Sad news, folks. Beloved by Thai people king died a few hours ago.
Hundreds of people have been praying outside the Bangkok hospital where he was being treated, holding his picture and wearing pink and yellow.
A lot of Thais I personally know are crying now, they really loved their king and he had a geat authority in Thailand. He was like a semi-god for them, no joking.
Most Thais have never known life under another king. His face is on Thai banknotes and coins.
He dead at 88 after 70-year influential reign, which is pretty amazing. He was the world's longest-serving monarch in the history. He was born in the US in 1927 while his father studied at Harvard. They returned to Thailand when he was two. But after the sudden death of his father from kidney failure in 1929, Prince Bhumibol's mother took the family to live in Switzerland.
In this March 7, 1935, file photo, Prince Bhumibol, left, stands with his brother, King Ananda Mahidol of Siam, now known as Thailand, at their school in Lausanne Switzerland
After his brother's death, he became king at 18.
Achievements
During his reign, in Thailand were replaced more than 20 prime ministers, 18 constitutions were accepted and 10 revolutions occurred.
He was the only Thai monarch who owned the patent for the creation of artificial clouds. If talking about his activities he professionally plays the saxophone, enjoys photography (even in 1000 baht banknote he is holding a Canon camera in his hand.), and designed his own sailboat. He was the developer of the camera lens.
The King also loved animals, in 2002 he wrote a biography of his dog, titled "The Story of Tongdaeng (the name of the dog)". The book is commonly referred to as a parable on many social topics. Her name means "copper" in Thai.
Bhumibol called her "A common dog who is uncommon",
All the names of the dogs owned by the King start with the word "Thong" (lit. gold).
The 84-page book, published with both Thai and English text, quickly sold out of its first edition of 100,000 in Thailand. Since demand was so high, the book became an esteemed gift, and was reprinted many times.
A new king?
Now his son and heir apparent, the 63-year old Crown Prince Maha
Vajiralongkorn, is expected to become Thailand's new king.
People doesn't want him to be the king, many Thais would prefer to see the king's second daughter Sirindhorn.
Maybe it's because of the rumors about prostitutes and drugs... but who can believe this =)
Consequences?
Speculation is rife as to how long any mourning period in the wake of King Adulyadej’s death will be, with anything from 100 days to one year being bandied about. Entertainment venues are likely to be closed for a minimum of 15 days, with some speculating one month, or even 99 days, due to its auspicious meaning. It is likely that all trade on the SET will be suspended in the wake of any serious announcement, while the Thai baht is expected to depreciate considerably and rapidly.
There is little doubt that the death of King Adulyadej will have a profound effect on the people of Thailand and usher in an uncertain future.
More his pictures here:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2016/oct/13/life-in-pictures-king-bhumibol-adulyadej-thailand