Thai king completes coronation year with barge procession through old Bangkok

Former prime minister and close advisor to Thailand's revered royals Prem Tinsulanonda died early Sunday aged 98, a senior parliamentarian said, ending a decades-long career of unrivalled influence over Thai politics.

Prem "passed away this morning around 9 o'clock", interim house speaker Chai Chidchob told MPs on the third day of Thailand's new parliament.

"I would like to ask everyone to stand for a moment in memorial."

Hailed as a stabilising force by allies but loathed by critics as a conservative underminer of democracy in the kingdom, Prem was a top aide to the late beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej and helped cement the unshakeable bond between the monarchy and the military.

As Privy Council president his influence endured through a tense succession period after Bhumibol died in 2016 and Prem was briefly appointed regent before Bhumibol's son Maha Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne.

Prem presided over the king's surprise wedding to Queen Suthida days before his coronation earlier this month.

With assistants helping him stand, he took part in a key sacred water ritual on coronation day alongside 2014 coup leader and junta chief Prayut-Chan-O.

The participation highlighted his legacy of cementing the army's self-designated role as protector of the royals.

The general helped establish the all-powerful "monarchised military" seen in Thailand today, according to Paul Chambers, lecturer at Naresuan University in Thailand.

"Prem proved time and again that his savvy acumen could prevent or facilitate army coups that helped the palace," Chambers told AFP.

Born in southern Songkhla province in 1920, 12 years before Thailand's absolute monarchy was abolished, Prem experienced most of modern Thai history.

He graduated from the country's top military academy in 1941, showcasing his talent on the frontline by fighting the French in Cambodia and later the British in Burma.

He was a key figure in the kingdom's battle against communists in its northern provinces and was rewarded with the top job of army chief in 1978.

But the ambitious commander only held the position for two years before seizing power in what was widely viewed as a silent coup.

His 1980-1988 rule as premier brought a rare period of political and economic stability to Thailand thanks to his patronage of military officers but most importantly through the trust he forged with Bhumibol.

The bachelor general cultivated loyalty in the military despite two counter-coup attempts.

He helped instigate three coups including the one in 2014, according to Chambers, while indirectly assisting in the ouster of four other governments.

Prem was credited by some for opening up some space for democratic politics when he eventually stepped down for an elected premier to take office.

But when he was soon after appointed member and later president of the super-elite Privy Council, an inner circle of advisers to the king, Prem became a figure of revulsion in Thailand's pro-democracy camp.

Anger over his influence boiled over after the 2006 coup that ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra when his supporters accused Prem of masterminding the putsch.

In a symbolic meeting several months after the May 2014 putsch, Thailand's junta chief Prayut visited Prem at his home in a widely photographed trip.

Prem leaves Thailand amid ongoing political tensions a junta-backed party fronted by Prayut closes in on the premiership after March elections widely seen as tilted in military's favour. 
&nbsp;

Former prime minister and close advisor to Thailand's revered royals Prem Tinsulanonda died early Sunday aged 98, a senior parliamentarian said, ending a decades-long career of unrivalled influence over Thai politics.

