Bangkok: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has died after a long illness, plunging his south-east Asian country of 64 million people into a period of intense mourning and uncertainty. He was 88.

Thai television interrupted programming to make the announcement shortly before 7pm Thai time.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha announced that Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will succeed his father.

People cry outside Siriraj Hospital after the death was announced. Photo: AP

"The government will proceed with the succession. The government will inform the National Legislative Assembly that his Majesty the King appointed his heir on December 28 1972," Mr Prayuth said. The assembly was due to meet Thursday evening.

Mr Prayath said there would be a 12 month mourning period and flags would fly at half mast for 30 days. He said there could be no celebratory events held for 30 days, indicating there will be restrictions on bars and the selling of alcohol.

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Revered by Thais, the king succeeded to the throne on June 9, 1946, when he was a gangly, thick-spectacled American-born 18-year-old who could barely speak Thai.

During 70 years on the throne he presided over the revival of a faltering centuries-old royal institution, growing in power and influence as he helped direct Thailand's social and economic development.

A young woman lights a candle before praying at Erawan Shrine in Bangkok on Thursday. Photo: Kate Geraghty

Thailand's National Assembly ended an extraordinary session late Thursday night without inviting a successor to the king to ascend to the throne.

"We are preparing the next moves," said a spokesman for the assembly, which is made up of military appointees. Assembly members wore black and stood in silence for nine minutes.

People pray at Erawan Shrine in Bangkok on Thursday following the death of the King. Photo: Kate Geraghty

It is likely to be months before the Crown Prince's coronation as the new monarch,as Thailand goes through a period of intense national mourning.

Many businesses are expected to be closed or provide reduced services as Thais mourn the loss of the ninth Chakri king, whom many regard as semi-divine.

Mourning outside the hospital after the Royal Palace made the announcement. Photo: AP

Western diplomats in Bangkok say tourists and expatriates in Thailand should wear black and respect the grief Thais will be feeling for their king, whose portrait hangs in every government building and in many shops and homes.

People in a crowd that had gathered at Bangkok's Siriraj hospital, where the king has been battling ailments for several years, openly wept as news of the death swept social media.

An undated photo of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Photo: AFP

"Long live the King! Long live the King!" they cried, gazing up at the hospital building with tear-filled eyes.

Dozens of doctors wearing white coats solemnly sang the Thai national anthem in the hospital's foyer. One women wearing pink, a colour royal astrologists said was good for the king, collapsed hysterically in the hospital grounds holding photograph of the king and queen. But a Reuters reporter said most of the people at the hospital were dignified.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2010. Photo: Reuters

Four of the king's children, including 63-year-old Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, were at the hospital Thursday evening. The Crown Prince arrived in the country on Thursday from Germany where he owns a lakeside villa.

King Bhumibol had been treated for various ailments during a year-long hospitalisation in the Thai capital. He had not made a public appearance since January 2016.

Thailand's Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. Photo: Reuters

Anxiety over his health and eventual succession has formed the backdrop to more than a decade of bitter political division in Thailand that has included military takeovers and sometimes violent street demonstrations.

The death follows a coup in May 2014 that toppled the democratically-elected government of Thailand's first female prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra.

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Photo: Getty Images

King Bhumibol acceded to the throne after the mysterious shooting death of his brother, King Ananda Mahidol, at the Royal Palace in Bangkok on June 9, 1946.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where his father was studying, King Bhumibol, whose name means "Strength of the Land, Incomparable Power", was educated in Switzerland before returning to Thailand to be crowned on May 5, 1950, with a promise to the nation: "We shall reign with righteousness, for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese [Thai] people."

He had married Queen Sirikit - then a 17-year-old student - a week earlier, and they had four children, one son and three daughters.

The queen, who turned 84 in August 2016, has also suffered ailments and hospitalisation in recent times.

News about the royal family is tightly controlled in Thailand, where laws protecting the royals from insult make it a crime to defame, insult or threaten the king, queen, heir to the throne or regent.

Former army chief and now Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha warned when he led the 2014 coup that anything deemed "offensive" to the monarchy would be dealt with harshly under the country's lese-majeste laws. </s> PH joins rest of world in mourning passing of Thai king

The Philippine government has extended its sympathies to Thailand following the death of its revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

“On behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte and the Filipino people, we join the rest of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in mourning the passing of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said.

