Posted on 10/13/2016 11:20:54 AM PDT by CorporateStepsister
Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a revered and unifying figure who embodied the nation in his 70-year reign, has died aged 88. Here's the latest: • Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is the king's appointed successor
• Thousands gathered at the hospital, shouting "Long live the king!" • Civil servants are ordered to wear black clothes for one year in mourning from Friday • US President Obama described the king as a man of "grace and warmth" The announcement came in a statement from the Royal Palace read on state TV Thursday, and followed a days-long outpouring of support since the king was hospitalized on October 3. He underwent medical procedures over the weekend.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
Well, it’s nice to get even a smidgen of international news, now and again. I do know some Thai people, this is veree big, veree historic.
Instability in Thailand could lead to bigger problems in Southeast Asia at a time when China wishes to increase its empire. The USA will need to watch this carefully.
LOL! Yeah, we’ll all take a breather when it’s President Trump. I can’t wait, if you think that we’re all panting, the media talking heads are going to be exploding like fire crackers on the Fourth of July!
My families deepest condolences to the Thai people. You lost a very good King.
The man who saved Thailand from communism over and over. Thailand was the only country in SE Asia that survive western colonization and communist invasion. It was because Thai people and The King worked together against all odds. The King travelled to every corner of Thailand to meet Thai people even in the rural poorest small town. He did that for decades. Politician never do that. They only come when they need votes. Every time, Thai people fight due to different political beliefs, the King is the only man who could unite the country then make the politician looked like idiots.
This is why Thai people consider him as the Father of The Country and no doubt he is the most beloved person in Thailand. His Majesty the King has not only worked for the benefit of people but also he has inspired many Thais to be compassionate and hard-working. His departure is the biggest loss for Thai people.
Thailand has had problems with muzzies in the southern part of the country.
So he was only 42 when I was stationed there. ‘Course I was only 21.
The global economy ‘Black Swan’ event?
Just saying, the death of the leader of a smaller country led to WW1.
Sad news.
The Thais loved him.
R.I.P.
That was because the Archduke was assassinated, not dead of natural causes. I HOPE this was a natural death, not a murder.
Sure, but it wasn’t only how he died. It was also that he was a central figure in a complex web of treaties.
Thailand is in a central, and unremarked, position today.
Gotta assume he’s done well preparing his successor though.
I’ve witnessed beat downs for insulting the King, but over my many visits; I have seen that it was true reverence and understanding of what he accomplished that inspired all strata of Thai society to stand by the King. There was nothing Knee jerk about this , unless there was crowd.
I also have noticed that long term expats from many countries believe the man was an anchor to Thai society. His son it not thought so well of.
It is unfortunate that the new king is linked to a previous prime ministers circle; which could change the political landscape in the region.
I will still vacation there, soon actually, but will be scanning the news often before i go.
I love Thailand and the Thais. Having been there many times, I can say it’s one of my favorite places on earth. I hope that it doesn’t change.
http://nationalinterest.org/feature/thailand-loses-king%E2%80%94-america-loses-partner-18043
Some background and speculation on the aftermath.
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