King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who took the throne of the kingdom once known as Siam shortly after World War II and held it for more than 70 years, establishing himself as a revered personification of Thai nationhood, died on Thursday in Bangkok. He was 88 and one of the longest-reigning monarchs in history. The royal palace said he died at Siriraj Hospital but gave no further details.
King Bhumibol was a unifying figure in a deeply polarized country, and his death cast a pall of uncertainty across Thailand, raisingquestions about the future of the monarchy itself.
The military junta, which seized power in a coup two years ago, derives its authority from the king. But the king’s heir apparent, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, seen by many as a jet-setting playboy, is not held in the same regard as his father.
King Bhumibol spent most of his final years in a hospital, ensconced in a special suite. His portrait hung in almost every shop, and as his health declined, billboards proclaimed “Long Live the King,” signaling widespread anxiety about a future without him. In response, he openly fretted about the people feeling so insecure.
Thais came to see this Buddhist king as a father figure wholly dedicated to their welfare, and as the embodiment of stability in a country where political leadership rose and fell through decades of military coups.
His death ends a reign of 70 years and 126 days, one that few monarchs have matched for longevity. Queen Elizabeth II, by comparison, has ruled Britain for more than 64 years, having surpassed Queen Victoria’s mark in 2015. With King Bhumibol’s death, she becomes the world’s longest-reigning monarch.
King Bhumibol (pronounced poo-me-pon) was an accidental monarch, thrust onto the throne at 18 by the violent death of his older brother in 1946. He fully embraced the role of national patriarch, upholding Thailand’s traditions of hierarchy, deference and loyalty.
source: nytimes.com
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Telephone conversation between President of Turkmenistan and King of Saudi Arabia
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“I pray the Almighty to send Your Majesty the strength for a speedy recovery and success in tireless work for the happiness and well-being of the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia”, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov says in his address.
Continuing the conversation, the President of Turkmenistan and the King of Saudi Arabia congratulated each other on Eid al-Adha, which symbolizes humanism and charity. Noting that this holiday inspires for achievement of new creative goals, unites peoples, the parties expressed confidence in strengthening mutual understanding and solidarity throughout the Muslim world.
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Discussing the global agenda, the President of Turkmenistan and the King of Saudi Arabia underlined the importance to develop a coordinated approach to address the crucial problems of our time, one of which is the coronavirus pandemic, which had a negative impact on international economic relations.
In this regard, the Turkmen leader expressed belief that the consolidation of the efforts of all states and the development of new methods for preventing and combating COVID-19 would contribute to achieving the desired results.
Reaffirming the commitment of the two countries to strengthening interstate cooperation, the leaders of the two states expressed confidence in the successful development of dialogue across the entire spectrum of areas.
In conclusion, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and King of Saudi Arabia Salman ibn Abdul-Aziz Al Saud once again exchanged good wishes on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, wishing peace and prosperity to the peoples of the two countries.
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