Thailand is in a state of mourning following the death earlier today of His Majesty King Bhumibol, the world’s longest reigning monarch. Grave concerns about his health emerged at the weekend, but despite the efforts of his doctors, the King’s condition remained critical.
He finally succumbed to multiple organ failure , leaving a nation with a sense of great loss. The Prime Minister has declared a state of mourning for one year. He has also decreed that entertainment should be “toned down” for a period of one month.
Ordinary bars and restaurants will be allowed to open as usual but those providing loud music will not be allowed to function. All bars have been asked to refrain from playing music as a mark of respect.
His Majesty is succeeded by his son Crown Prince Maha Vajiralong Korn.
King Bhumibol came to the throne in 1946 following the death of his brother King Anamda in an unexplained shooting at the palace in Bangkok. At the time the monarchy was far from stable due to a volatile political situation.
Throughout his 70 year reign King Bhumibol had to contend with several military coups and continuous political unrest. Although he was really just a figurehead, the King showed a steely determination to actually make a difference.
And this he did through his intelligence and his ability to mediate in difficult negotiations, gaining respect from both those who agreed and disagreed with him.
As a result the monarchy strengthened and stabilised . The King also realised that Thailand needed to be opened up to the world so that better relations could be forged with major world powers. He initiated numerous state visits to the Kingdom, including Queen Elizabeth II in 1972.
Pool Picture: supplied by UK Press Ltd
Alongside political problems, Thailand was lagging behind the rest of the world in many areas.
This was particularly evident in agriculture and the King threw himself into modernising farming. This meant going into the villages to meet the people who on seeing their King take the trouble to come to them, took him to their hearts.
There he remained and will remain forever. He is a great loss to all the people of Thailand. However, it should be remembered that he has been seriously ill for a long time. His suffering is now over and he can rest in peace
We at the Buriram Times and I’m sure all foreigners living in the Kingdom, would like to express our condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Thailand.
This remarkable man will be sadly missed.
Just as a footnote we have included a photo of His Majesty which I’m sure he would have approved of. An ordinary man enjoying playing music, something many people did not know about him.
