King Bhumibol Adulyadej: World's Longest-Reigning Monarch Dies At 88
Thailand is in the state of grieving as his King Bhumibol Adulyadj died at age of 88 as the palace made an announcement around 7pm, Thursday that His majesty has passed away at Siriraj Hospital peacefully and he had died at 15:52.
Bhumibol Adulyadej (pronounced poo-mee-pon ah-dun-yaa-det) was crowned on May 5, 1950 and was king for 70 years, making him the world's longest-reigning monarch before his death.
He anchored the Southeast Asian country through violent upheavals at home and communist revolutions next door with a blend of majesty and a common touch but in recent years, he suffered from a variety of illnesses that affected his kidneys, brain, lungs, heart and blood and remained publicly detached from recent political upheavals, including the 2014 coup.
Most Thai viewed Bhumibol as their father and the leader with goodness and godliness. He wielded enormous political power and served as a unifying figure during Thailand's numerous political crises.
Grieving Period
Starting October 14, we will see the Thai flag flying at half-mast to all government buildings for 30 days. The palace also ordered that all civil servants to wear black dress for a year and all entertainment functions must be "toned down" for a month as a sign of mourning to their beloved king.
In fact, even the Bangkok's famous Khao San Road known for its bright lights, nightclubs and swarms of backpackers is in the mood of mourning.
Words of honors flooded in remembrance of the king.
Hundreds of people had gathered since Wednesday at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital. Many believed and prayed for miracles, sobbed loudly and shouting "Long live the king" and when the announcement of the king's death was heard, many suddenly break into tears and others stared silently in shock.
As reported in CNN news , Ovartvoraporn Bhakchuda, a Thai woman outside the hospital, was unable to hold back tears, saying she hoped the news was not true.
"We lost our father today," she said. "He is a father ... that wanted to do everything, the best thing, for his kids."
World leaders also send their condolences.
French President Francois Hollande hailed the king for "exceptional human qualities, his profound sense of justice, his care for modernity and sustainable development."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as "one of the tallest leaders of our times."
Obama said the king was a man of "grace and warmth".
"With a creative spirit and a drive for innovation, he pioneered new technologies that have rightfully received worldwide acclaim"
"His majesty leaves a legacy of care for the Thai people that will be cherished by future generations."
Successor of Bhumidol
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is the king's appointed successor. He asked for more time to mourn with the nation before ascending the throne. No date has been set for his coronation.
