PM Modi stops at Bangkok to pay respects to late King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reached Bangkok, Thailand, for a brief visit to pay respects to the Late King, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Modi was received at the airport by Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.

The PM laid a wreath and paid final respects to the late King at the Grand Palace.

Bhumibol, the world’s longest ruling monarch, died aged 88 on October 13. He was adored by many of his subjects and seen as an anchor of stability in a kingdom rocked by turbulent politics. A one-year mourning period had been announced in Thailand following the monarch’s death. Thousands of Thais are still streaming into the gates of Bangkok’s Grand Palace to pay their respects to the late King.

Thailand is making preparations for Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to ascend the throne on December 1. Until that happens, Prem Tinsulanonda, the 96-year-old the head of Thailand’s royal advisory council, is acting as regent.

Modi is on a three-day visit to Japan to attend the annual summit meeting with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and have an audience with the Emperor of Japan in Tokyo on Friday.

PTI