King Bhumibol - world's longest reigning monarch - dies, 88

Thailand's Royal Palace says King Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has died at age 88.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Oct 2016, 13:22 BST
Updated 25th Oct 2016, 18:59 BST

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Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej died after a long illness. Picture: AFP/Getty ImagesThai King Bhumibol Adulyadej died after a long illness. Picture: AFP/Getty Images
Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej died after a long illness. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

The palace said the king passed away peacefully on Thursday at Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital.

“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,” it said in a statement.

It did not mention details of mourning or succession.

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Thai people cry outside Siriraj Hospital where the king is being treated in Bangkok. Picture: APThai people cry outside Siriraj Hospital where the king is being treated in Bangkok. Picture: AP
Thai people cry outside Siriraj Hospital where the king is being treated in Bangkok. Picture: AP

Bhumibol Adulyadej (pronounced poo-mee-pon ah-dun-yaa-det) became king in 1946 and was revered in Thailand as a demigod. 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.

The once-vigorous king had withdrawn from public life over the last decade due to his ill health. He lived at a Bangkok hospital and had been notably silent about the political upheaval that has shaken Thailand in recent years.

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