Thailand has entered a state of mourning after the country’s longest reigning monarch and the much-loved, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, passed away at the age of 88.
King Bhumibol’s passing came after year-long hospitalisation in Bangkok, during which he reportedly suffered from various ailments, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Thai locals were devastated by the news, which was revealed by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha during a Thai television ‘breaking news’ at around 7.00pm local time yesterday.
The deep condolences for King of Thailand
May he rest in peace. #LongLiveTheKing #ขอเป็นข้ารองพระบาททุกชาติไปpic.twitter.com/mV2gHSiiRD— Jinyoung (@jinyoung_2209jy) October 14, 2016
The King’s son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will succeed his father who was appointed heir around 44 years ago.
“The government will proceed with the succession. The government will inform the National Legislative Assembly that his Majesty the King appointed his heir on December 28, 1972.”
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha
A woman weeps after an announcement that Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej has died in Bangkok, October 13 – Chaiwat Subprasom/Reuters pic.twitter.com/m1XCdjXMaB
— GoldenCouple (@TRH_WandC) October 14, 2016
In the meantime, across Thailand there’ll be a 12-month mourning period, starting with flags flying at half mast for a month.
Locals will cease all celebratory events for around 30 days and there will be tight restrictions in bars and the sale of alcohol.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has warned Australian travellers to be respectful of Thai customs and to abide by local laws during the mourning period.
Thailand wakes up to uncertainty, grief without King #Bhumibol Adulyadej https://t.co/gZ1KaAXO59 pic.twitter.com/e0dZ7F02HZ
— The Straits Times (@STcom) October 14, 2016
They’ve been urged to “dress and behave appropriately”, which includes wearing black particularly during the initial 30 days.
Travellers can also expect to see more portraits of the king being hung in every government building, as well as shops and homes.
Sad morning. My family's heartfelt condolences to our friends & colleagues in Thailand on the passing of noble, beloved HRH #KingBhumibol pic.twitter.com/6ZuNXd6BES
— Tom Lembong (@tomlembong) October 14, 2016
“Understand that this is a time of deep mourning and sensitivity for Thai people.”
DFAT
“You should abide by local laws and respect Thai customs at this time. Dress and behave appropriately.
“Be aware that there may be some disruption of normal commercial and public services in the country during the mourning period.
“Australian diplomatic missions in Thailand may close during the mourning period. Australians in need of urgent consular assistance can call the Australian Embassy in Bangkok on +66 2 344 6507 (8.30 am to 4.30pm weekdays) or after hours call the 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305.”
