Thailand Mourns King Bhumibol Adulyadej

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END OF GREAT REIGN

Grief sweeps across crowd at Siriraj Hospital

Juthathip Lucksanawong
The Nation 

 

Thais congregating outside Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital react upon hearing the news of the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej yesterday. The death of the world’s longest-serving head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history was announced by the Bureau of the Royal Household

 

BANGKOK: -- The grief of thousands reverberated throughout the grounds of Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok yesterday evening following the news that His Majesty the King had died - a scene echoed nationwide.

 

After the official announcement of the King's death from the Bureau of the Royal Household at around 7pm, the outpouring of grief at the hospital began, with many learning of his passing on social media. They shouted: "Long live the King".

All day yesterday at the hospital, people sat on the ground around a monument of His Majesty the King's father and wept. Some passed out. Nurses performed first aid. 

"Please don’t leave us," screamed a tearful Pornprapa Srisang, a 43- year-old businesswoman, who arrived at the hospital late yesterday afternoon. "Please wake up and stay with your people. You just sleep, I know. You are so tired and you just fall asleep. Please stay with us."

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Grief-sweeps-across-crowd-at-Siriraj-Hospital-30297657.html

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-14

 

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COUNTRY IN MOURNING

Truly the King of hearts

Urisara Kowitdamrong
The Nation

 

The King waves to a crowd of hundreds of thousands gathered at the Royal Plaza on June 9, 2006 to celebrate his 60th anniversary on the throne.

 

HIS MAJESTY King Bhumibol Adulyadej rose to the greatest heights in modern Thai history and was, in his lifetime, the pillar and soul of his nation. 

Like his grandfather King Rama V, His Majesty made enormous contributions to his country, commanding deep love and loyalty from his people. He was the guiding light, helping his Kingdom in times of crisis time and again.

During his seven-decade-long reign, His Majesty peacefully defused several political situations, such as the tumult in October 1973 and Black May in 1992 - something no Thai politician was able to accomplish then or later.

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Truly-the-King-of-hearts-30297646.html

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-14

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IN MEMORY OF HM THE KING

Milestones on the Royal road

 

Key dates during His Majesty’s 70 years on the throne:

June 9, 1946: The King ascends the throne at the aged of 18 after his brother's death; 

May 5, 1950: After completing his studies in Switzerland and a week after marrying Her Majesty the Queen, the King returns to Thailand to be crowned Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty. 

October 1973: Scores are killed when a military dictatorship cracks down on protesters. The King intervenes for this first time in his reign, asking the then-prime minister to leave the country before appointing his replacement, which led to a brief blossoming of democracy. 

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Milestones-on-the-Royal-road-30297648.html

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-14

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COUNTRY IN MOURNING

Obama leads tributes from world leaders

Bhutan announces day of mourning

Leaders of countries around the world expressed their condolences to the people of Thailand yesterday on the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. 

In a message addressed to the Royal Family, the government and people of Thailand, United States President Barack Obama said: "As the revered leader and only monarch that most Thais have ever known, His Majesty was a tireless champion of his country's development and demonstrated unflagging devotion to improving the standard of living of the Thai people. 

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Obama-leads-tributes-from-world-leaders-30297658.html

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-14

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COUNTRY IN MOURNING

Succession can wait : PM told

 

His Majesty the King bestows the title of Crown Prince on then-Prince Vajiralongkorn in a ceremony at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in December 1972.

 

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn maintained yesterday that he was ready to step up as heir apparent to the throne, but would prefer to “wait for a proper time” as the country was still mourning the passing of His Majesty the King.

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chanocha quoted the Crown Prince's remarks at a press conference held at Government House last night. 

The PM said he had an audience with the 64yearold Crown Prince in the evening, when he was informed of his wish. 

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Succession-can-wait-PM-told-30297659.html

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-14

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END OF A GREAT REIGN

King’s sufficiency economy a blueprint for humankind

THE NATION

 

 

THE KING’S philosophy of a sufficiency economy has contributed significantly to the theory of development for the well-being of humankind.

 

His initiatives in this crucial field have also been proposed to the United Nations for the promotion of sustainable development worldwide.

Prasopchoke Mongsawad, of Thailand's National Institute of Development Administration, wrote that the King's philosophy of sufficiency economy highlights a balanced way of living based on three principles - moderation, reasonableness, and self-immunity along with the conditions of morality and knowledge. 

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Kings-sufficiency-economy-a-blueprint-for-humankin-30297656.html

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-14

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KINGDOM IN GRIEF

Social media turns black in mourning

Asina Pornwasin
The Nation 

 

 

As grief engulfed the Kingdom last night, many social-media pages turned black in mourning.

