Philippines mourns death of Thailand's king

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/10/14/1633560/philippines-mourns-death-thailands-king
Philippines mourns death of Thailand's king
 (philstar.com) | Updated October 14, 2016 - 3:37pm
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FILE - In this June 10, 2006, file photo, an image of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej is projected during an exhibition in Bangkok. Thailand's Royal Palace said on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, that King Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has died at age 88. AP/Apichart Weerawong, File
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government expressed its condolences to the Kingdom of Thailand and its people on the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

"His Majesty is such a Father of the Nation, whom the Thai people revered and loved dearly. He will surely be missed. We are one with the Royal Family, the Thai Government, and the Thai nation during this period of deep mourning," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

King Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, died at the age of 88 on Thursday. The king passed away peacefully at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital.

He became king in 1946 and was revered in Thailand as a demigod. He anchored the Southeast Asian country through violent upheavals at home and communist revolutions next door with a blend of majesty and a common touch.

Thailand's prime minister says Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has asked for a delay in proclaiming him king so that he can take time to mourn along with the people of Thailand.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters that he had an audience with the prince on Thursday, hours after the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

"He said at present, he is the heir apparent. But he would like to take some time to mourn, together with the people of Thailand," Prayuth said.

Vajiralongkorn was named the heir apparent in 1972 by the king, and according to the Thai constitution should ascend the throne as the constitutional monarch after approval by the National Assembly, which is a formality under the constitution. — Patricia Lourdes Viray with reports from Associated Press