To the death of King Bhumibol

The King of Thailand, His Majesty Bhumibol Aduljadej is at the 13 yesterday afternoon. October 2016 died at the age of 88 years.

Much of the last 10 years had spent the ailing King in the hospital. Last weekend, he was there undergoing a blood purification procedure to treat kidney failure. Already in recent months, the palace has made much more negative predictions about the state of health of the king. The latest communications, however, were the clearest ever made by the Palace Office, suggesting that the king can no longer perform his duties.

"The prosperous reign of the king is over"Putsch leader and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said in a televised speech. "He has touched everyone's life to the deepest, we owe him great gratitude.“King Rama IX, his official name, was the the longest reigning monarch in the world: It was only in June that he celebrated his 70 anniversary jubilee, This also means that most Thais have never known another king as head of their land.

Who was King Rama IX, Bhumibol Aduljadej?

Bhumibol Adulyadej was born on 5 December 1927 in the US (Massachusetts). The name Bhumibol means Strength of the country.

His father had previously renounced the throne and practiced in the United States as a doctor. The later King Bhumibol studied technical sciences as well as politics and law in Switzerland. When 1946 lost his brother under mysterious circumstances, the then-18 year-old was named the throne successor. However, he first completed his studies before he returned to Thailand four years later and took the throne. Since about this time he is also with his wife, Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara married. The two have four children. Also, the state of health of the queen has been serious for some time.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej was officially considered the richest monarch in the world. The wealth of the royal family is estimated at over 35 billion euros. The riches include several square miles of land in Bangkok and the world's largest cut diamond as part of the Thai crown jewels.

Officially, the king's duties in Thailand are described as purely representative, but the fact is that Bhumibol was the only connecting link between various fractious political groups in Thailand. In addition, even today important decisions or military orders must be signed by the king. Among other things, there were always questions about the king's successor.

Who will succeed Thailand's king?

The Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha immediately announced in his speech on the king's death that his son Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn to succeed his father. King Bhumibol is said to have determined this on December 28.12.1972, XNUMX. Shortly thereafter, however, the Crown Prince announced that he would first mourn the deceased king with the people before he was crowned.

1 year of mourning: importance for Koh Phangan and the Full Moon Party on 17. October 2016

Prime Minister Prayut has ordered one year of mourning for government institutions. In addition, 30 days are laid down for the public, while festivals and events are not. This is not a legal requirement and it therefore remains to be seen to what extent this will be implemented on Koh Phangan and elsewhere in Thailand. At the moment it is said that all parties on Phangan are canceled for 30 days. The Full Moon Party on the 17. October 2016 is definitely canceled, The full moon also falls on the 16. October, at the alcohol ban due to a Buddhist holiday. That being said, the serving and consumption of alcohol is still allowed. It will be a bit quieter for a while, but generally speaking nothing against a cocktail on the beach.

Of course, many tourists are saddened about the failure of the Full moon party and other events. But please be aware that the loss of their head of state is a profound change in the lives of the Thai people. It is quite possible that there will still be restrictions on these 30 days in some regions of Thailand. Especially in these first days, it is quite appropriate to behave calmly and to wear appropriate clothing, at least off the beaches. Please also note the official announcement of the German Embassy in Bangkok:

The arranged mourning period lasts one year. Mourning flagging has been ordered for the coming 30 days and has ordered that no festivities be held. Even beyond these 30 days, restrictions of social and public life can not be excluded. Travelers should respect the feelings and mourning attitudes of the Thai people; attention should be paid to appropriate clothing in public.

Residents and travelers in Thailand are advised to be aware of the current situation, be vigilant and comply with the orders of local security forces and authorities through local media and the Foreign Office's travel and security information.

Are there any security risks?

Previously, it had often been said that the demise of the king could lead to a power vacuum in the country. Experts have also repeatedly pointed out that one of the reasons for the 2014 coup could be to prepare for this situation. Thailand remains politically unclear and as recommended by the embassy, ​​you should be aware of current travel and safety notices as well as official government orders. Apart from that, however, the country is now in a period of mourning that seems to unite people, and an outbreak of violence currently seems highly unlikely.