Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, died on Thursday aged 88 after seven decades on the throne in which his country was transformed from a genteel Southeast Asian way station into an international hub of trade and tourism.
The death of the only sovereign most Thais have known triggered an outpouring of grief and will prompt fresh questions about the country’s political transition under military rulers who have tentatively promised elections next year.
In a televised statement, Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, the coup leader turned prime minister, indicated that Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, long the heir apparent, would succeed to the throne as envisaged. Gen Prayuth asked government officials to wear black clothes for a one-year mourning period and for flags to be lowered for 30 days.