Thailand’s Royal Palace says King Bhumibol, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, has died at age 88.
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.
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The once-vigorous king had withdrawn from public life over the last decade due to his ill health.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.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Betcha can’t say THAT name real fast 5 times in a row
Five times? Most of us can’t say it ONCE !!
So true,my father was a king and he died at age 92.
Sorry,very misleading here,my father was a President.
I live in Thailand for six years and the King was loved by all the people. The Crown Prince was not too popular
but is next in line for the Crown. There was no mention of him in this article??