Thailand is now mourning due to the death of its longest reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The whole country is now in despair as their former head of state joined our creator on October 13, 2016. Former King Bhumibol made a record living as a monarch for at least 70 years and 126 days until his death. King Bhumibol's death sparked an international attention around the world as several mass media from other countries are now focusing on Thailand's next move after the death of their head of their state.
King Bhumibol's health condition is to be blamed for his demise. Since 2006, he was taken to the hospital many times due to declining health issues. He suffered multiple organ distress that has been responsible for his declining health until his death. The former head of state of Thailand died in Siriraj Hospital located in the capital city of Bangkok in Thailand. Millions of Thais are now praying for the soul of their former revered head of state as they gather and establish numerous prayer vigil across Thailand. After the death of King Bhumibol, Vajiralongkorn is expected heir to succeed the crown as the next King of Thailand.
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| Former King Bhumibol Aduladej of Thailand |
Since 2000, King Bhumibol was observed less visible to the public eye. He was often seen staying in the Grand Palace, Klai Kangwon Villa, and the Chitralada Palace across Thailand. As he frequently stays at home, he was seen taken to the hospital more frequently as he is now developing several health conditions that slowly affects his longevity. Before his death, Thais are calling for prayers and support as they are very anxious about their king's condition while being confined at the Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand.
The government of Thailand is under a monarch, in which is one of the two monarchs in Southeast Asian nations. The other one is the Federal States of Malaysia. The monarchy of Thailand practices constitutional monarchy including the monarch of the Kingdom of Thailand. Former King Bhumibol Adulyadej is regarded as the head of state of Thailand as well as the head of the House of Chakri. The monarch of Thailand is believed to be founded in the 12th century when the Sukhothai Kingdom was established when they settled in the central part of the Indochina Region in the mainland Southeast Asia.
Watch the video tribute for King Bhumibol Adulyadej
5 Facts about King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand
1. Longest serving monarch: King Bhumibol made history as the only longest serving monarch in Thailand's history. During his death, the length of his monarchial rule is also the longest than any other monarchs in the world. He incurred a total of 70 years and 126 days until his demise. Through his length of service as the head of state, he left numerous legacies by maintaining the prestige of his country's monarchical rule for Thailand.
2. He was the Head of the Armed Forces: As the King of Thailand, he is granted by the constitutional monarch power to be the country's head of the armed forces. He is also regarded as the Ryal Thai Armed Force's commander-in-chief. He has the power to control directly to the armed forces, which is governed by the Ministry of Defense. The king is responsible for ensuring the national safety and interest of Thailand against external interests outside the country.
3. Richest monarch: Bhumibol's fortune was estimated to be in $30 billion as of 2014, which is the largest amount of wealth a monarch possesses than any other monarch in the world. King Bhumibol's assets are managed by the Crown Property Bureau, which is a non-government institution responsible for mitigating the funds of the Royal family of Thailand. The wealth is separate from the total financial wealth of Thailand's government.
4. Restored democracy in Thailand: As a king, Bhumibol experienced numerous generations of coup attempts in his country. This is a classic tradition for his countrymen to exercise their constitutional rights whenever their Prime Minister is not doing a satisfactory job. By consistently maintaining the country's democracy, Bhumibol gradually gained the sympathy, support, and interest of the Thai people, regarding him as one of the most respected head of state in history.
5. War on illegal narcotics: Similar with other countries, King Bhumibol was concerned about the proliferation of illegal narcotics in his country. He believed that illegal narcotics trafficking is responsible for escalating criminal incidents all over Thailand. He created special courts in Thailand to settle specifically on narcotics-related criminal cases across Thailand. The Thai monarch created a law that would punish its officials if they will not meet the minimum quota for apprehending illegal narcotics traffickers since 2003.
