The Southeast Asian country has now started A YEAR of national mourning,... a clear indication

of the level of devotion the Thai people have for the royal family.

The Thai Prime Minister asked that nobody let the country be taken advantage of in its

'time of crisis.'

Barry Welsh reports.

Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-serving monarch, has died at the age

of 88.

"King Bhumibol Adulyadej had been hospitalized at Siriraj hospital since Friday 3 October

2014.

He died peacefully at Siriraj hospital at the age of 89 and had been on the throne for

70 years."

The revered king's death ends seven decades on the throne during which he became a unifying

father figure and rare source of stability in a country that has weathered more than

a dozen coups since he came to power in 1946 at 18 years old.

The Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said that an heir to King Bhumibol has been

designated since 1972 and that the government would inform parliament of the choice.

"My beloved Thai people, despite how sad we are during this time, the beloved nation of

the people, and of our belated king has to uphold.

This country has to keep going.

The king wished to see his kingdom move forward, people live with happiness and compassion,

don't let his wish be obstructed by his death."

The heir has not yet been announced but it is widely expected to be Crown Prince Maha.

King Bhumibol was a much beloved monarch and his passing leaves Thailand in a state of

mourning and political uncertainty.

Barry Welsh.

Arirang News.