HIS MAJESTY King Bhumibol Adulyadej rose to the greatest heights in modern Thai history and was, in his lifetime, the pillar and soul of his nation.

Like his grandfather King Rama V, His Majesty made enormous contributions to his country, commanding deep love and loyalty from his people. He was the guiding light, helping his Kingdom in times of crisis time and again.

During his seven-decade-long reign, His Majesty peacefully defused several political situations, such as the tumult in October 1973 and Black May in 1992 – something no Thai politician was able to accomplish then or later.

His reign spanned the terms of more than 30 governments, several military regimes, coups and numerous coup attempts, and even the defeat of the communist threat that raged through Southeast Asia a few decades ago.

At the time of his passing yesterday, he was the world’s longest-reigning monarch and had been recognised with several international awards for his contributions in various fields. Among the honours were the UNDP Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award, Time magazine’s “Asian Hero King Bhumibol Adulyadej for Shaping the Asia of Our Times” and the World Intellectual Property Organisation Global Leaders Award.

In an unprecedented gathering of royalty, the kings, queens and royal representatives from 26 countries arrived at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok in 2006 to pay tribute to His Majesty on the 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne.

In Thailand, he was considered the father of many innovations and technology.

These accolades, however, pale before his significance to the Thai people – he was their inspiration, their leading light, and the King of their hearts.

His Majesty won the hearts of his subjects because he fully honoured his oath of accession: “We shall reign with righteousness, for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people.” This oath was taken on the day of his coronation in 1950, when His Majesty was just 23.

Born on December 5, 1927 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, His Majesty was the third and youngest child of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Mahidol of Songkhla and Princess Srinagarindra. He spent much of his childhood overseas, visiting Thailand sometimes with his older brother King Ananda Mahidol to see their country and their elderly grandmother HM Queen Savang Vadhana.

The younger royal never expected to become a monarch, but had to take over after his brother’s untimely death on June 9, 1946.

He was once quoted as saying after his brother’s death: “I had never thought of becoming a king. I only wanted be your younger brother”.

After King Ananda’s passing, the course of the younger royal’s life changed completely. He had to change his subject of education from science to political science and law, so he could equip himself with proper knowledge for his reign.

After completing his education in Switzerland, His Majesty returned for the royal coronation and faithful devotion to his country and his people. For most of his reign, His Majesty travelled the length and breadth of the Kingdom, visiting the poorest and remotest corners to learn about the problems faced by his people.

During his travels, the beloved monarch spoke to his subjects and most importantly, listened to them. He learned of their needs and problems first hand and set about trying to find a way to give immediate help, before studying the issue in depth to find a permanent solution.

He had to stop making these trips only after his health began to fail. Yet, even during his time at Siriraj Hospital, the beloved monarch read reports on issues affecting his people and gave advice when he could.

Since 1952, His Majesty initiated more than 3,000 innovative programmes in agriculture, environment, public health, water resources, communications, public welfare, occupational promotion and education with the aim of easing the lives of Thai people.

He also actively promoted sustainable development and the philosophy of sufficiency economy.

His Majesty passed away peacefully at the age of 89 yesterday. He is survived by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and their four children.

His death has plunged the nation into mourning. But the revered monarch will live in the hearts of Thai people forever.

Leaders of countries around the world expressed their condolences to the people of Thailand yesterday on the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

In a message addressed to the Royal Family, the government and people of Thailand, United States President Barack Obama said: “As the revered leader and only monarch that most Thais have ever known, His Majesty was a tireless champion of his country’s development and demonstrated unflagging devotion to improving the standard of living of the Thai people.

“With a creative spirit and a drive for innovation, he pioneered new technologies that have rightfully received worldwide acclaim,” the White House press release read. “His Majesty leaves a legacy of care for the Thai people that will be cherished by future generations.”

Obama met His Majesty in 2012.

