Bhumibol Adulyadej, World's Longest King Died
Bhumibol Adulyadej, World's Longest King Died
A
A
A
BANGKOK - Thailand's King, Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch has died aged 88, the palace has confirmed.
"His Majesty has passed away at Siriraj Hospital with peacefully," the palace said as reported ABC News.
They adding, he died just before 11:00 pm. The palace did not give a reason for his death — his reign lasted more than 70 years.
Thailand's parliament will hold a 'special' meeting later today amid reports King Bhumibol has died.
Anxiety about the king's health and the succession has formed the backdrop to over a decade of political upheaval in Thailand that has included two coups.
More than 1,000 people gathered at the hospital where the king had been staying — many of them started to cry as the news of his death broke.
"I feel so saddened by this news. He has given so many things to the country," Apinut Jaroonpipatkul, a 25 year old medical student said.
The King has been treated for various ailments over the past year at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital, his home for much of the past year, and was last seen in public in January, when he spent several hours visiting his palace in the Thai capital.
As the palace said, on Saturday the King was given haemodialysis, a way of cleansing the blood of toxins, extra salts and fluids which made his blood pressure drop occasionally.
King Bhumibol was just 18 when he took the throne unexpectedly in 1946. Though he had no real power, since the absolute monarchy ended in 1932, King Bhumibol was seen as a unifying force.
His long reign remained the backdrop to decades of political upheaval, including a coup two years ago when army generals seized power.
Although King Bhumibol nominated his only son as his successor, Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn (63) is yet to achieve the same popularity as his father.
"His Majesty has passed away at Siriraj Hospital with peacefully," the palace said as reported ABC News.
They adding, he died just before 11:00 pm. The palace did not give a reason for his death — his reign lasted more than 70 years.
Thailand's parliament will hold a 'special' meeting later today amid reports King Bhumibol has died.
Anxiety about the king's health and the succession has formed the backdrop to over a decade of political upheaval in Thailand that has included two coups.
More than 1,000 people gathered at the hospital where the king had been staying — many of them started to cry as the news of his death broke.
"I feel so saddened by this news. He has given so many things to the country," Apinut Jaroonpipatkul, a 25 year old medical student said.
The King has been treated for various ailments over the past year at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital, his home for much of the past year, and was last seen in public in January, when he spent several hours visiting his palace in the Thai capital.
As the palace said, on Saturday the King was given haemodialysis, a way of cleansing the blood of toxins, extra salts and fluids which made his blood pressure drop occasionally.
King Bhumibol was just 18 when he took the throne unexpectedly in 1946. Though he had no real power, since the absolute monarchy ended in 1932, King Bhumibol was seen as a unifying force.
His long reign remained the backdrop to decades of political upheaval, including a coup two years ago when army generals seized power.
Although King Bhumibol nominated his only son as his successor, Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn (63) is yet to achieve the same popularity as his father.
(rnz)
Explore More