Thailand grieves for the late King Bhumibol
Many were on their knees, weeping. Others placed their shaking hands above their heart. Some fainted. "Long live the king" was the first sentence that resonated through the premises.
An outpouring of grief in Thailand following the death of King Bhumibol. (Photo: Pichayada Promchertchoo)
BANGKOK: Thais have lost their beloved monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who ruled the country for 70 years. When his death was announced by the Royal Household Bureau on Thursday (Oct 13) night, it took only a few seconds for the news to circulate - but the impact was tremendous.
At Siriraj Hospital, where the king had been receiving treatment, the wailing and crying was deafening.
Waves of grief washed over the sea of people - more than 1,000 of them - who had been gathered at the hospital's compound to wish the king a quick recovery. Wailing cries and sobs broke out as Thais learnt of the news they had long dreaded.
Many were on their knees, weeping. Others placed their shaking hands above their heart. Some fainted. "Long live the king" was the first sentence that resonated through the premises. It was shouted by King Bhumibol's loyal subjects outside the building where he had been treated. Their hearts were broken.
For hours, they wept, shouted and sang songs praising the late monarch. Some were unable to believe he had passed away, and kept calling for a miracle.
"Give me back my king," a man shouted repeatedly.
"I still believe there can be a miracle. Long live the king! Long live the king!" another said. He was holding a picture of King Bhumibol above his head.
And many joined in.
Candles were lit inside Siriraj Hospital, as mourners praised the king with songs. Many faces were wet with tears as they embraced portraits of King Bhumibol. They craned their necks to try to catch a glimpse of what was happening inside his hospital room on the 16th floor.
"Thailand is no more," an old lady said. She had been crying over the king's deteriorating health for days. The loss has now left her devastated.
"I love him as much as I love my own parents. Without King Bhumibol, there won't be Thailand."