Former prime minister and close advisor to Thailand's revered royals Prem Tinsulanonda died early Sunday aged 98, a senior parliamentarian said, ending a decades-long career of unrivalled influence over Thai politics. Prem "passed away this morning around 9 o'clock", interim house speaker Chai Chidchob told MPs on the third day of Thailand's new parliament. "I would like to ask everyone to stand for a moment in memorial." Hailed as a stabilising force by allies but loathed by critics as a conservative underminer of democracy in the kingdom, Prem was a top aide to the late beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej and helped cement the unshakeable bond between the monarchy and the military. As Privy Council president his influence endured through a tense succession period after Bhumibol died in 2016 and Prem was briefly appointed regent before Bhumibol's son Maha Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne. Prem presided over the king's surprise wedding to Queen Suthida days before his coronation earlier this month. With assistants helping him stand, he took part in a key sacred water ritual on coronation day alongside 2014 coup leader and junta chief Prayut-Chan-O. The participation highlighted his legacy of cementing the army's self-designated role as protector of the royals. The general helped establish the all-powerful "monarchised military" seen in Thailand today, according to Paul Chambers, lecturer at Naresuan University in Thailand. "Prem proved time and again that his savvy acumen could prevent or facilitate army coups that helped the palace," Chambers told AFP. Born in southern Songkhla province in 1920, 12 years before Thailand's absolute monarchy was abolished, Prem experienced most of modern Thai history. He graduated from the country's top military academy in 1941, showcasing his talent on the frontline by fighting the French in Cambodia and later the British in Burma. He was a key figure in the kingdom's battle against communists in its northern provinces and was rewarded with the top job of army chief in 1978. But the ambitious commander only held the position for two years before seizing power in what was widely viewed as a silent coup. His 1980-1988 rule as premier brought a rare period of political and economic stability to Thailand thanks to his patronage of military officers but most importantly through the trust he forged with Bhumibol. The bachelor general cultivated loyalty in the military despite two counter-coup attempts. He helped instigate three coups including the one in 2014, according to Chambers, while indirectly assisting in the ouster of four other governments. Prem was credited by some for opening up some space for democratic politics when he eventually stepped down for an elected premier to take office. But when he was soon after appointed member and later president of the super-elite Privy Council, an inner circle of advisers to the king, Prem became a figure of revulsion in Thailand's pro-democracy camp. Anger over his influence boiled over after the 2006 coup that ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra when his supporters accused Prem of masterminding the putsch. In a symbolic meeting several months after the May 2014 putsch, Thailand's junta chief Prayut visited Prem at his home in a widely photographed trip. Prem leaves Thailand amid ongoing political tensions a junta-backed party fronted by Prayut closes in on the premiership after March elections widely seen as tilted in military's favour.

Former Thai PM and influential royal adviser Prem Tinsulanonda dies at 98

Thailand bade a final goodbye to its beloved late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Thursday in a ceremony steeped in ancient rituals, processions and Buddhist rites that drew hundreds of thousands of mourners.

The ashes and bones of Thailand&#39;s King Bhumibol Adulyadej were returned to the palace on Friday as part of an elaborate, five-day cremation ceremony that drew hundreds of thousands of black-clad mourners to&nbsp;Bangkok&#39;s historic old quarter.

The $90 million funeral marks the end of an era for many Thais who had only ever known King Bhumibol as their monarch.

It ushers in the reign of the late king&#39;s son King Maha Vajiralongkorn, or Rama X, who ascended the throne last year but whose coronation can only take place after his father&#39;s funeral.

Many mourners stayed to watch as smoke rose from the crematorium. Some broke down in tears.

King Vajiralongkorn has overseen sweeping changes to the royal household, including the running of palace finances.

Earlier in the day members of the Thai royal family, visited&nbsp;dignitaries and government officials and placed sandalwood flowers at the royal funeral pyre.

The ceremony on Thursday brought Thailand to a standstill as many businesses, including banks, shut to honour the late king.

Number of mourners dwindle following cremation of late Thai King Bhumibol

Thailand bade a final goodbye to its beloved late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Thursday in a ceremony steeped in ancient rituals, processions and Buddhist rites that drew hundreds of thousands of mourners. The ashes and bones of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej were returned to the palace on Friday as part of an elaborate, five-day cremation ceremony that drew hundreds of thousands of black-clad mourners to Bangkok's historic old quarter. The $90 million funeral marks the end of an era for many Thais who had only ever known King Bhumibol as their monarch. It ushers in the reign of the late king's son King Maha Vajiralongkorn, or Rama X, who ascended the throne last year but whose coronation can only take place after his father's funeral. Many mourners stayed to watch as smoke rose from the crematorium. Some broke down in tears. King Vajiralongkorn has overseen sweeping changes to the royal household, including the running of palace finances. Earlier in the day members of the Thai royal family, visited dignitaries and government officials and placed sandalwood flowers at the royal funeral pyre. The ceremony on Thursday brought Thailand to a standstill as many businesses, including banks, shut to honour the late king.

Thailand bids final goodbye to late King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, became Thailand&#39;s new king on Thursday after he accepted an invitation from parliament to succeed his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in October.

King Bhumibol, 88, was widely loved and regarded as a pillar of stability during decades of political turbulence and rapid development in the Southeast Asian nation.

Prince Vajiralongkorn, who will be known as King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, according to a statement released by parliament&#39;s public relations department, met Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, president of the National Legislative Assembly, at Bangkok&#39;s Dusit Palace.

