Thailand woke up on Friday to the first day in 70 years without King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a king worshipped as a father-figure who guided the nation through decades of change and turmoil.
The king, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, died in a Bangkok hospital yesterday. He was 88.
He had been in poor health for several years but his death has shocked the Southeast Asian nation of 67 million people and plunged it into mourning — a period that would last for a year. Government offices were directed to fly their flags at half-mast for 30 days, while civil servants were told to wear mourning clothes for a year to mourn the passing of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
In the wake of his passing last night, governments around Southeast Asia have joined in the grieving, including Singapore.
“His Majesty King Bhumibol was an outstanding and deeply revered monarch,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote in their condolences to the Royal Family, the Government and people of the Kingdom of Thailand.
“Throughout his long reign, he worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Thai people. His Majesty King Bhumibol also made great contributions for the enduring friendship between Thailand and Singapore.”
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is expected to be the new king but he does not command the same adoration that his father earned over a lifetime on the throne. Reportedly, the Crown Prince has also asked for a delay in being proclaimed the next monarch.
With words by Reuters
