The Thai King who reigned for 70 years has died. He was 88.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/14/wo...=top-news&_r=0

Very sad. Condolences to the people of Thailand.

Yes very sad. I heard they will mourn for one year.

Sad -- he was so revered.

Thanks for the info. I hadn't heard yet. Now let me contact some Thai friends. It will be interesting when I get there in a couple months.

Happy Travels!

Entertainment venues are to close for one month. What I heard was mourning for 100 days. I, too, will be curious to see how the country is coping when I return for the holidays.

The one yr. mourning period was reported on BBC radio this morning.

Condolences to the people of Thailand.

jacketwatch, I just found the BBC story on line. You are correct about the one-year mourning period. I'm not sure where I got the 100 days information....trying to retrace my searching. Anyway, the country will mourn for the foreseeable future. The death of the King is certainly a sad time for the country and the Thai people, and I wish them only the best as they deal with his passing. We can only hope the transition to the new King is peaceful and smooth.

Thats the big question simpsonc. From what I read he was the glue keeping things together during tumultuous times. I certainly know next to nothing about their political situation. I also heard in the same report that his son will assume the throne so lets hope he is up for the task. He has tough shoes to fill.

My thoughts with the people of Thailand, too and the loss of their King who has been such an important figure for so long.

I, too, hope that the transition to the new king is as peaceful as possible.

Once again at least two of three American icons in U.S. TV news reportage have failed to live up to their claim of broadcasting "World News Tonight." Neither Scott Pelly at CBS nor David Muir at ABC mentioned the death of the King on the Thursday night news. While I'm surprised at Mr. Pelly's failure to do so, I'll just add this omission to Mr. Muir's long list of international events that he considered less important than some celebrity's life, the lost dog who found home after three years, or a story that he cloned from another network. His program should be named "Good Evening, America" for its concentration on domestic events, the national weather, and a narrow focus of topics. ZZ

Pls also note the lack of interest here on Fodors

Bob, the "usual suspects" here are very interested.

I have to admit I am holding my breath for what comes next in Thailand.

Oh, I'm interested, but there is little to say aside from condolences and hope for a peaceful transition. Hope I am not sure is well founded, given the last decade or so.

You may be interested in Thailand's possible future, as outlined here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/15/wo...T.nav=top-news

For tourists and locals little change in life with this man's passing. The Thai military remains firmly in control and will install with pleasure the weak-willed crown prince.

Wow, He sounds like a really nice guy!!!

He's a piece of work Crellston, big time.
Poor Thailand and it's lovely people who will continue to be serfs.

I thought this NYT op ed piece was a much sharper picture of the King and his partnership with the military as well as the dangerous role of the law of lese-majeste.

Sadly, I agree with sartoric and her concern for the people of Thailand.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/15/op...f=opinion&_r=0

Here's another link to the NYT op ed piece in case the above one doesn't work:

http://nyti.ms/2e1froE