 

After the Royal Household Bureau announced His Majesty's passing at 7pm last night, Thai people, both in the real and in the virtual world, were overwhelmed with sadness as their worst fears came true. 

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Social-media-turns-black-in-mourning-30297643.html

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-14

 

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IN MEMORY OF KING OF HEARTS

His Majesty: an innovator for global development

The Nation

 

 

This file photo taken on July 1, 1960 shows Thai Queen Sirikit (2nd L) and King Bhumibol Adulyadej (L) being greeted by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (R) and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, upon their arrival in London.

 

As the world’s longest reigning monarch, His Majesty the King was admired internationally for his efforts in leading Thailand to play a significant role in its contribution to the planet’s development.

 

And as the country's head of state, the King had numerous duties involving the forging of ties with various countries, regardless their political ideology. He visited over 25 countries in Asia, Europe and America, while welcoming to Thailand numerous heads of state and government. 

He made frequent foreign visits during 1960s. In June 1960 he embarked with Her Majesty the Queen on a seven-month series of state visits to the United States and 13 European countries. 

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/His-Majesty-an-innovator-for-global-development-30297645.html

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-14

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KINGDOM IN GRIEF

Statement by Royal Household Bureau

The Nation 

 

 

THE ROYAL Household Bureau announced the passing of His Majesty the King in a statement released yesterday.

 

It said that King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away at 3.52pm at Siriraj Hospital, where he had been treated since October 3, 2014.

 

Read more: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Statement-by-Royal-Household-Bureau-30297649.html

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-14

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Govt. declares 1-year official mourning period

  

BANGKOK, 13 October 2016 (NNT) - The government directs government offices to fly their flags at half-mast for 30 days and civil servants to wear mourning clothes for a year to mourn the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. 

The government has released a statement following HM the King’s passing, saying government offices will fly their flags at half-mast for 30 days starting from 14 October 2016. Civil servants, state enterprise employees and government employees will wear mourning clothes for one year starting from 14 October 2016. The general public are suggested to mourn as appropriate. 

HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away peacefully on 13 October 2016 at Siriraj Hospital. He was 88 years old. 

 

-- nnt 2016-10-1
 

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All entertainment in Thailand suspended for 30-days

By Albert Jack -

 

   

Thailand shuts down (Library image)

 

Thailand shuts down

 

It has been announced there will be a public display of respect and mourning in Thailand for thirty-days.

 

There will be no entertainment programs on radio or television. No music, no comedy and no soap series. Every Thai channel will broadcast royal daily news continuously.

 

All entertainment events have been cancelled for thirty-days. There will be no concerts, live music, stage shows or competitions.

 

Many nightclubs and go go bars have already closed down and will remain closed as a mark of respect.

 

Some bars have been told to close for three-days, others have been shut down for seven days.

 

More information will be shared as it becomes available.

 

Source: http://pattayaone.news/en/entertainment-thailand-suspended-30-days/

 

-- © Copyright Pattaya One 2016-10-14
 

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Thai king Bhumibol was bridge in close relations with US 
MATTHEW PENNINGTON, Associated Press

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died Thursday after a 70-year reign, was historically an important bridge in his nation's close, but recently strained, relations with the United States.

Bhumibol was born in the U.S. and was an important ally for Washington in combating the spread of communism in Southeast Asia during the Cold War. He met with six sitting U.S. presidents, starting with Dwight Eisenhower in 1960 and ending with President Barack Obama in 2012.

Bhumibol's passing at age 88 won't set back those ties. The U.S.-Thai relationship dates back over 180 years, and Washington wants Bangkok to remain a bridgehead for its outreach to the region. But his death comes amid uncertainty about the direction of the relationship following a 2014 military coup that prompted Washington to curb high-level government engagement.

Bhumibol had no formal political role, and he made his last overseas trip decades ago, but he was instrumental in shaping modern Thailand and its international profile. He made two state visits to the United States in the 1960s, and addressed a joint meeting of Congress.

"His Majesty the King was a close friend of the United States and a valued partner of many U.S. presidents," Obama said in a statement Thursday. "The American people and I stand with the people of Thailand as we mourn His Majesty the King's passing, and today we hold the Thai people in our thoughts and prayers."

Bhumibol was born in 1927 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at a hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School, where his father, Prince Mahidol of Songkhla, studied. A square in Cambridge is named for Bhumibol. Secretary of State John Kerry said that would be an "enduring memorial to the special bond he created between our peoples."

 

-- © Associated Press 2016-10-14
 

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People allowed to join bathing rite at Sala Sahathai Samakhom Hall
The Nation 

The people are allowed to take part in a bathing rite in front of His Majesty the King's portrait at Sala Sahathai Samakhom Hall Friday, the Royal Household Bureau announced.

