Thailand´s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was the world´s longest-reigning monarch, died in hospital on Thursday, the palace said in an announcement.
The palace did not give a reason for his death. He was 88 years old.
“His Majesty has passed away at Siriraj Hospital peacefully,” the palace said, adding he died at 15:52 (0852 GMT).
His son and heir apparent, the 63-year old Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, is expected to become Thailand´s new king.
Earlier, several hundred people gathered at a Bangkok hospital on Thursday where Thailand’s King was in an unstable condition as the government urged jittery stock investors to ignore rumours. (Reuters)
