In Pictures

Life in pictures: Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej

The world’s longest-reigning monarch, respected by the vast majority of Thai people, dies at 88 after prolonged illness.

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej has died at the age of 88. He spent most of the past decade in hospital for a variety of ailments related to old age. [Sukree Sukplang/Reuters]

Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was the world’s longest-reigning monarch, has died in hospital, the palace has said in an announcement.

The highly revered king was 88 years old and spent most of the past decade in hospital for a variety of ailments related to old age.

Adulyadej had been Thailand’s king since 1946 and had earned the deepest respect from the vast majority of Thais.

His son and heir apparent, the 63-year-old Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, is expected to become Thailand’s new king.

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn assists King Adulyadej (centre) as he delivers his birthday speech from the balcony of the Grand Palace in Bangkok in 2011. [Reuters]

King Adulyadej waves as he returns to Siriraj Hospital after his birthday ceremony at the Grand Palace in Bangkok in 2010. [Damir Sagolj/Reuters]

British Queen Elizabeth II smiles with Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej during a reception at the British Ambassador's residence in central Bangkok on October 30, 1996. [AP]

King Bhumibol Adulyadej reads a statement in 1995 as he convenes parliament in front of 391 newly elected MPs at Ananta Samakhom throne in Bangkok. [Reuters]

The Thai king takes a photograph during his arrival at the Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok in 2006. [Reuters]

King Bhumibol Adulyadej is visited by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher at Chitralada Palace in Bangkok in 1988. [Reuters]

Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world''s longest-reigning monarch, reviews royal guards at an annual trooping of the colour at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 3, 1987. [Arthur Tsang/Reuters]