King Bhumibol is highly beloved and revered in Thailand and regarded as the heart of the nation, perhaps far more than any other head of state. Consequently, several world leaders issued statements to pay tribute to King Bhumibol, including President Barack Obama, President Vladimir Putin, President Xi Jinping and UN chief Ban Ki-moon. A UN special session was held on Oct. 28 to honor the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.