Thailand King Dead at 88

Thailand King Dies

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ISLAM NEWSROOM - "Thailand's Ruler Dead After 70 Years of Rule"
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Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has died after 70 years as head of state, the palace says.

The 88-year-old king was widely revered but had been in poor health in recent years, making few public appearances.

He was seen as a stabilising figure in a country hit by cycles of political turmoil and multiple coups.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will be the new monarch, the prime minister has said.

In a televised address to the nation, Prayut Chan-ocha said Thailand would hold a one-year mourning period and that all entertainment functions must be "toned down" for a month.

Describing the king's death as "the most devastating moment for Thais", the prime minister said: "He is now in heaven and may be looking over Thai citizens from there."

Mourners Wailing After Announcement of Ruler's Passing Away

In a later statement he urged vigilance, saying national security was a top priority.

"Everyone will need to be alert in every region and throughout the country to ensure safety", the Reuters agency reported him as saying.

The king's death comes as Thailand remains under military rule following a coup in 2014.

King Bhumibol was widely respected across Thailand, and thought of by many as semi-divine.

Hundreds of mourners have gathered outside the Bangkok hospital where he died, stricken with grief at the news.

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Many citizens hold up images of king & wore colors of pink or yellow in tribute

"How will Thailand live without you father?" cried one distressed man.

"I lost one of the most important people in my life. I feel like I haven't done enough for him," said another.

A palace official, speaking to crowds outside the hospital, said the body of the king would be moved to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok on Friday.

"His majesty has passed away at Siriraj Hospital peacefully," the palace statement said earlier, adding he had died at 15:52 (08:52 GMT).

Parliament is to hold a special session at 21:00 local time (14:00 GMT).

NOTE TO BELIEVERS:

Allah tells us in the Quran - He will not accept the act of making partners with Him in worship, but anything less than that He might forgive. [Surah An-Nisaa 4:48)

He also tells us that He, Alone - is the only KING of all things. [Surah Fatiha 1:4]

We ask Allah, the only One God, to guide the people of Thailand, and all of us, Ameen.

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