Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej has died after a long illness, the palace has announced, ending a remarkable seven-decade reign and leaving a divided people bereft of a towering and rare figure of unity.
“At 15:52 (0852 GMT) he died at Siriraj Hospital peacefully,” the Royal Household Bureau said in a statement.
The king, 88, had been the world’s longest-ruling leader and had been a unifying figure in the often-divided country.
This photo taken on December 5, 1999 shows Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, left, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, center, and Queen Sirikit appearing at a balcony of Anantasamakom Throne Hall in Bangkok to mark the King’s birthday. AFP/PORNCHAI KITTIWONGSAKUL)
During a reign that spanned 70 years, the US-born Bhumibol became much more than Thailand’s constitutional monarch.
He was the nation’s one constant as myriad governments rose and fell, a gentle leader who used the influence of the throne to unify the nation and rally troops through the Cold War as Thailand’s neighbors fell under communist control.
In his heyday, the frail-looking, soft-spoken man in spectacles wielded so much power and respect, he was able to squelch coups and rebellions with a gesture or a few well-chosen words.
— Agencies
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