“The late King Bhumibol was not only the world’s longest reigning monarch but also the guiding hand behind the emergence of Thailand as one of the most progressive countries in the whole of Asia,” he said.

The Thai king died Thursday “in a peaceful state” at a hospital, according to the Royal Palace. He was 88. </s> Large crowds dressed in black gathered outside the Grand Palace in downtown Bangkok for the ceremonial bathing of the portrait of Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej,

The king, who died on Thursday, was a unifying figure in a country riven by political turmoil.

Today marks the first day of one year of mourning for the king, who was 88 when he died in Bangkok’s Siriraj hospital, where he had spent the last few years of his life.

His death has plunged Thailand into deep mourning and prompted fears over what the future holds for the country. The king was popularly seen as a stabilising influence in Thailand’s turbulent history over the years, intervening to restore order.

Thailand is ruled by a military junta after a coup d’etat two years ago, and a return to democracy does not look likely to happen soon, as the army keeps pushing back elections in the country of 67 million people.

The military has justified its coups over the years by saying it was trying to defend the monarchy.

King Bhumibol had ruled for seven decades and was the world’s longest-serving monarch. Even though he had been in poor health for several years, his death came as a shock.

Shops and businesses, including the stock exchange, were open as normal, but government buildings were closed.

Thai stocks rose on the belief there would be an orderly succession to Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who is expected to ascend to the throne even though he is considerably less popular than his father.

Thailand’s strict lese-majeste laws have left little scope for public discussion about the succession, but the military appears to back a straightforward accession by the crown prince.

Junta leader and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said he held an audience with the 64-year-old heir apparent, and said the crown prince had asked him to hold back his accession to the throne “until the proper time” to allow him time to grieve.

“He is aware of his duties as heir to the throne and will continue carrying out his Royal responsibilities in his capacity as Crown Prince,” Mr Prayuth said.

The military leader said Thailand was experiencing “immeasurable grief . . . profound sorrow and bereavement”.

Earlier in the day, thousands paid their respects as the king’s body was taken from the hospital to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the Grand Palace, and street vendors distributed free food and drinks.

Many of the mourners carried portraits of the king.

“I still feel like I’m dreaming. I can’t believe it happened,” said Supawan Wongsawas (64), a retired civil servant.

Another civil official, Suthad Kongyeam (53), said it was like “losing a father . . . He was the heart of the whole country. Everything is shaken. There is nothing to hold on to anymore.”

On social media such as Twitter and Facebook, many people changed their profile colours to black and white.

“#May I be your humble servant forever more” became the most widely used hashtag on Twitter in Thailand, while the websites of the main media were also in black and white.

Cinemas were closed, entertainment venues were being asked to close, sporting events were postponed, and a concert by British singer Morrissey next week has been cancelled.

Thailand’s junta says it is trying to stave off the political turmoil of recent years. In 2014, the army ousted the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of the popular Thaksin Shinawatra who was similarly deposed by the military in 2006 and now lives in exile.

Mr Thaksin and his allies, broadly known as the Red Shirts, have won the past five elections in Thailand dating back to 2001, while their Yellow Shirt opponents - composed of the Bangkok elite, royalists and business interests - has ruled occasionally after interventions by the courts or the army. </s> Thailand's Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn attends an event commemorating the death of King Chulalongkorn, known as King Rama V, as he joins people during the mourning of his father, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok, Thailand, in this file... A top official in Thailand's palace has been fired for "extremely evil" misconduct and political interests which threatened national security, the government said on Tuesday. Police General Jumpol Manmai, who had served as intelligence chief under ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, had until recently been one of the most senior figures in new King Maha Vajiralongkorn's household.

Start the conversation, or Read more at Reuters. </s> Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, has died after 70 years as head of state.

The 88-year-old king was widely revered but had been in poor health in recent years, making few public appearances.

He was seen as a stabilising figure in a country hit by cycles of political turmoil and multiple coups.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will be the new monarch, the prime minister has said.

 The announcement

After two days of speculation and rumours surrounding the king’s deteriorating health, the palace announcement confirming his death finally came early on Thursday evening.

“His majesty has passed away at Siriraj Hospital peacefully,” a statement said, adding he had died at 15:52 (08:52 GMT).

