Thai King Bhumibol, world’s longest reigning monarch, dies at 88

Bangkok

King Bhumbol Adulyadej was 88. The king died at 3.52 pm (local time) at the Siriraj hospital, the palace said in a statement. Crown Prince Maha Vajralongkorn, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Princess Soamsawali and Princess Chulabhorn were at the hospital. The 64-year-old Crown Prince will succeed the king, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said. The widely revered monarch is central to Thai society and was often treated as a virtual god. The King was also known as Rama IX, as he was the ninth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty.