Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej dies at age 88

Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, until now the world’s longest reigning monarch, died today at age 88. The Royal Palace said Bhumibol died peacefully at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, where he had been treated for various health problems for most of the past decade. Many in the majority Buddhist country viewed Bhumibol as a holy entity. During his 70-year reign, his subjects looked to him for comfort and security as Communism spread in neighboring countries. Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will become the new monarch after the death of his father, in accordance with the constitution.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.