&quot;I would like to accept the invitation for the benefit of the Thai people,&quot; the new king said in a televised statement.

His ascension will likely allay worries among some analysts that the kingdom was headed for a period of instability following the death of King Bhumibol, according to a senior Western diplomat who declined to be named because speaking about the royal family is a sensitive matter in Thailand.

&quot;This royal succession highlights a desire for stability and continuity in Thailand,&quot; he said.

The United States, a longtime ally of Thailand, sent its &quot;warmest congratulations&quot; to Vajiralongkorn. &quot;We offer our best wishes to his majesty and all of the Thai people,&quot; State Department spokesman Mark Toner told a news briefing.

Thailand has been without a monarch since King Bhumibol&#39;s death with the head of the king&#39;s advisory council, Prem Tinsulanonda, 96, serving as regent.

King Bhumibol was widely loved and regarded as a pillar of stability during decades of political turbulence and rapid development in the Southeast Asian nation.

The new King Maha Vajiralongkorn has yet to command the kind of adoration that his father received from Thais and he has kept a much lower profile throughout most of his adult life.

New king

King Maha Vajiralongkorn - who will also be known as Rama X, or the 10th king of Thailand&#39;s Chakri Dynasty - takes the throne at a tumultuous time for Thailand, a longtime US&nbsp;ally in Southeast Asia.

The military toppled an elected government in 2014 and enforced political calm in a country divided by more than a decade of conflict between a military-backed royalist establishment and populist political forces.

In times of crisis, the palace has occasionally acted as a final arbiter. The late king&#39;s image as a truce-maker peaked after violent clashes in 1992 between pro-democracy activists and the army.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn has spent much of his adult life abroad and has a home in Germany.

Over the past few years, however, the he had taken on more of his father&#39;s ceremonial duties while the late king received medical treatment.

Public events, including two cycling events in 2015, organised by the palace, have portrayed Maha Vajiralongkorn as a devoted father and family man.

&quot;Some people have pointed to the monarchy as a stabilizing force in Thai politics,&quot; said David Streckfuss, an independent academic specializing in Southeast Asian studies.

&quot;Because of the popularity and veneration of the previous king it would be hard for any person to step into the role because of expected comparisons,&quot; he told Reuters.

The new king, like his father before him, is shielded from public criticism by Thailand&#39;s lese majeste laws, which carry a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn&#39;s personal life and suitability as king have been the subject of private speculation by Thais and overseas observers beyond the reach of the law.

Idol of the people

One of King Maha Vajiralongkorn&#39;s first acts as monarch will be to endorse a constitution drafted by the military that the public overwhelmingly endorsed in an August referendum.

The royal endorsement is a formality. The junta has said the constitution will pave way for an election in late 2017.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said in a televised statement that the new king&#39;s coronation would &quot;be at his discretion&quot; and would not take place until after a royal cremation for his father next year.

&quot;May all the Thai people unite to pray that the powers of King Bhumibol and past kings protect the new king so that he may long reign as an idol and guardian of the Thai people,&quot; Prayuth said.

(Reuters)

&nbsp;

Thailand has been without a monarch since King Bhumibol's death with the head of the king's advisory council serving as regent