In a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said Thailand would hold a one-year mourning period, that flags would fly half-mast and all entertainment functions must be “toned down” for a month.

In a later statement he urged vigilance, saying national security was a top priority.

“Everyone will need to be alert in every region and throughout the country to ensure safety”, he said.

The king’s death comes as Thailand remains under military rule following a coup in 2014.

A palace official, speaking to crowds outside the hospital, said the body of the king would be moved to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok on Friday.

 The people’s grief

King Bhumibol was widely respected across Thailand, and thought of by many as semi-divine.

Hundreds of mourners gathered outside the Bangkok hospital where he died, stricken with grief at the news.

As night fell, crowds of mourners remained at the hospital where the King died

Many held pictures of the king and wore yellow or pink clothing in his honour.

“How will Thailand live without you father?” cried one distressed man.

“I lost one of the most important people in my life. I feel like I haven’t done enough for him,” said another.

A wave of emotion swept through the crowd – Jonah Fisher, BBC News, Bangkok

Throughout the first part of the day the king’s supporters had sung royal songs and recited prayers at Siriraj Hospital. Many wore carefully chosen colours. Pink, for good health, or yellow the royal colour.

Most knelt holding pictures of King Bhumibol, facing the part of the hospital where he was receiving treatment.

By early afternoon the mood had begun to change. With all of his children at his bedside, rumours were circulating that the 88-year-old had passed away.

Although the prime minister said Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn would become the new monarch, he added that the official proclamation would be made at a later date.

He said the crown prince had confirmed that he would perform his duty as heir to the throne, but had asked for time to mourn his father’s death.

The crown prince, who is 64, is much less well known to Thais and has not attained his father’s widespread popularity. He spends much of his time overseas, especially in Germany.

Strict lese-majeste laws protect the most senior members of Thailand’s royal family from insult or threat. Public discussion of the succession can be punishable by lengthy jail terms.

Given the pivotal role the king has played in maintaining the balance of power in Thailand’s volatile political environment, the succession will be a formidable challenge for the government, says the BBC’s Jonathan Head in Bangkok.

King Bhumibol, who was born in Cambridge in the US state of Massachusetts, acceded to the throne on 9 June 1946 after his brother, King Ananda Mahidol, died.

Though a constitutional monarch with limited official powers, many Thais looked to King Bhumibol to him to intervene in times of high tension. He was seen as a unifying and calming influence through numerous coups and 20 constitutions.

However, his critics argued he had endorsed military takeovers and at times had failed to speak out against human rights abuses.

Following the death of King Bhumibol, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II has become the world longest-reigning monarch, having been on the throne for 64 years.

Tributes have been flowing in from across the world.

US President Barack Obama called the late king a “tireless champion of his country’s development”.

“I had the honour of calling on his majesty the king during my visit to Thailand in 2012, and recall his grace and warmth, as well as his deep affection and compassion for the Thai people,” he said.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said in a statement that he hoped Thailand would honour King Bhumibol’s legacy of commitment to universal values and respect for human rights.

Asian leaders were quick to express their condolences. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the late king as “one of the tallest leaders of our times”.

Image copyright AP

 Image caption Crowds outside the hospital howled with grief when the announcement was made

Image copyright AFP

 Image caption Most ordinary Thais know only a few details about Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn

For more on this story and video go to: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37643326 </s> (CNN) Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a revered and unifying figure who embodied the nation in his 70-year reign, has died aged 88.

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. He underwent medical procedures over the weekend.

The king died at 3:52 p.m. local time and passed away in a "peaceful manner," the Royal Palace said.

A portrait of the King is held on the eve of his 88th birthday as people gather outside the Siriraj hospital in 2015. The King of Thailand is regarded as a demi-god by many Thais, and his popularity has been viewed as a unifying force during times of political unrest.

A portrait of the King is held on the eve of his 88th birthday as people gather outside the Siriraj hospital in 2015. The King of Thailand is regarded as a demi-god by many Thais, and his popularity has been viewed as a unifying force during times of political unrest.

The King is seen through a car window as he leaves the Siriraj hospital in Bangkok in 2015.

The King is seen through a car window as he leaves the Siriraj hospital in Bangkok in 2015.

