Bangkok, Thailand : Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has died at the age of 88, after a long illness. He was the world’s longest-reigning monarch.
The Royal Household Bureau said in a statement that.”Although the team of doctors treated him to the best of their ability, his condition deteriorated.”
“At 15:52 (4.52pm Malaysia) he died at Siriraj Hospital peacefully.”
An official statement revealed on Sunday that the king was in an unstable condition after receiving kidney dialysis treatment.
A palace statement late on Wednesday said the king’s “blood pressure lowered and breath quickened”.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced a year-long mourning period and that all entertainment functions must be “toned down” for a month.
All government agencies will fly the state flag at half-mast for 30 days following the announcement of the King’s passing.
He said that the king’s 64-year-old son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, is his named successor.
He was crowned King of Thailand in June 1946. He was also viewed as a pillar of stability.
Thousands of people gathered outside the Bangkok hospital wearing pink and yellow in the king’s honour.