Brunei Prince pays tribute to late Thai King

HRH signed the condolence book conveying his deepest sympathies on behalf of the government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

King Bhumibol reigned for seven decades and was the world’s longest-reigning monarch when he passed away last Thursday aged 88.

In his message, Brunei’s Crown Prince said the late king would always be remembered for his “lifelong devotion and efforts towards the welfare and development of his people and country”.

HRH also met with Thai Ambassador Biravij Suwanpradhes briefly when he called upon the embassy. Accompanying the Crown Prince was Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Paduka Hj Hamdan Hj Abu Bakar.

Close to 400 people — comprising Thai citizens, diplomats, government officials — have called on the Thai embassy over the past four days to offer their condolences on the passing of the king.

A constitutional monarch with no formal political role, King Bhumibol was considered the father figure of the nation, and was regarded as a unifying figure on Thailand’s turbulent political scene.

Deeply revered by the Thai people, television and radio stations in Thailand have switched to 24-hour royal broadcasts devoted to telling the story of the king’s life and reign.

The Thai government has declared a year of mourning to mark the passing of the king, who lies in state at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

According to Thai customs, the royal funeral will only be held months or even a year after the death so the state can prepare a lavish farewell.

The palace did not give a cause of death but the king had been sick in hospital with various ailments for much of the past year.

His son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, is expected to become Thailand’s new king.