The King is pictured with family members in 2012. He addressed a crowd from a balcony on his 85th birthday.

The King is pictured with family members in 2012. He addressed a crowd from a balcony on his 85th birthday.

The King is wheeled towards his yacht in 2010, during a rare public appearance to open a new flood gate and two bridges in Bangkok.

The King is wheeled towards his yacht in 2010, during a rare public appearance to open a new flood gate and two bridges in Bangkok.

The King lights candles at a ceremony to mark Coronation Day in Bangkok in 2007.

The King lights candles at a ceremony to mark Coronation Day in Bangkok in 2007.

The King reviews an honor guard with Queen Sirikit and Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn during the annual military parade to celebrate his birthday in 2006.

The King reviews an honor guard with Queen Sirikit and Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn during the annual military parade to celebrate his birthday in 2006.

The King and Queen survey a rice crop made possible by a Royal Irrigation Project in 1996. The project formed part of the Royal Development Projects, which focused on developing remote rural areas. The King has taken an interest in environmental projects throughout his long reign.

The King and Queen survey a rice crop made possible by a Royal Irrigation Project in 1996. The project formed part of the Royal Development Projects, which focused on developing remote rural areas. The King has taken an interest in environmental projects throughout his long reign.

The King raises a camera to take a photo in 1995. He was given his first camera in 1934, which ignited a lifelong enthusiasm for photography. He has often been seen with a camera around his neck during public appearances.

The King raises a camera to take a photo in 1995. He was given his first camera in 1934, which ignited a lifelong enthusiasm for photography. He has often been seen with a camera around his neck during public appearances.

The King convenes the first meeting of his country's National Reform Assembly during a ceremony held in Bangkok in 1976. The King put the monarchy at the center of Thai society, acting as a force for community and tradition even as the country flipped between political crises and military coups.

The King convenes the first meeting of his country's National Reform Assembly during a ceremony held in Bangkok in 1976. The King put the monarchy at the center of Thai society, acting as a force for community and tradition even as the country flipped between political crises and military coups.

The King walks with his wife and their 13-year-old son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, during a visit to Britain in 1966.

The King walks with his wife and their 13-year-old son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, during a visit to Britain in 1966.

The King, far right, plays the saxophone during a 1960 jam session with legendary jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman and his band in New York.

The King, far right, plays the saxophone during a 1960 jam session with legendary jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman and his band in New York.

The royal couple ride with U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower during a five-day state visit to the United States in 1960.

The royal couple ride with U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower during a five-day state visit to the United States in 1960.

The King and Queen pose with their children, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn and Princess Ubol Ratana, on the steps of Bangkok's Chitralada Palace in 1955. Two more daughters, Princesses Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Chulabhorn Walailak, were born in 1955 and 1957.

The King and Queen pose with their children, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn and Princess Ubol Ratana, on the steps of Bangkok's Chitralada Palace in 1955. Two more daughters, Princesses Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Chulabhorn Walailak, were born in 1955 and 1957.

Bhumibol and his future wife, Princess Sirikit Kityakara, are pictured in Lausanne in 1949. The couple married a year later at Srapathum Palace in Bangkok, Thailand.

Bhumibol and his future wife, Princess Sirikit Kityakara, are pictured in Lausanne in 1949. The couple married a year later at Srapathum Palace in Bangkok, Thailand.

Bhumibol, left, is pictured in 1935 with his older brother, the former King Ananda Mahidol, in Lausanne, Switzerland, where the boys attended school. King Ananda was 20 when he died of a gunshot wound under mysterious circumstances. His 18-year-old brother, known then as Prince Phumiphon Aduldet, later assumed the throne to become King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Bhumibol, left, is pictured in 1935 with his older brother, the former King Ananda Mahidol, in Lausanne, Switzerland, where the boys attended school. King Ananda was 20 when he died of a gunshot wound under mysterious circumstances. His 18-year-old brother, known then as Prince Phumiphon Aduldet, later assumed the throne to become King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned king on May 5, 1950. News of the 88-year-old's death was announced Thursday, October 13, via a statement from the Royal Palace read on state TV. He was the world's longest-reigning living monarch.

Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned king on May 5, 1950. News of the 88-year-old's death was announced Thursday, October 13, via a statement from the Royal Palace read on state TV. He was the world's longest-reigning living monarch.

