King Bhumibol Adulyadej Of Thailand, World’s Longest Reigning Monarch, Passes Away

A shrine depicting King Bhumibol Adulyadej over Bangkok. The King of Thailand died today at age 88 after a record 70-year reign
A shrine depicting King Bhumibol Adulyadej over Bangkok. The King of Thailand died Thursday at age 88 after a record 70-year reign Julian Hayda / WBEZ
A shrine depicting King Bhumibol Adulyadej over Bangkok. The King of Thailand died today at age 88 after a record 70-year reign
A shrine depicting King Bhumibol Adulyadej over Bangkok. The King of Thailand died Thursday at age 88 after a record 70-year reign Julian Hayda / WBEZ

King Bhumibol Adulyadej Of Thailand, World’s Longest Reigning Monarch, Passes Away

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The king of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, died on Thursday. Aside from being the world’s longest reigning monarch, he was also seen as the father of modern Thailand.

However, Thailand is in currently under military rule after a coup in 2014. The king was often seen as a stabilizing figure and his son, Prince Vajiralongkorn, is not looked at as favorably. 

We talk to Paul Handley, author of The King Never Smiles, to see what repercussions this will have on a country that has not had a leadership change in 70 years.