Prez condoles Thailand King’s demise

New Delhi[India]14 : President Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.

"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," he said in his tweets. Congress president Sonia Gandhi has also extended her heartfelt condolences to the members of the royal family and people of Thailand, saying India has lost a good friend with the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Defining him as a unifying figure who had a revered place in the hearts of Thai people, Gandhi said that during his long reign King Bhumibol Adulyadej was faced with many challenges but served his people with great commitment and honesty.

Bhumibol Adulyadej, known as King Bhumibol the Great, was the ninth monarch of Thailand from the Chakri Dynasty as Rama IX.

Having reigned since June 9, 1946, he was at the time of his death the world's longest-serving head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history, serving for 70 years, 127 days.

During his reign, he was served by a total of 30 prime ministers beginning with Pridi Banomyong and ending with Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Source: ANI