King Bhumibol ascended to the throne 70 years ago, making him the world's longest-reigning living monarch, before his death.

Hundreds of people had for days gathered at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital where the king was being treated, and as the sun began to set, the crowd began to swell in the thousands.

They were dressed predominantly in pink -- an auspicious color believed to restore health -- and yellow, which is the color of the King, based on the fact he was born on a Monday.

According to the palace statement, all government buildings will fly the Thai flag at half-staff for 30 days starting October 14. And in a sign of how deeply this leader's death will be marked, all civil servants have been ordered to wear black clothing for a year as a sign of mourning, the palace said.

The king was widely revered in Thailand. His appeal stretched from the rich urban elite to the poor agricultural workers in the provinces. During his reign, he skilfully charted a course that put the monarchy at the center of Thai society, acting as a force for community and tradition even as the country lurched between political crises and military coups.

Some outside the hospital said they didn't know where else to go for comfort.

"I just wanted to be here and pray for my king with others," said May, a 22-year-old university student.

Many in the crowd prayed, sang the royal anthem and repeatedly shouted: "Long live the King."

The announcement, at around 7 p.m., cut through the crowd and gave way to devastated wailing and long embraces. Others stared speechlessly at their phones, sharing messages from friends and family on social media.

Ovartvoraporn Bhakchuda, a Thai woman who spoke to CNN outside the hospital, was unable to hold back her tears, saying that she hoped the news was not true.

"We lost our father today," she said.

"He is a father ... that wanted to do everything, the best thing, for his kids," she said.

"With all my heart I hope that miracle will happen. I want to believe in miracles...I still believe up until now that this is a lie."

The king had been in hospital since October 3, the Royal Palace said, adding that a team of royal physicians had tried their best and provided the closest care, but that his health continued to decline gradually.

Doctors at the Siriraj Hospital had earlier said that king was having problems with his kidneys, blood flow to the left side of his heart and blood pressure.

Last month, he was treated for a severe infection, reduced kidney function and fluid in his lung. He had surgery to remove his gallbladder last year.

Condolences began pouring in from Asian leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described the king as "one of the tallest leaders of our times."

"This is a man who had earned this nation's respect over 70 years, for being a leader yes, but also for being a leader who had the common touch," CNN Correspondent Will Ripley said outside the Siriraj Hospital, where hundred of Thai had gathered for days, waiting for news of the monarch's health.

Some of them told CNN they thought he would live to 120.

The king inherited the throne in 1946, his seven-decade reign beginning in the aftermath of Thailand's occupation by Japan during the Second World War, and ended deep into the Internet age.

Toward the end of his reign, as his health declined, the King's presence in public life waned. Before his death, analysts expressed concern that his passing will remove a vital point of unity in an increasingly divided country. </s> Mourners lit candles and recited prayers before dawn on Saturday outside Bangkok's riverside Grand Palace, where the remains of the king will lie for months before a traditional royal cremation.

The world's longest-reigning monarch, King Bhumibol died on Thursday in a Bangkok hospital, at the age of 88.

The government has said Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn wants to grieve with the people and leave the formal succession until later, when parliament will invite him to ascend the throne.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said in an interview broadcast on state television late on Friday that there was no uncertainty about the succession but, in the interim, the head of the powerful Privy Council would have to step in as regent.

"There must be a regent for the time being in order not to create a gap," Wissanu said. "Even though there is no problem, because we have a clear answer, the head of the privy council must be regent temporarily."

"This situation will not be used for long," he added, without mentioning by name Privy Council head 96-year-old Prem Tinsulanonda, a former army chief and prime minister.

Prince Vajiralongkorn does not enjoy the same adoration his father earned over a lifetime on the throne. He has married and divorced three times, and has spent much of his life outside Thailand, often in Germany.

The king's remains were taken in a convoy on Friday through Bangkok's ancient quarter to the Grand Palace, winding past thousands of Thais dressed in black, many of them holding aloft portraits of a monarch who was worshipped as a father figure.

Buddhist monks chanted prayers beside his coffin on Saturday as Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn came to pay her respects.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the palace during the morning and some who had arrived before dawn lit candles.

