Thai embassies open for condolences to King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Chennai: The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi has planned to keep its doors open from October 18 to enable people to offer condolence to the 88-year old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the most revered figure in Thailand, who died in Bangkok on Thursday.

The Royal Thai Consulate-General at Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, will also be kept open for the people, including Thais, to offer their respect and condolence to the King Bhumibol, who ascended to the throne 70 years ago, making him the world’s longest-reigning monarch before his death, said Tharadol Thongruang, Minister Counsellor (Commercial), Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi.

He said the King, most revered monarch, was considered, a virtual God in Thailand. Entire country has been mourning since Friday and television channels have cancelled all entertainment programmes. Thailand would hold a one-year mourning period, National flag would fly half-mast and all entertainment functions will be “toned down” for a month.

Tharadol Thongruang said “India and Thailand share several common traits and both countries maintain close bilateral relations”. Nearly 11 million people visit Thailand from India every year.

Thailand and India share maritime boundary and have cross-histories dating back to 329 BC when the Indian Emperor Ashoka sent Sona and Uttra to Suvanabhumi to spread the message of Buddhism in Thailand. The diplomatic relations between Thailand and India established soon after India gained Independence in August 1947. The 65 years of diplomatic relations, was celebrated in both countries in 2012.

In his condolence message, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that “People of India and I join the people of Thailand in grieving the loss of one of the tallest leaders of our times, King Bhumibol Adulyadej”. Similarly, US President Barack Obama described the King as a man of “grace and warmth”.

The Thailand government will make necessary arrangement to hold the funeral services in Thailand. Several crore people and a large number of leaders and dignitaries across the world expected to attend the funeral in Thailand.