Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a revered and unifying figure who embodied the nation in his 70-year reign, has died aged 88.
The announcement came in a statement from the Royal Palace read on state TV Thursday, and followed a days-long outpouring of support since the king was hospitalized. He underwent medical procedures over the weekend.
The king died at 3:52 p.m. local time and passed away in a “peaceful manner,” the Royal Palace said.
King Bhumibol ascended to the throne 70 years ago, making him the world’s longest-reigning living monarch, before his death.
Thais had flocked to the hospital in which he was being held, dressed predominantly in pink — an auspicious color believed to restore health — and yellow, which is the color of the King.
The king was widely revered in Thailand. His appeal stretched from the rich urban elite to the poor agricultural workers in the provinces. During his reign, he skilfully charted a course that put the monarchy at the center of Thai society, acting as a force for community and tradition even as the country lurched between political crises and military coups.
‘We lost our father today’
A Thai woman, speaking to CNN outside the Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, unable to hold back her tears, said she hoped the news was not true.
“We lost our father today,” she said.
“He is a father … that wanted to do everything, the best thing, for his kids,” she said.
“With all my heart I hope that miracle will happen. I want to believe in miracles…I still believe up until now that this is a lie.”
The king had been in hospital since October 3, the Royal Palace said, adding that a team of royal physicians had tried their best and provided the closest care, but that his health continued to decline gradually.
Doctors at the Siriraj Hospital had earlier said that king was having problems with his kidneys, blood flow to the left side of his heart and blood pressure.
Last month, he was treated for a severe infection, reduced kidney function and fluid in his lung. He had surgery to remove his gallbladder last year.
Respect for over 70 years
“This is a man who had earned this nations respect over 70 years, for being a leader yes, but also for being a leader who had the common touch,” CNN Correspondent Will Ripley said outside the Siriraj Hospital, where hundred of Thai had gathered for days, witing for news of the monarch’s health.
Some of them told CNN they thought he would live to 120.
The king inherited the throne in 1946, his seven-decade reign beginning in the aftermath of Thailand’s occupation by Japan during the Second World War, and ended deep into the Internet age.
Toward the end of his reign, as his health declined, the King’s presence in public life waned. Before his death, analysts expressed concern that his passing will remove a vital point of unity in an increasingly divided country.