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Thailand declares one-year mourning period over death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Speed News Desk | Updated on: 11 February 2017, 5:46 IST

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 88, the world's longest-reigning monarch, died after a 70-year rule. In recent years, he made few public appearances due to his ill-health.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej was held in great reverence by the people of Thailand. He was also looked upon by the people to intervene in times of high tension.

The government of Thailand has announced a mourning period of one year for the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, reports Bangkok Post, a news website that has gone black and white to mourn the king's death.

Photo: Screen grab
Photo: Screen grab

The report quoted Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha saying, "The nation has experienced its greatest sorrow in a lifetime on Oct 13 and will have a new king under its traditions," Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced on Thursday evening.

Although Prince Vajiralongkorn, the king's 63-year-old son will be the new king, according to reports, he never achieved the esteem that the king and Queen Sirikit enjoyed. The prince will also inherit properties worth exceeding 35 billion dollars.

"His Majesty the King brought people from their hopelessness to their determination, security and courage to cope with obstacles," the Prime Minister was quoted saying by Post.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, Bengal chief minister Mamta Banerjee and minister of state Kiren Rijiju were among the hundreds of people who took to Twitter to express their condolences over the king's death.

First published: 13 October 2016, 8:35 IST