 28, 1972," the prime minister said, referring to the date that Vajiralongkorn, 64, was made Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince does not command the same deep affection that Thais have for their deceased monarch. He spends much of his time abroad and is considered by many to be a playboy.
"The government will proceed with the succession. The government will inform the National Legislative Assembly that His Majesty the King appointed his heir on Dec 28, 1972," the prime minister said, referring to the date that Vajiralongkorn, 64, was made Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince does not command the same deep affection that Thais have for their deceased monarch. He spends much of his time abroad and is considered by many to be a playboy.
King Bhumibol had not been seen
in public for about a year, due to his increasingly frail health, but
his death will almost certainly be a huge shock for most Thais.
He is greatly revered by large sections of the population, and is seen as a figure of stability during decades of coups and political turmoil.
His death makes Queen Elizabeth II the world's longest-reigning monarch.
"He is now in heaven and may be looking over Thai citizens from there," the prime minster said.
The prime minister also said that Thailand had begun a one year period of mourning and that entertainment must be “toned down” for a month, the AFP newswire reported.
Thailand’s military seized control in 2014 and many believe they acted to ensure that generals were in charge when a succession took place.
The government strictly enforces Thailand’s strict lese majeste laws, which prohibit discussion of the King’s health and succession plans. Prosecutions have risen dramatically since the military seized power.
Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly was holding a special session on Thursday evening.
Credit: AP
He is greatly revered by large sections of the population, and is seen as a figure of stability during decades of coups and political turmoil.
His death makes Queen Elizabeth II the world's longest-reigning monarch.
"He is now in heaven and may be looking over Thai citizens from there," the prime minster said.
The prime minister also said that Thailand had begun a one year period of mourning and that entertainment must be “toned down” for a month, the AFP newswire reported.
Thailand’s military seized control in 2014 and many believe they acted to ensure that generals were in charge when a succession took place.
The government strictly enforces Thailand’s strict lese majeste laws, which prohibit discussion of the King’s health and succession plans. Prosecutions have risen dramatically since the military seized power.
Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly was holding a special session on Thursday evening.
Credit: AP
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