Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej died at Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital Thursday, the palace has announced. He was 88.
His reign lasted 70 years, making him the world’s longest-serving monarch. During that time he was seen as a unifying force in the country, and truly revered by the people of Thailand.
The palace announced that the King died “peacefully” at 3:53 pm local time. “Even though the board of doctors has closely monitored and treated him to the best of its abilities, the king’s condition never improved but deteriorated until Thursday,” the palace said.