'Long live the King!': Thais mourn Bhumibol Adulyadej
14 Oct 2016 3:16 PM IST14 Oct 2016 3:16 PM IST
Millions of Thais donned black Friday as grieving nation prepared to hold traditional Buddhist ceremonies for their King.
Millions of Thais donned black Friday as the grieving nation prepared to hold traditional Buddhist ceremonies for revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose death leaves the country facing an uncertain new era.- During Bhumibol's reign, Thailand transformed from an impoverished, rural nation into one of the region's most successful economies, avoiding the civil wars and communist takeovers of its neighbours.
- But Thailand's junta leader late Thursday announced that the prince had sought a delay to mourn his father's loss and better prepare for his new role.
- The Crown Prince spends much of his time overseas and is yet to attain his father's widespread popularity at home.
- Most Thais have known no other monarch than Bhumibol and he was portrayed as a guiding light through decades of political turmoil and coups.
- The move could fuel concerns over the succession and test the ruling junta, which has vowed to ensure stability after more than a decade of political turbulence.
- But Thailand's junta leader late Thursday announced that the prince had sought a delay to mourn his father's loss and better prepare for his new role.
- Thais had expected Vajiralongkorn to be officially proclaimed king immediately after his Bhumibol's death was announced.
- Some said they were nervous about a future without Bhumibol.
- Many Thais on Friday opted to dress in black and white, both mourning colours in Thailand, as they went about their business.
- A statement from the palace said the Crown Prince would preside over a ceremony to bathe the king's body -- a traditional Buddhist funeral rite. His remains will then lie in state for weeks and months of palace rituals.
- Large crowds are expected to pour onto the streets for the procession from Siriraj Hospital where the king spent much of the last two years battling an array of ailments.
- Officials prepared to move the monarch's body on Friday from the hospital where he died to the Grand Palace, a complex of glittering temples and pavilions in the heart of the capital.
- Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, is the king's named successor, but has made a surprise request to delay formally becoming the next king, according to the junta leader who appealed for citizens to accept the decision and \"not cause chaos\".
- Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, passed away at 88 on Thursday after a long battle with ill health, removing a stabilising father figure in a country where political tensions are still raw two years after a military coup.
Millions of Thais donned black Friday as the grieving nation prepared to hold traditional Buddhist ceremonies for revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose death leaves the country facing an uncertain new era.
Millions of Thais donned black Friday as grieving nation prepared to hold traditional Buddhist ceremonies for their King.
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