Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej died on Thursday (Oct 13), said the Royal Household Bureau. He was 88.
"His Majesty has passed away peacefully at Siriraj Hospital," the palace said in a statement in Thai, adding that the king died at 3.52pm local time.
King Bhumibol had spent much of the past year at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital, where he was treated for various ailments. A palace statement on Wednesday said that the king's blood pressure had dropped, his pulse had quickened, his liver was not functioning normally, and a blood test showed signs of infection.
"Even though the doctors tried their best to SAVE His Majesty, his condition deteriorated," Thursday's statement said.
King Bhumibol was the world’s longest-reigning monarch, reigning over the country for 70 years.
Announcing the king's death in a statement that was broadcast on all Thai television channels, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that King Bhumibol was beloved by many Thais.
"The government urges you to pray that His Majesty will rest in peace in heaven. We were blessed to live under his reign," he said.
"Do not let his death stop you from following his priniciples and continuing to be good citizens."
General Prayut urged Thais not to hold any festivities for the next 30 days and to wear black for a year.
Flags will fly at half mast at all government buildings and schools for 30 days starting from Friday, said the Prime Minister's office, adding that Thai government officials would mourn the king for a year as well.
"LONG LIVE THE NEXT KING"
Gen Prayut said that the king's heir had been designated since 2002 and that the government would inform parliament of the choice.
The Prime Minister did not identify the heir but it is widely expected to be Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
"Long live the next king," he added.
In addition to the Crown Prince, King Bhumibol leaves his wife Queen Sirikit, 84, as well as three daughters, Princess Ubol Ratana, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Princess Chulabhorn Walailak.
"GIVE ME BACK MY KING"
Thais gathered at Siriraj Hospital broke down in tears on hearing the announcement. Many got on their knees and bowed in front of the building where the king had been receiving medical treatment.
Hours after the king's passing, hundred of people at the hospital compound continued to sing songs praising King Bhumibol. Many wept uncontrollably and some fainted.
On social media, many users shared the King's biography and photographs, with messages such as "I love the King" and "May I be your subject in every life".
At Siriraj Hospital, many still refused to believe the king had passed away and continued praying for miracles.
"I still believe there can be a miracle," a man said, shouting: "Long live the king!"
"Give me back my king," another shouted.
"His Majesty has passed away peacefully at Siriraj Hospital," the palace said in a statement in Thai, adding that the king died at 3.52pm local time.
King Bhumibol had spent much of the past year at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital, where he was treated for various ailments. A palace statement on Wednesday said that the king's blood pressure had dropped, his pulse had quickened, his liver was not functioning normally, and a blood test showed signs of infection.
"Even though the doctors tried their best to SAVE His Majesty, his condition deteriorated," Thursday's statement said.
King Bhumibol was the world’s longest-reigning monarch, reigning over the country for 70 years.
Announcing the king's death in a statement that was broadcast on all Thai television channels, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that King Bhumibol was beloved by many Thais.
"The government urges you to pray that His Majesty will rest in peace in heaven. We were blessed to live under his reign," he said.
"Do not let his death stop you from following his priniciples and continuing to be good citizens."
General Prayut urged Thais not to hold any festivities for the next 30 days and to wear black for a year.
Flags will fly at half mast at all government buildings and schools for 30 days starting from Friday, said the Prime Minister's office, adding that Thai government officials would mourn the king for a year as well.
"LONG LIVE THE NEXT KING"
Gen Prayut said that the king's heir had been designated since 2002 and that the government would inform parliament of the choice.
The Prime Minister did not identify the heir but it is widely expected to be Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
"Long live the next king," he added.
In addition to the Crown Prince, King Bhumibol leaves his wife Queen Sirikit, 84, as well as three daughters, Princess Ubol Ratana, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Princess Chulabhorn Walailak.
"GIVE ME BACK MY KING"
Thais gathered at Siriraj Hospital broke down in tears on hearing the announcement. Many got on their knees and bowed in front of the building where the king had been receiving medical treatment.
Hours after the king's passing, hundred of people at the hospital compound continued to sing songs praising King Bhumibol. Many wept uncontrollably and some fainted.
On social media, many users shared the King's biography and photographs, with messages such as "I love the King" and "May I be your subject in every life".
At Siriraj Hospital, many still refused to believe the king had passed away and continued praying for miracles.
"I still believe there can be a miracle," a man said, shouting: "Long live the king!"
"Give me back my king," another shouted.
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