King of Thailand dies after 70 years on the throne

[-:Undertaker:-]

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/thailand-wo...icials-1585574

End of Days: Rumours swirl over King Rama IX of Thailand as condition deteriorates

- The 88 year-old King has reigned Thailand since 1946 and is the world's longest currently serving monarch
- Royal Family of Thailand along with Prime Minister believed to be at ailing King's hospital bedside
- Important announcement rumour earlier cancelled to await return of Crown Prince from Germany
- All Government foreign meetings for the week have been cancelled

Steeped in political turmoil for the last two years, the poor and reportedly unstable health of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej is raising serious questions over the Southeast Asian country’s succession plans and the stability of the military-run government.

A beloved figure and currently the world’s longest serving monarch, King Bhumibol, 88, was being treated for kidney failure Sunday night, according to a statement from Thaliand’s palace and BBC News.

He has served as Thailand’s king since 1946 and is revered throughout the country. While he’s been in poor health for the last 10 years, it has been especially worse this year and for the first time doctors are asking for Bhumibol to be relieved of his official duties.

BREAKING—All senior members of royal family now at Siriraj Hospital: Sirikit, Vajiralongkorn, Sirindhorn, Chulabhorn, Ubolratana

— Andrew MacGregor Marshall (@zenjournalist) October 12, 2016

BREAKING—Reign of King Rama 9 definitely over. Formal announcement coming shortly, still some uncertainty whether it is death or abdication

— Andrew MacGregor Marshall (@zenjournalist) October 12, 2016

British Ambassador @brijdavidson conveys best wishes for HM the King's recovery at the Grand Palace today. pic.twitter.com/sDpvp8GQtU

— UK in Thailand 🇬🇧🇹🇭 (@ukinthailand) October 12, 2016

It’s a worrisome fact, and given Thailand has strict laws that ban planning for succession or discussing the current leader’s health in public, there could be potential turmoil between the military and Bhumibol’s son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, and daughter, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Thailand’s government is technically a constitutional monarchy, but it ratified its newest constitution in August by a public referendum that further entrenched the military government of former general now-Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. The referendum called for a civilian government but with strong influence from the military and for leaders to be appointed, not elected.

Only rumours swirling at the moment but does look like something big is expected.

Crowds now gathering outside the hospital. Big moment in Thai history if the signs look true. The worst case scenario if the worst happens could be a civil war as Thailand has been plagued by instability. The King has acted as a glue.

I know somebody over there at the moment. Interesting times.

Thoughts?

[-:Undertaker:-]

He's dead, news just broke.

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, world's longest-reigning monarch, dies aged 88, palace says https://t.co/8vFZPvp1dC

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) October 13, 2016

A reign of 70 years comes to an end.

Queen Elizabeth II of Britain and the Commonwealth is now the world's longest reigning monarch at 64 years and counting.

[Chris]

I don't know anything about him, but to be king for 70 years is incredible. Rip.

[-:Undertaker:-]

A short video on the Crown Prince, the man expected to be the next King of Thailand.

What do we know about the future king of Thailand? https://t.co/F4px1rTZT0 pic.twitter.com/Vi2SCEGuJl

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) October 14, 2016

Unlike British succession, the role does not pass automatically on the monarch's final dying breath. They've appointed an elderly former Prime Minister to the role of Regent. It's assumed the Crown Prince will take the throne in a years time or so with his Coronation.

Incredible pictures from Thailand though. Everybody dressed in black and even the Red Light District in Bangkok has closed down.

[Alkaz]

Seems strange that they would appoint a regent when he was named as heir apparent 40 odd years ago. Seems like he doesn't have the best of reputation from that short video so it shall be interesting to see what happens now.

[-:Undertaker:-]

The Crown Prince has now officially acceded to the throne become King Rama X of Thailand

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn proclaimed king of Thailand, 50 days after the death of his father https://t.co/bQcf6OXscb pic.twitter.com/BxTvXvs2DF

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) December 1, 2016

The monarchy of Thailand dates back to 1238 with the House of Chakri dynasty being on the throne since 1782.