On Thursday, the world has lost a big personality, influential monarch and a kind soul.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej has died at the age of 88 in a Hospital in Bangkok.
Everytime I have visited Thailand, I notice how much they respect and adore their king.
A picture of him is hung up in almost every restaurant or shop, and his face is even painted on some houses in Bangkok.
When I was in the Cinema in Thailand, everybody stood up to respect the king right before the movie started!
Bhumibol was loved and admired by the people almost like a god.
Although he didn't influence the state affairs a lot in the last couple of years, he always represented peace.
The Thais are very serious about this loss - they have advised a national mourning period of one year, where all employees of the state are supposed to wear black.
Thai people had been camping, praying and singing in front of the hospital continuously for several days, as soon as the information about Bhumibol's bad health went public.
Now, after his death, thousands are still staying there - mourning.
For most Thais, this is the only King they've ever known, and he was always so kind and managed to achieve piece!
Thailand has had political issues for the longest time, and now that their beloved king is dead, the future is very unsure.
Bhumibol's 61 year-old son Maha Vajiralongkorn, who is not nearly as loved by the people as his father, will become his successor.
So who was King Bhumibol?
He went to school and studied in Switzerland.
Since he was only the nephew of the King at the Time, nobody actually expected him to become a King one day.
But his Dad died, the King didn't have any kids, and Bhumibol's brother was shot at the age of 20.
So Bhumibol became the next in line for the throne (at 18 years old!)
He and his wife Sirikit had 4 children.
He was a true Buddhist at heart and even spent some time in a monastery.
He reigned for over 70 years, and became a symbol of unity and peace through Thailand's turbulent history.
Although the absolute monarchy was abolished in 1932, he still remained an important political figure and always managed to settle the disputes.
King Bhumibol was the longest reigning Monarch of the world:
He started his reign 6 years before Queen Elizabeth II, although he's actually 2 years younger than her!
Rest In Peace!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
© Sirwinchester