At the United Nations headquarters in New York, representatives of member countries held a minute’s silence before their meeting as a mark of respect on the passing of the monarch.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said he hoped Thailand would honour the King’s legacy of commitment to universal values and respect for human rights, his spokesman said in a statement yesterday.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak paid tribute on his Facebook page, saying “King Bhumibol was a towering presence whose contribution to Thailand, and the rest of the region, is beyond words. We join the Thai people in mourning his loss.”

The Myanmar President Office also extended condolences on Facebook.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, tweeted: “[The] 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.”

Jesus Miguel Sanz, ambassador and head of the European Union delegation to Thailand, posted on Facebook: “During my time here I have felt the true love of the Thai people for King Bhumibol, whose contributions touched the lives of many and will be remembered for many generations to come.”

Britain’s Ambassador to Thailand Brian Davidson said on Facebook: “Deeply saddened to hear of death of His Majesty. He will be sorely missed within and outside Thailand. I offer our heartfelt condolences.”

Bhutan has gone one step further by announcing today as a day of mourning. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and the Royal Grandmother are scheduled to lead prayers today to mark His Majesty’s passing. Bhutan’s national flag will be flown at half-mast, while offices and schools will be closed so people can visit temples and offer prayers for the beloved monarch. Special prayers will be chanted and butter lamps lit at several sacred spots in Bhutan for the next seven days.

“His Majesty the King [Jigme] received the news of the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand with immense sorrow,” said a statement posted on the Bhutanese royal’s Facebook page.

“His Majesty the late King Bhumibol has been an exceptional leader, a comforting presence in the lives of every Thai citizen. His Majesty’s enduring service for the welfare and well-being of his people will be remembered with honour and respect,” the statement said.

“The Royal Families of Bhutan and Thailand have shared exceptionally warm relations over the years, which have be mirrored by strong bonds of friendship between the two countries,” it read.

Prime Minister Prayut Chanocha quoted the Crown Prince’s remarks at a press conference held at Government House last night.

The PM said he had an audience with the 64yearold Crown Prince in the evening, when he was informed of his wish.

“The Crown Prince prefers to join the entire nation in expressing his grief at this time. He asked that the process of accession to the throne be held back until a proper time,” Prayut said.

“He is aware of his duties as heir to the throne and will continue carrying out his Royal responsibilities in his capacity as Crown Prince.”

The PM called a press conference after a joint meeting of the Cabinet, the National Council for Peace and Order and National Legislative Assembly (NLA).

The heir apparent, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, was born on July 28, 1952.

On December 28, 1972, at the age of 20, Prince Vajiralongkorn was bestowed the title of “Somdech Phra Borommaorasadhiraj Chao Fa Maha Vajiralongkorn Sayam Makut Rajakuman”, which literally means “Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Royal Son and Crown Prince of Siam” by His Majesty the King.

The ceremonial bestowing of the title was held at the Ananta Samakhon Throne Hall as per the 1924 Royal Family Law on Succession to the Throne. This ceremony was followed by the Crown Prince taking an oath of allegiance at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the Grand Palace.

At the ceremony, the Crown Prince announced that he would be loyal to the country and honest to the people. “I will perform my duties to the best of my intelligence and ability, and also with devotion, for the peace and prosperity of Thailand,” the Prince said.

The Prince graduated from the Royal Military College of Duntroon in Canberra, Australia. An officer in the Thai military, he trained with the Australian, British and the United States armed services, qualifying as a military and helicopter pilot.

He also holds the titles of Army General, Navy Admiral and Air Chief Marshall of the Air Force.

Last night, the NLA convened a meeting where its President Pornpetch Wichitcholchai read a statement from the Royal Household Bureau announcing the passing of His Majesty the King.

The NLA members then observed nineminutes of silence in honour of the beloved monarch.

Pornpetch later told the meeting that the NLA would not convene a normal meeting until relevant proceedings under the Royal Family Law on Succession to the Throne and the Constitution have been implemented.