The bathing rite is open to the public from 8:30 am to 12:00pm, the bureau said in a statement.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/People-allowed-to-join-bathing-rite-at-Sala-Sahath-30297664.html

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-14

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In Malaysia, Thai Buddhists remember late King Bhumibol

By Melissa Goh, Malaysia Bureau Chief, Channel NewsAsia

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Nestled in a quiet neighbourhood in Petaling Jaya in Selangor state, is the majestic Chetawan Thai Buddhist temple.

 

It was built in the 1950s with a royal donation from Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The King's insignia graces the temple facade, a sign of his personal interest in the temple.

 

"That insignia is unique in the sense that his majesty did not grant the permission to display that in other temples in Malaysia, except for this one,” said the  temple secretary Sa Wai. “In Thailand there are some, but not many. This is the significance the majesty placed in this temple."

 

Full story: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/in-malaysia-thai-buddhists-remember-late-king-bhumibol/3205154.html

 

-- Cannel NewsAsia 2016-10-14

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Mourners gathered outside Siriraj hospital before the King's body is moved to the Grand Palace at 1pm today.

 

 

[Jonathan Fairfield]

 

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[Jonathan Fairfield]

A life in pictures: King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand

 

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2016/oct/13/life-in-pictures-king-bhumibol-adulyadej-thailand?

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Australian PM sends condolences to Royal Family, Thais

The Nation 

 

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has sent condolences to the Royal Family and Thai people over the passing of His Majesty the King of Thailand.

 

"The Australian Government and the people of Australia express our deepest sorrow and sympathy to the Thai Royal Family and people of Thailand on the passing of His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej," Turnbull said in a statement posted on the Australian PM’s website.

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Australian-PM-sends-condolences-to-Royal-Family-Th-30297665.html

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-10-14

[Jonathan Fairfield]

 

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Thailand mourns revered King Bhumibol, dead at 88

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Members of Thailand’s National Assembly stood in silence for nine minutes on Thursday to pay tribute to King Bhumibol Adulyadej who has died in a Bangkok hospital. He was 88.

 

On the throne for 70 years, King Bhumibol is the only monarch most Thais have ever known and his death has plunged the country into grief.

 

Flags will fly at half mast for thirty days. Civil servants will observe mourning for a year.

 

As for the succession, the head of Thailand’s government made an announcement about the wishes of 64-year-old Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.

 

“The heir apparent asked for a delay in proclaiming him king and for it to be postponed to an appropriate time so that he can mourn his father with the rest of the nation,” said Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.Prayuth, wearing a black suit and tie, urged vigilance on security in a televised address.

 

Thailand has suffered from political violence over the past decade, as well as bomb attacks blamed on Muslim separatists from southern provinces.

 

The prime minister also asked businesses to keep investing and stock market traders to maintain their holdings and not “dump” shares.

 

A palace statement did not give a cause of death but the king has been sick in hospital with various ailments for much of the past year.

Thais have lost a deeply revered father figure.

 

More than 1,000 people gathered at the hospital where the king had been staying. Many of them started to cry as the news of his death broke.

 

Parichart Kaewsin, 35, who works in a bank, stood at the edge of the hospital garden, gazing up at the top floor of the building where the king was treated.

 

“I knew he was sick but I still can’t believe this day has come,” she said, choking back tears.

 

“That’s why I came here – to hear for myself.” She said it was like a member of her family has died, she said. “He was like our dad.”

 

“We will make him proud when he looks down,” said another tearful Thai, Wichit Supsuphan, 43.

 

“We have to be strong. Thailand has to be strong and move forward.”

 

A royal cremation is expected to take months to prepare. When the king’s sister died in 2008, a 100-day mourning period was declared. She was cremated 10 months after her death.

 

For many, the king was a pillar of stability through their country’s development and political upheaval. Without him, for Thailand and its people, these are uncertain times.

 

-- © Copyright Euronews 2016-10-14

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Clean up around the Grand Palace this morning

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Workers from the metropolitan authority carry out a clean up of the area around the Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew this morning.

The body of the late king His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej is expected to arrive there today.

 

Source: Daily News

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2016-10-14

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Ritual bathing for most beloved king allowed for public today

 

 

The Bureau of the Royal Household today announced that members of the Thai public will be allowed to take part in the ritual bathing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej today.

 

The beloved king, the ninth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty passed away on Thursday at 3.52 pm.

 

The bureau said the bathing ceremony is taking place at Sahathai Samakom Pavilion inside the Grand Palace from 8:30 am to 12 pm today, according to the NNT reported.

