Thailand is reeling from the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej earlier today. Bhumibol, who took the throne in just after WWII in 1946, was the longest-reigning monarch in the world.
Thousands have been photographed wailing outside Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital, where the king was treated. Many had gathered there earlier to pray for his health, wearing auspicious colors pink and yellow. In addition to their grief, citizens of the “Land of Smiles” are also likely bracing for political uncertainty—Bhumibol was a unifying symbol in a country famous for its many coups.
