The world’s longest reigning monarch, Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej has died at the of 88. “His Majesty has passed away at Siriraj Hospital peacefully,” the palace said, adding he died just before 4:00pm (local time).
His son and heir apparent, the 63-year old Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, is expected to become Thailand’s new king. The palace did not give a reason for his death. Thailand’s Royal Palace said Bhumibol died in a “peaceful state” at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok.
U.S.-born Bhumibol, who was on the throne for 70 years, spent the last several of them in the hospital with a variety of ailments, and his poor health has remained a cause of concern as the question of succession has cast a shadow over Thai political and social life.
Bhumibol was the richest monarch in the world, with a 2014 wealth valued at $30 billion by Forbes.
Hundreds of Thais had gathered around Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok since Sunday, when the Royal Palace made a rare announcement that the king’s health was “unstable.”
Born in Cambridge, Mass., and educated in Switzerland, Bhumibol ascended to the throne on June 9, 1946, at the age of 18 following the gunshot death of his brother — King Ananda Mahidol — under circumstances that remain murky. He was the ninth king in the Chakri Dynasty, which dates back to 1782.
He is known for his efforts to develop Thailand’s rural areas and economy and for forging close ties with the nation’s powerful business and military elite.
Tributes and condolences.
President Barack Obama says HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej was a tireless champion of his country’s development and showed an “unflagging devotion” to improving the standard of living for the Thai people. Obama says HM the King was a close friend of the United States and a valued partner of many U.S. presidents.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he was in “deep sorrow” at the death of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and remembered him as a gentle person.
“On behalf of the government of Japan and its people, I express my sincerest condolences,” Abe said in a message released Thursday. “I remember King Bhumibol as a highly gifted and gentle person.” He praised HM the King for his contribution in lifting Thailand’s economy.
French President Francois Hollande hailed HM the King for his “exceptional human qualities. His profound sense of justice, his care for modernity and sustainable development that earned him the affection of the Thai people, as well as the world’s esteem.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the monarch modernized and strengthened his country during his seven decades on the throne. Merkel said in a statement Thursday that HM the King had “worked tirelessly for the welfare of the Thai people” and steered the country through “political and economic crises.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent his condolences over the death of HM the King, noting the country’s achievements during his 70-year reign.
Putin said that HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej has presided over successful economic development and contributed to the strengthening of Thailand’s positions abroad. He said in his telegram that the king won “sincere love of his people and high respect abroad.”
British Prime Minister Theresa May issued a statement expressing “my sincere personal condolences to the royal family and the people of Thailand on the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.” “His Majesty guided the Kingdom of Thailand with dignity, dedication and vision throughout his life. He will be greatly missed,” she said.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted a condolence message Thursday: “People of India and I join the people of Thailand in grieving the loss of one of the tallest leaders of our times, King Bhumibol Adulyadej,” he wrote. Modi said his thoughts were with HM the King’s family and others.