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, became Thailand's new king on Thursday after he accepted an invitation from parliament to succeed his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in October. King Bhumibol, 88, was widely loved and regarded as a pillar of stability during decades of political turbulence and rapid development in the Southeast Asian nation. Prince Vajiralongkorn, who will be known as King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, according to a statement released by parliament's public relations department, met Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, president of the National Legislative Assembly, at Bangkok's Dusit Palace. "I would like to accept the invitation for the benefit of the Thai people," the new king said in a televised statement. His ascension will likely allay worries among some analysts that the kingdom was headed for a period of instability following the death of King Bhumibol, according to a senior Western diplomat who declined to be named because speaking about the royal family is a sensitive matter in Thailand. "This royal succession highlights a desire for stability and continuity in Thailand," he said. The United States, a longtime ally of Thailand, sent its "warmest congratulations" to Vajiralongkorn. "We offer our best wishes to his majesty and all of the Thai people," State Department spokesman Mark Toner told a news briefing. Thailand has been without a monarch since King Bhumibol's death with the head of the king's advisory council, Prem Tinsulanonda, 96, serving as regent. King Bhumibol was widely loved and regarded as a pillar of stability during decades of political turbulence and rapid development in the Southeast Asian nation. The new King Maha Vajiralongkorn has yet to command the kind of adoration that his father received from Thais and he has kept a much lower profile throughout most of his adult life. New king King Maha Vajiralongkorn - who will also be known as Rama X, or the 10th king of Thailand's Chakri Dynasty - takes the throne at a tumultuous time for Thailand, a longtime US ally in Southeast Asia. The military toppled an elected government in 2014 and enforced political calm in a country divided by more than a decade of conflict between a military-backed royalist establishment and populist political forces. In times of crisis, the palace has occasionally acted as a final arbiter. The late king's image as a truce-maker peaked after violent clashes in 1992 between pro-democracy activists and the army. King Maha Vajiralongkorn has spent much of his adult life abroad and has a home in Germany. Over the past few years, however, the he had taken on more of his father's ceremonial duties while the late king received medical treatment. Public events, including two cycling events in 2015, organised by the palace, have portrayed Maha Vajiralongkorn as a devoted father and family man. "Some people have pointed to the monarchy as a stabilizing force in Thai politics," said David Streckfuss, an independent academic specializing in Southeast Asian studies. "Because of the popularity and veneration of the previous king it would be hard for any person to step into the role because of expected comparisons," he told Reuters. The new king, like his father before him, is shielded from public criticism by Thailand's lese majeste laws, which carry a penalty of up to 15 years in prison. King Maha Vajiralongkorn's personal life and suitability as king have been the subject of private speculation by Thais and overseas observers beyond the reach of the law. Idol of the people One of King Maha Vajiralongkorn's first acts as monarch will be to endorse a constitution drafted by the military that the public overwhelmingly endorsed in an August referendum. The royal endorsement is a formality. The junta has said the constitution will pave way for an election in late 2017. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said in a televised statement that the new king's coronation would "be at his discretion" and would not take place until after a royal cremation for his father next year. "May all the Thai people unite to pray that the powers of King Bhumibol and past kings protect the new king so that he may long reign as an idol and guardian of the Thai people," Prayuth said. (Reuters)

Thailand honours crown prince as country's new king

Thailand&#39;s parliament on Tuesday invited Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to become the next king, resolving lingering anxiety over his accession following his father&#39;s death last month.

The country has been plunged into mourning since widely revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej died on 13 October, ending a remarkable seven-decade reign and removing a key pillar of unity in a bitterly divided nation.&nbsp;

Tuesday&#39;s move ends a period of uncertainty sparked by the junta making the surprise announcement after Bhumibol&#39;s death that the prince had asked to delay his official proclamation so he could mourn.

&quot;I will invite the Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to succeed to the throne and become king of the Thai people,&quot; Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, head of the rubber stamp National Legislative Assembly said.&nbsp;

Lawmakers then stood up and replied: &quot;Long live the king&quot;.

The parliamentary endorsement came after Thailand&#39;s cabinet officially submitted Vajiralongkorn&#39;s name earlier in the day.

Prawit Wongsuwan, deputy prime minister and the junta&#39;s number two, said the prince&#39;s ascension was &quot;proceeding step-by-step&quot; according to the country&#39;s arcane succession rules.

According to protocol, the assembly speaker will now seek a royal audience with the prince to invite him to ascend the throne, the last step before being proclaimed the new monarch.

Prawit said that would likely happen &quot;either tomorrow or the day after&quot;.&nbsp;

Vajiralongkorn, 64, has been the named successor to Bhumibol for more than four decades.

He spends much of his time outside the kingdom, particularly in southern Germany where he owns property.&nbsp;

A military source told AFP the prince was still currently in Germany.

Shielded from criticism&nbsp; 
He will soon inherit one of the world&#39;s richest monarchies, an institution protected by a tough royal defamation law.

That law makes open discussion about the royal family&#39;s role all but impossible inside the kingdom and convictions have skyrocketed since generals seized power in 2014.

Officially Thailand&#39;s monarch has limited constitutional power.

But over his seven-decade reign, Bhumibol built up a powerful network of alliances, especially within Thailand&#39;s military elite, and forged a reputation as an arbiter in times of crisis.

