Thailand King Bhumibol Adulyadej passes away: World leaders join Thai people in Mourning

World leaders and Thai people alike are mourning King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died on Thursday at age 88, after 70 years on the throne. The world’s longest-reigning monarch, he was known as a unifying force in Thailand and a king devoted to helping his people: [caption id=“attachment_3052286” align=“aligncenter” width=“825”]  A portrait of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej in central Bangkok, Thailand. Reuters[/caption] Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi “People of India and I join the people of Thailand in grieving the loss of one of the tallest leaders of our times, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.” Indian President Pranab Mukherjee “Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of his majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. People of India share the sorrow and grief of the people of Thailand” China’s Foriegn Ministry China has credited King Bhumibol for his “remarkable contributions” to Thailand’s development.The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Bhumibol worked to strengthen ties between China and Thailand and “made an irreplaceable contribution to cementing the two people’s friendship and expanding bilateral cooperation.” “China deeply mourns King Bhumibol’s passing and expresses sincere condolences to the Thai people and government,” the ministry said. President Barack Obama “I had the honor of calling on His Majesty the King during my visit to Thailand in 2012, and recall his grace and warmth, as well as his deep affection and compassion for the Thai people. As the revered leader and only monarch that most Thais have ever known, His Majesty was a tireless champion of his country’s development and demonstrated unflagging devotion to improving the standard of living of the Thai people. With a creative spirit and a drive for innovation, he pioneered new technologies that have rightfully received worldwide acclaim. His Majesty leaves a legacy of care for the Thai people that will be cherished by future generations.” Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe “I remember King Bhumibol as a highly gifted and gentle person. … As a spiritual support for the people, His Majesty has led Thailand’s remarkable development and advancement of the people’s living standard. … The king’s great contribution in deepening friendship between Japan and Thailand will be remembered by all Japanese people.” Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak “King Bhumibol was a towering presence whose contribution to Thailand, and the rest of the region, is beyond words. We join the Thai people in mourning his loss.” New Zealand Prime Minister John Key “King Bhumibol was the world’s longest serving monarch and presided over a period of transformative growth and development that saw Thailand emerge as a regional leader and one of Southeast Asia’s major economies. During his reign, New Zealand and Thailand developed a close and friendly relationship, built on a shared desire for peace and security in our region…” “More than 100,000 New Zealanders visit Thailand each year and with the strong bond of friendship between our two countries, I know many will share in the deep sense of loss and sadness being felt by the Thai people.” Us Ambassador to Thailand Glyn Davies “His Majesty lived a long and glorious life. Americans celebrate him because he personified the close connection between our two nations and peoples. … Through his patience, perseverance and selfless dedication to duty, King Bhumibol embodied Thailand’s Ten Kingly Virtues. This beautiful and unique land is touched today by a great and profound loss.” Gaewkarn Fuangtong, 39, a humanitarian worker in Bangkok’s financial district “There is no word to explain my feelings right now. … I lost one of the most important people in my life. I feel like I haven’t done enough for him. I should have done more. I will do good, do better, for his sake.” British Prime Minister Theresa May “My sincere personal condolences to the royal family and the people of Thailand on the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. His Majesty guided the Kingdom of Thailand with dignity, dedication and vision throughout his life. He will be greatly missed.” South Korean President Park Geun-Hye Geun-hye has credited King Bhumibol for his leadership as the “father of Thailand and its spiritual pillar” in offering her condolences to the people of Thailand and its royal family. Park in a statement also expressed gratitude that Thailand during King Bhumibol’s reign sent troops to fight with allied forces led by the United States during the 1950-1953 Korean War, which was triggered by North Korea’s invasion of the South. “On behalf of the government of the Republic of Korea and its people, I express deep condolences to the royal family and Thai people,” Park said in a statement. Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven “My condolences to the royal family but also to the whole Thai people. King Bhumibol has meant a lot to the Thai people. That one can notice when in Thailand.” With inputs from AP and IANS