King Bhumibol Adulyadej: share your reaction Read moreA statement from the royal household bureau said Bhumibol, who was the world’s longest-reigning monarch, “passed away peacefully” at 3.52pm (8.52am BST) on Thursday at Siriraj hospital in Bangkok. Facebook Twitter Pinterest People praying for the king in Bangkok on Thursday before his death was announced. Photograph: Munir Uz Zaman/AFP/Getty ImagesMost Thais have only known King Bhumibol on the throne and his influence has superseded that of bickering politicians since the closing days of the second world war. King Bhumibol Adulyadej obituary Read moreBhumibol postponed his coronation until 1950 to finish his studies in Switzerland. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Bandleader and clarinetist Benny Goodman invited King Bhumibol to his New York apartment for a jam session in July 1960.

Source: The Guardian October 13, 2016 11:54 UTC