Yet the late king has left his son with a sharply divided country.

Thailand&#39;s last decade has seen a cycle of political protests, coups by an arch-royalist military while inequality has deepened.

Dubbed the &quot;lost decade&quot;, Thailand&#39;s most recent period of political unrest coincided with Bhumibol&#39;s increasingly frail health and fewer public appearances.

Vajiralongkorn, a certified pilot, has yet to achieve his father&#39;s widespread adoration.

Rumours over his private life have also trailed him. He has had three high-profile divorces, while a recent police corruption scandal linked to the family of his previous wife allowed the public a rare glimpse of palace affairs.

Since Bhumibol&#39;s death, he has attended some of the daily funerary rites for his father but has made no public statements.

He has asked his younger sister, Princess Sirindhorn to oversee the organisation for Bhumibol&#39;s cremation, which will not take place until an official one year mourning period has ended.

Historically, the new monarch in Thailand is only crowned once the previous monarch is cremated.

(AFP)

King Bhumibol Adulyadej died -- End of a remarkable seven-decade reign -- prince has asked to delay his official proclamation

Thailand's parliament on Tuesday invited Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to become the next king, resolving lingering anxiety over his accession following his father's death last month. The country has been plunged into mourning since widely revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej died on 13 October, ending a remarkable seven-decade reign and removing a key pillar of unity in a bitterly divided nation. Tuesday's move ends a period of uncertainty sparked by the junta making the surprise announcement after Bhumibol's death that the prince had asked to delay his official proclamation so he could mourn. "I will invite the Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to succeed to the throne and become king of the Thai people," Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, head of the rubber stamp National Legislative Assembly said. Lawmakers then stood up and replied: "Long live the king". The parliamentary endorsement came after Thailand's cabinet officially submitted Vajiralongkorn's name earlier in the day. Prawit Wongsuwan, deputy prime minister and the junta's number two, said the prince's ascension was "proceeding step-by-step" according to the country's arcane succession rules. According to protocol, the assembly speaker will now seek a royal audience with the prince to invite him to ascend the throne, the last step before being proclaimed the new monarch. Prawit said that would likely happen "either tomorrow or the day after". Vajiralongkorn, 64, has been the named successor to Bhumibol for more than four decades. He spends much of his time outside the kingdom, particularly in southern Germany where he owns property. A military source told AFP the prince was still currently in Germany. Shielded from criticism He will soon inherit one of the world's richest monarchies, an institution protected by a tough royal defamation law. That law makes open discussion about the royal family's role all but impossible inside the kingdom and convictions have skyrocketed since generals seized power in 2014. Officially Thailand's monarch has limited constitutional power. But over his seven-decade reign, Bhumibol built up a powerful network of alliances, especially within Thailand's military elite, and forged a reputation as an arbiter in times of crisis. Yet the late king has left his son with a sharply divided country. Thailand's last decade has seen a cycle of political protests, coups by an arch-royalist military while inequality has deepened. Dubbed the "lost decade", Thailand's most recent period of political unrest coincided with Bhumibol's increasingly frail health and fewer public appearances. Vajiralongkorn, a certified pilot, has yet to achieve his father's widespread adoration. Rumours over his private life have also trailed him. He has had three high-profile divorces, while a recent police corruption scandal linked to the family of his previous wife allowed the public a rare glimpse of palace affairs. Since Bhumibol's death, he has attended some of the daily funerary rites for his father but has made no public statements. He has asked his younger sister, Princess Sirindhorn to oversee the organisation for Bhumibol's cremation, which will not take place until an official one year mourning period has ended. Historically, the new monarch in Thailand is only crowned once the previous monarch is cremated. (AFP)

Thai parliament invites prince to become new king

Thailand crown prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has requested to delay his ascension to the throne to grieve his father&#39;s death, the world&#39;s longets reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The date for the royal succession had been postponed for an unspecified period. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha sought to dispel any concerns about complications in the succession, saying the government was working as normal and the cabinet&#39;s administration work can continue seamlessly. Uncertainty about who takes over the throne could alarm financial markets, but the military government has been quick to quash any such speculation. &nbsp;

&quot;He asked the people not to be confused or worry about the country&#39;s administration or even about the succession,&quot; Prayuth said in a televised address.

