Thai King Dies

The Thai King dies after 70 years on the throne. The king, 88, was widely revered in Thailand. He was viewed as a stabilising figure in a country struck by cycles of political chaos and multiple coups. Thailand was transformed during his reign, moving from a mostly agricultural economy to a modern one of industry and commerce and a growing middle class.

“His Majesty has passed away at Siriraj Medical facility quietly,” a palace statement said, including that he had actually died at 15:52 (08:52 GMT).

“King Bhumibol Adulyadej will be remembered as Thailand’s longest ruling monarch,” said Patrick Jory, a historian at the University of Queensland who concentrated on the history of the Thai monarchy.

“The end of King Bhumibol’s reign is completion of an era for Thailand, however also the start of a brand-new one,” he said.

Bangkok Post / Bangkokpost.com

Prime Minister Prayuth has said that Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will become the new monarch after the death of his father in accordance with the constitution. He said the crown prince was designated the successor to the crown on Dec. 28, 2002. “We the government must proceed with the next steps in accordance with the law,” he said. He said the government will notify the National Legislative Assembly, or parliament, of the King’s successor, and they will act accordingly with the laws of succession in the constitution.

The once-vigorous King had withdrawn from public life over the last decade due to his ill health.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.

But Prince Vajiralongkorn has yet to command the respect and adoration that his father drew after a lifetime on the throne. He has kept a lower profile than King Bhumibol for most of his life but in the past two years took on more of the public duties the king was no longer able to perform. The prince divorced his third wife in 2014.

Thailand‘s strict lese-majeste laws has left little room for public discussion about the succession. It has been so long since Thailand has had a succession, there is no modern precedent.

Mr Prayuth said that the government will observe one year of mourning and flags will fly at half-staff for 30 days. No government events will be held for 30 days after the Thai King dies, he said.

Long live the king!