It is a sad day in Thailand as the country learns of the death of the thai king Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has passed away after 70 years on the throne, making him the world’s longest reigning monarch.
Most Thai people have only ever known one head of state in their lifetime, and his passing is a great tragedy. Many Thai people revered and worshipped their king as semi-divine, and the country is hard-hit by his passing.
After generations of political turmoil and military coups, the Thai King has been valued as a stabilizing figure and symbol of stability for the Thai people. Prayut Chan-ocha, the Thai Prime Minister, called the new of his passing “the most devastating moment for Thais.”
Tourists can expect closures of popular sights and cancellations or postponements of public events as the country mourns their late king. Chan-ocha publicly stated that Thailand will observe a one-year mourning period and that all entertainment functions must be “toned down” for the next month.
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is to become the new King of Thailand.
