King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, the world's longest-reigning monarch, a strong U.S. ally and a national unity symbol who acted as tiebreaker during sometimes-bloody confrontations between his country's military leaders and democracy advocates, died Oct. 13 in Bangkok. He was 88.
The royal palace said that King Adulyadej died in Siriraj Hospital but did not gave any further details.
Bhumibol Adulyadej became king in 1946 and was revered in Thailand as a demigod. He anchored the South-East Asian country through violent upheavals at home and communist revolution next door, as well as a period of rapid development.
The king had said to have a long suffered from lung infections, liver problems, and other medical issues. His frail health was closely watched in a country marked by frequent coup attempts and changes of prime minister, and his death was expected to plunged the nation into further distress. His only son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, a carrer military officer is his heir apparent.
King Bhumibol was viewed by many in the Majority Buddhist nation as a "bodhisattva", or holy being who delays entering nirvana to aid the human race.
There were a lot of tribute to the King from leaders all over the world.
US President Barrack Obama offered his condolences to Thailand and said that the King leaves behind a legacy of care for Thai people that future generation will cherish. He also said that the King is a tireless champion of his country's development and showed an "unflagging devotion" to improve the standard of the standard living of Thailand people. Mr. Obama had also said that the King was a close friend of the United States.
Malaysian PM Najib Razak also offered his heartfelt condolences to the Thai royal family and the people of Thailand.
"King Bhumibol was a towering presence whose contribution to Thailand, and the rest of the region, is beyond words. We join the Thai people in mourning his loss," he said..
While, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he was in "deep sorrow" at the death and remembered King Bhumibol as a "gentle person".
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