SoylentNews

takyon writes:

Thailand's popular and long-reigning king has died:

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has died after 70 years as head of state. The 88-year-old king was widely revered but had been in poor health in recent years, making few public appearances. He was seen as a stabilising figure in a country hit by cycles of political turmoil and multiple coups. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will be the new monarch, the prime minister has said.

[...] In a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said Thailand would hold a one-year mourning period, that flags would fly half-mast and all entertainment functions must be "toned down" for a month. In a later statement he urged vigilance, saying national security was a top priority. "Everyone will need to be alert in every region and throughout the country to ensure safety", he said. The king's death comes as Thailand remains under military rule following a coup in 2014. [...] King Bhumibol was widely respected across Thailand, and thought of by many as semi-divine. [...] King Bhumibol, who was born in Cambridge in the US state of Massachusetts, acceded to the throne on 9 June 1946 after his brother, King Ananda Mahidol, died.

Though a constitutional monarch with limited official powers, many Thais looked to King Bhumibol to him to intervene in times of high tension. He was seen as a unifying and calming influence through numerous coups and 20 constitutions. However, his critics argued he had endorsed military takeovers and at times had failed to speak out against human rights abuses.

Also at NPR, CNN, and the Bangkok Post, which appears to have turned its website grayscale with a CSS filter (also note: "The discussion board on this article has been turned off, because commenting on the above issue may cause legal dispute.").

Original Submission