The government has not set a date for the royal cremation but a deputy prime minister said the prince had asked that it be held after a year of mourning, and the coronation would take place after the cremation.

&quot;He said at this time everyone is sad, he is still sad, so every side should wait until we pass this sad time ... When the religious ceremony and funeral have passed for a while, then it will be an appropriate time to proceed,&quot; Prayuth said.

The formal procedure for him to become king, which involves the president of the legislature inviting him to ascend the throne, can happen at any time before his coronation.

But prince Vajiralongkorn does not enjoy the same adoration his father, who died on Thursday after seven decades on the throne. The prince has spent much of his life outside Thailand, often in Germany.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the head of the royal advisory council, a 96-year-old former army chief and prime minister, Prem Tinsulanonda, is standing in as regent.

(WION with inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

The coronation of crown prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is likely delayed for a year as he sought more time to mourn his father, King Adulyadej

Thailand crown prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has requested to delay his ascension to the throne to grieve his father's death, the world's longets reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The date for the royal succession had been postponed for an unspecified period. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha sought to dispel any concerns about complications in the succession, saying the government was working as normal and the cabinet's administration work can continue seamlessly. Uncertainty about who takes over the throne could alarm financial markets, but the military government has been quick to quash any such speculation. "He asked the people not to be confused or worry about the country's administration or even about the succession," Prayuth said in a televised address. The government has not set a date for the royal cremation but a deputy prime minister said the prince had asked that it be held after a year of mourning, and the coronation would take place after the cremation. "He said at this time everyone is sad, he is still sad, so every side should wait until we pass this sad time ... When the religious ceremony and funeral have passed for a while, then it will be an appropriate time to proceed," Prayuth said. The formal procedure for him to become king, which involves the president of the legislature inviting him to ascend the throne, can happen at any time before his coronation. But prince Vajiralongkorn does not enjoy the same adoration his father, who died on Thursday after seven decades on the throne. The prince has spent much of his life outside Thailand, often in Germany. Meanwhile, the head of the royal advisory council, a 96-year-old former army chief and prime minister, Prem Tinsulanonda, is standing in as regent. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Thai PM assures smooth succession as crown prince requests coronation after King's funeral

With soldiers closing down Bangkok&#39;s notorious go-go bars and tourists forced to sneak sips of beer from paper cups, Thailand is dialling down its raucous party scene out of respect for the country&#39;s late monarch.&nbsp;The passing this week of 88-year-old Bhumibol Adulyadej has thrust the Buddhist nation into a period of profound mourning, with masses of tearful Thais filling the streets to pay respect to a king worshipped as an exemplar of moral virtue.

Like nearly all of their compatriots, Thai bar girls swapped their normally racy attire for more modest black dresses and shoes when they showed up to work Friday night. In Bangkok&#39;s Soi Cowboy,&nbsp;a famed alleyway of luridly lit go-go bars and a barometer of the city&#39;s adherence to temperance during coups, street protests and religious days,&nbsp;patrons who trickled through were soon disappointed.

At around 10 pm soldiers pulled the plug on the blinding neon lights as they enforced an early closing time in compliance with government orders to &quot;tone down&quot; celebrations as the nation grieves.&nbsp;&quot;Suddenly the army came. It was a group of five guys,&quot; said Geroem Bonami, a 31-year-old tourist from Belgium. &quot;We were asked to pay and they started to tidy up everything and the girls disappeared.&quot;

Minutes after the ailing monarch&#39;s passing was announced on Thursday, Thailand&#39;s junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha took to national television to declare a one-year official mourning period. He also asked the public to refrain from celebrations for at least 30 days, and dozens of events,&nbsp;from concerts to fun runs, wedding parties and religious festivals,&nbsp;have been cancelled since. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan- ocha,&nbsp;however said business could continue with the&nbsp;Stock Exchange ofThailand and banks operated normally on Friday.&nbsp;Television networks are also under orders not to broadcast any overly joyous images,&nbsp;such as dancing, with one major channel saying it would not be airing its roaringly popular soap opera series. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&#39;No music, no party&#39;&nbsp;

While the military regime has not issued an all-out ban on alcohol, which is common on Buddhist holidays, many shops have opted to stop selling drinks and bars around the capital are taking special measures to show that no one is having too much fun.&nbsp;

