THIS JUST IN...
By JIM PURCELL
The longest-reigning monarch in the world, King Bhumibol Adulyadei, 88, died in a Bangkok, Thailand hospital today. His reign over the Thai people lasted 70 years and 126 days, after being installed as the head of state on June 9, 1946.
The king will be succeeded by Maha Vajiralongkorn, whom the late monarch named crown prince in 1972.
During his reign, in 1992, Bhumibol played a major role in bringing his country into a democratic system of governance. Throughout his tenure, he often negotiated peaceful situations between military protagonists within the Thai military and in the political world.
On December 4, 2002, Bhumibol launched his country's own war on drugs, seeking to rid "every square inch of the country from drugs."
Later in his life, during 2006, the king suffered from lumbar spinal stenosis. The king was also treated for a brain ailment, and was treated for depression and Parkinson's Disease, among others.
Meanwhile, away from his state role, Bhumibol was known as a painter, musician, photographer, author and translator. In addition, he was known to be a sailing enthusiast, as well as boat builder and designer.
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