"I didn't ever want to hear this news although it couldn't be avoided. All we can do now is hope that he will rest in peace," said Sakhon Sondee from the eastern province of Surin.

The king had been in poor health the past several years and his death plunged the Southeast Asian nation of 67 million people into grief.

Most Thais have known no other monarch and King Bhumibol's picture is hung in almost every house, school and office.

People in the capital and in towns across the country dressed in black. The government has decreed that no festivities be held for a period of 30 days, the first month of one year of official mourning, but shopping malls were open on Saturday.

The Nation newspaper said government guidelines for the media stipulated that TV programs and advertising "must not contain improper scenes such as entertaining, dancing or violent acts", and presenters must dress in white or black.

It said information related to the king's passing must be approved by authorized bodies, while criticism or analysis would not be allowed.

Thailand's strict lese-majeste laws, which have been applied rigorously since a military government took power in a 2014 coup, have left little room for public discussion about the succession.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called in a statement on Thailand's military government to lift the censorship order on broadcasters

"While CPJ sympathizes with the Thai people over the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, we lament that the government has resorted to crude censorship at this sensitive time," said Steven Butler, CPJ's Asia program coordinator.

The king stepped in to calm crises on several occasions during his reign and many Thais worry about a future without him. The military has for decades invoked its duty to defend the monarchy to justify its intervention in politics.

Military government leader Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said after the king's death that security was his top priority and he ordered extra troops deployed around the country.

Thailand has endured bomb attacks and economic worries recently while rivalry simmers between the military-led establishment and populist political forces after a decade of turmoil including two coups and deadly protests.

The junta has promised an election next year and pushed through a constitution to ensure its oversight of civilian governments. It looks firmly in control for a royal transition. </s> INTERNATIONAL NEWS - Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has died after 70 years on the throne, the palace says.

The king, 88, was widely revered in Thailand. He was seen as a stabilising figure in a country hit by cycles of political turmoil and multiple coups.

He had been in poor health in recent years, making few public appearances.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will be the new monarch, the prime minister has said.

"He is now in heaven and may be looking over Thai citizens from there,'' he said.

The king's death comes as Thailand remains under military rule following a coup in 2014.

Prayuth Chan-ocha also said Thailand would observe a year-long mourning period for King Bhumibol. </s> (CNN) Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej died on Thursday after seven decades on the throne, plunging the country into intense mourning and no small amount of uncertainty.

"It's a complicated situation," said Patrick Jory, an expert on the Thai monarchy at the University of Queensland.

"The last time we were at this point was 70 years ago."

Bhumibol was not formally crowned until May 1950, more than four years after his brother, King Ananda Mahidol was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head under mysterious circumstances.

So with the King's death, who is currently in charge of the kingdom?

Under the 1924 Palace Law of Succession, the Thai king has absolute power to designate his successor.

Bhumibol's only son, Maha Vajiralongkorn, was officially appointed crown prince and heir apparent on December 28, 1972, at the age of 20.

In the event of the king's death, parliament should invite the designated heir to immediately assume the throne. However, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Thursday that Vajiralongkorn "needs time to jointly mourn with the Thai people" before he succeeds his father.

While there is little doubt that Vajiralongkorn will become king, Jory said it was "surprising" that he did not do so immediately, and warned that a prolonged period of uncertainty could hit the country's stock market

The Privy Council is an elite body of advisers, appointed by the king, which has significant powers with regard to royal appointments and the law of succession.

King Bhumibol's last council, which remains in place until Vajiralongkorn appoints his own, is headed by former Prime Minister and army general Prem Tinsulanonda.

"(Prem) has been a key player since the 1980s and was the king's right hand man," said Jory.

Other members of the council include fellow former prime ministers Thanin Kraivichien and Surayud Chulanot, and Chalit Pukbhasuk, a former acting chairman of the Council for National Security, the junta that overthrew Thaksin.

When Vajiralongkorn does assume the throne, he is likely to replace the council with his own supporters, Jory said.

As a constitutional monarchy, power in Thailand officially lies with the government, with the king as head of state.

However, ISEAS warned that thanks to sweeping new powers granted the military by the new constitution "the traditional elites would in effect have design new mechanisms to seize power without resorting to a military coup."
Thailand declares today a government holiday for mourning King Bhumibol Adulyadej's death.