On the Khaosan road, a grubby centre for foreign tourists a stone&#39;s throw away from the king&#39;s palace, bars silenced the normally pounding music and served alcohol in paper cups instead of beer towers and buckets.&nbsp;&quot;There&#39;s no music tonight and no party because all the people are so sad. Everywhere in Bangkok, you cannot have loud music,&quot; explained Ret Chhuon, a Thai barman, adding he was worried about an extended loss of custom.&nbsp;&quot;But we must do this because the king has died and we are so sad.&quot;

Foreign governments have urged their citizens to act respectfully as the kingdom mourns, while Thai tourist authorities have asked travellers to dress in sombre and appropriate clothing. Britain&#39;s foreign office issued an advisory for tourists warning them to be respectful.&nbsp;&quot;You should respect the sensitivities of the Thai people at this time; access to entertainment, including restaurants, bars and shopping areas may be restricted and you should behave respectfully when in public areas,&quot; the statement said.

Thailand has strict laws over the protection of the royal family and insulting any member of the family could lead up to 15 years in prison.&nbsp;Article 112 of the criminal code says anyone who &quot;defames, insults or threatens the king, queen, heir-apparent or regent&quot; will be punished, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The Italian Embassy in Bangkok also cautioned its citizens and issued a statement saying,&nbsp;&quot;We recommend the following for residents and tourists: exercise caution and observe public order laws ... maximum respect for the sentiment of the Thai people.&quot;

Analysts have warned that any protracted clampdown on the party scene could drive visitors away and hurt the tourism sector -- a crucial pillar of the kingdom&#39;s economy.&nbsp;

On the Khaosan Road some visitors said they were happy to keep it low-key, but would likely leave Thailand if the party didn&#39;t rev up again soon.&nbsp;&quot;If after a couple of days there are still no parties and alcohol, I might leave Thailand, said a 24-year-old Dutch tourist who only gave his name as Kaz. Others were simply awed by the mass outpourings of grief.&nbsp;&quot;It hasn&#39;t put a downer on the holiday,&quot; said British tourist Callum Knight. &quot;We got to see a part of history.&quot;

(Agencies)

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Thai government ordered 'toned down' celebrations for at least 30 days as the nation grieves the death of late king Bhumibol Adulyadej

With soldiers closing down Bangkok's notorious go-go bars and tourists forced to sneak sips of beer from paper cups, Thailand is dialling down its raucous party scene out of respect for the country's late monarch. The passing this week of 88-year-old Bhumibol Adulyadej has thrust the Buddhist nation into a period of profound mourning, with masses of tearful Thais filling the streets to pay respect to a king worshipped as an exemplar of moral virtue. Like nearly all of their compatriots, Thai bar girls swapped their normally racy attire for more modest black dresses and shoes when they showed up to work Friday night. In Bangkok's Soi Cowboy, a famed alleyway of luridly lit go-go bars and a barometer of the city's adherence to temperance during coups, street protests and religious days, patrons who trickled through were soon disappointed. At around 10 pm soldiers pulled the plug on the blinding neon lights as they enforced an early closing time in compliance with government orders to "tone down" celebrations as the nation grieves. "Suddenly the army came. It was a group of five guys," said Geroem Bonami, a 31-year-old tourist from Belgium. "We were asked to pay and they started to tidy up everything and the girls disappeared." Minutes after the ailing monarch's passing was announced on Thursday, Thailand's junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha took to national television to declare a one-year official mourning period. He also asked the public to refrain from celebrations for at least 30 days, and dozens of events, from concerts to fun runs, wedding parties and religious festivals, have been cancelled since. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan- ocha, however said business could continue with the Stock Exchange ofThailand and banks operated normally on Friday. Television networks are also under orders not to broadcast any overly joyous images, such as dancing, with one major channel saying it would not be airing its roaringly popular soap opera series. 'No music, no party' While the military regime has not issued an all-out ban on alcohol, which is common on Buddhist holidays, many shops have opted to stop selling drinks and bars around the capital are taking special measures to show that no one is having too much fun. On the Khaosan road, a grubby centre for foreign tourists a stone's throw away from the king's palace, bars silenced the normally pounding music and served alcohol in paper cups instead of beer towers and buckets. "There's no music tonight and no party because all the people are so sad. Everywhere in Bangkok, you cannot have loud music," explained Ret Chhuon, a Thai barman, adding he was worried about an extended loss of custom. "But we must do this because the king has died and we are so sad." Foreign governments have urged their citizens to act respectfully as the kingdom mourns, while Thai tourist authorities have asked travellers to dress in sombre and appropriate clothing. Britain's foreign office issued an advisory for tourists warning them to be respectful. "You should respect the sensitivities of the Thai people at this time; access to entertainment, including restaurants, bars and shopping areas may be restricted and you should behave respectfully when in public areas," the statement said. Thailand has strict laws over the protection of the royal family and insulting any member of the family could lead up to 15 years in prison. Article 112 of the criminal code says anyone who "defames, insults or threatens the king, queen, heir-apparent or regent" will be punished, Reuters reported. The Italian Embassy in Bangkok also cautioned its citizens and issued a statement saying, "We recommend the following for residents and tourists: exercise caution and observe public order laws ... maximum respect for the sentiment of the Thai people." Analysts have warned that any protracted clampdown on the party scene could drive visitors away and hurt the tourism sector -- a crucial pillar of the kingdom's economy. On the Khaosan Road some visitors said they were happy to keep it low-key, but would likely leave Thailand if the party didn't rev up again soon. "If after a couple of days there are still no parties and alcohol, I might leave Thailand, said a 24-year-old Dutch tourist who only gave his name as Kaz. Others were simply awed by the mass outpourings of grief. "It hasn't put a downer on the holiday," said British tourist Callum Knight. "We got to see a part of history." (Agencies)

