The beloved King of Thailand passed away

Yesterday evening the national TV of Thailand announced officially at 15.52hrs that the King Bhumiphol Adulyadej (88) passed away. The ailing Thai King has been ill for sometime.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej was born on the 5th December 1927. He was also known as Rama IX, the ninth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty. Having reigned since 9 June 1946, he was the world’s longest-serving head of state and was the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history, serving for over 70 years.

Since 2006, King Bhumibol has suffered declining health and has spent extended periods at Siriraj Hospital. King Bhumibol was highly revered by the people in Thailand, his heir is Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Prior to the announcement Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn returned to Thailand on Wednesday amid growing concerns about the health of his father, King Bhumibol. Earlier yesterday, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha cancelled all appointments and official visits prompting a surge in social media comments concerning the health of the King.

The government has set a mourning period of one year and all public offices and educational institutes will fly flags at half mast for 30 days starting from today October 14, 2016.