 

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/ritual-bathing-beloved-king-allowed-public-today/

 

-- ThaiPBS 2016-10-14

 

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Dark Clouds Descending - country's sadness harks back to days of Rama 5

 

Picture: Sanook

 

BANGKOK: -- A picture posted online has become a symbol of the nation's grief at the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

 

It is titled "Thummakaet" and gives the feeling that a dark cloud has descended. The term was used when a similar phenomenon occurred at the time when a mist descended after the death of the king's grandfather King Chulalongkorn the Great or Rama V on October 23rd 1910.

 

Literature from more than 100 years ago speaks of the great sadness of the people in Siam at the time and this is now mirrored in modern day Thailand with the passing of another great monarch.

 

The tribute was posted on Facebook by Bigg Sirirojwong.

 

Source: Sanook

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2016-10-14

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Cabinet declares October 14 official holiday

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The cabinet has declared Friday October 14 as an official holiday to allow members of the public to mourn the passing away of His Majesty the King.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/948710-updated-info-on-closures-changes-and-protocol-during-the-mourning-period/?do=findComment&comment=11242204

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Royal news presenter mirrors the grief of a nation

 

Image: Sanook

 

This picture shows the moment when a presenter on television breaks down.

 

Royal news presenter Weerasak Khopkhaet had just announced the tragic news of the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Thursday.

 

He kept his composure during the announcement but when it is over emotion takes over.

 

Uthai Manee posted the picture on Facebook saying it was taken in the Royal News studio of the TV pool where everyone had stood still in silence and shock as the announcement was made.

 

The picture was shared right across social media.

 

Source: Sanook

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2016-10-14

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PM says the passing of the most beloved king is the greatest loss of all Thais

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha last night said the passing of His Majesty yesterday is the greatest loss of all Thais.

 

“This day will be in the memories of all His Majesty’s subjects forever, and the pain of his subjects is no less than when the Thai people suffered the loss of our beloved monarch King  Rama V”, the prime minister said in his address to the nation last night.

 

In the TV broadcast, Gen Prayut told the nation in grief that “My fellow Thai citizens living here in Thailand and abroad, the saddest and worse news for all of us is unfortunately upon us. The Bureau of the Royal Household has made an official announcement of the death of our most beloved king. His Majesty passed away today in Siriraj Hospital.”

 

“This is the greatest loss for all Thais ever since the death of His Majesty’s elder brother Rama 8 on June 9, 1946. All Thais are aware and have kept up with news of His Majesty’s recent illness and we all share equal concern when we were informed of His Majesty’s regular visits to Siriraj Hospital. Whenever His Majesty’s condition improved, His Majesty always tirelessly returned to looking after the welfare of his subjects.”

 

He said doctors at Siriraj Hosipital have closely monitored His Majesty’s condition and have treated His Majesty with the greatest care. His Majesty’s condition improved for a while but unfortunately later deteriorated.

 

His Majesty passed away on October 13 at the age of 89 years having reigned for 70 years.

 

“This day will be in the memories of all His Majesty’s subjects forever and the pain is no less than when the Thai people suffered the loss of of our beloved monarch King Rama 5 who passed away on October 23.

 

The prime minister said, “My fellow citizens, for the entire 70 years of His Majesty’s reign which began following the conclusion of the Second World War, the country was only just recovering from the ravages of a global war. The Thai people were filled with hope and enthusiasm when His Majesty ascended the throne to lead the country forward. He gave the Thai people hope and steered us forward to overcoming our fears in an uncertain time.

 

Full story: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/pm-says-passing-beloved-king-greatest-loss-thais/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2016-10-14

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Nation's digital edition in memory of His Majesty

 

The digitial edition of The Nation in memory or HIs Majesty can be downloaded at the folloiwng link:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/kingdom-grieves.pdf

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Nations-digital-edition-in-memory-of-His-Majesty-30297669.html

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Thai stocks go green for second day this morning

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) turned green across the board fir the second day with the main index rising 52 points or 3.68% up in the opening from yesterday's close.

 

The positive market reaction indicated the return of individual investors to buy after their sales in panic on Wednesday and the call by the prime minister for calm and not to fall prey to opportunists spreading rumour in bid to cause the market to collapse.

 

Order for the Securities and Exchange Commission to probe into online rumour mongering and bring them to trial by the deputy prime minister also helped to restore investors’ confidence in the stability of the market.

 

Full story: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/thai-stocks-go-green-second-day-morning/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2016-10-14

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Prem assumes regency over Thailand's empty throne

By Teeranai Charuvastra, Staff Reporter -

 

Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, in yellow, meets with the junta leaders at his residence Dec. 30 in Bangkok.

 

BANGKOK — The Kingdom of Thailand began Friday without a King due to Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn’s decision to delay taking the throne as the designated heir of King Bhumibol.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/948794-prem-assumes-regency-over-thailands-empty-throne/