After an astonishing seven decades in power, the world’s longest reigning monarch has passed away.
Thailand‘s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who took power 70 years ago, when the country was still called Siam, died in Bangkok Thursday afternoon.
The Royal Household Bureau, in a brief statement, said that the king died peacefully at Siriraj Hospital. The palace did not identify a cause.
The elderly monarch had been sick for many years and was last seen in public in January. He was taken to the hospital Oct. 3. He had been having trouble with his kidneys and reduced blood flow to the heart.
The loss of the king, who is practically deified in Thailand, casts uncertainty on the country’s future. During his reign, Bhumibol served as a unifying constant as governments rose and fell. Many in the majority-Buddhist country believed the king to be a bodhisattva, a holy figure who temporarily delays his entrance into nirvana to help and serve the people.
He became the leader of the nation at 18 after his brother was shot in the head and killed. Thrust into a position of great power at a young age, Bhumibol’s reign was long and influential.
Prior to the king’s death, many people had gathered outside the hospital to pray for his recovery. When the news broke, many people cried, lamenting the passing of their king.
“We lost our father today,” one of the mourners told CNN.
Concerns over the king’s health have sparked political turmoil, including two military coups, in recent years, and with Bhumibol’s passing, instability may once again seize the country.
The military junta which took control of the state in 2014 has derived much of its power from the king. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha announced that Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will be the new monarch in accordance with the constitution, but it is unclear whether this will actually be the case. Bhumibol’s heir-apparent is not respected as his father was, leaving the future of the monarchy unclear.
Starting Oct. 14, the nation’s flags will be flown at half mast. Government officials will observe a one-year mourning period for their king.
With the death of King Bhumibol, Queen Elizabeth II, who has been in power since 1952, is now the world’s new longest-reigning monarch.
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