Restricted entertainment as Thailand mourns late monarch

Many Thais revered late king Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away at the age of 88 on Thursday, with near god-like devotion. Here&#39;s why.

Q) Is his popularity among Thais comparable to how Europeans feel about their royal families?

A) The love is much more intense among Thais who undoubtedly felt a deep spiritual connection with their king. He was widely seen as a serene and caring father of their nation and a representation of their own best Buddhist values and beliefs. Most genuinely love him for what they see as his modesty, humility and life-long commitment to helping the poor.&nbsp;

In a near cult-like atmosphere, the king&#39;s picture hangs in every taxi, office and shop. Before movies, cinema-goers stand in homage as images of him flash across the screen.

Q) Thai politics has seemed to be in a constant state of chaos during his seven-decade reign. Why is he not blamed?

A) While Bhumibol was monarch there were more than a dozen coups or attempted coups, and the kingdom is once again under military rule after generals ousted another democratically elected government in 2014.

Yet many Thais do not see their late king as a contributor to the turmoil, but rather a much-needed figure of authority and stability who yielded his power sparingly but decisively.

In one of his most famous interventions, Bhumibol in 1992 called then-prime minister General Suchinda Kraprayoon to his palace and humiliated him on television for ordering a bloody military crackdown on demonstrations against his government. The prime minister resigned.

But he did not intervene during some other political crises, and approved most of the successful coups during his reign.

Q) How did he actually help Thais, in tangible economic terms?

A) Many&nbsp;Thais believe the king devoted his life to helping the poor, and he sponsored thousands of royal projects aimed at alleviating poverty. Thais credit him with water-control projects that have stopped flooding in Bangkok, and pioneering cloud-seeding technologies that brought rain over drought-stricken farmlands. He is also hailed for helping to quell opium growing among hill tribes in the north of the country by introducing alternative farming opportunities.

Q) What do Thais love about him personally?

A) In his younger days, Bhumibol enjoyed a reputation for having that X-factor of coolness and charisma. He was heavily promoted as an accomplished jazz saxophonist, composer, photographer and yachtsman. Bhumibol once played the saxophone with jazz legend Benny Goodman and won a gold medal for sailing at the Southeast Asian Peninsula Games in 1967. In his later years he was seen as a sage, dispensing advice through parables about his favourite dog, an adopted stray. Books about his dog outsold bestsellers, such as Harry Potter, in Thailand.

Q) Was he really as talented, skilled, compassionate and virtuous as all this?

A) A relentless and powerful propaganda machine has burnished the king&#39;s reputation. He also built a fortune for the monarchy worth tens of billions of dollars, while siding with the elites that have perpetuated their rule over the masses.&nbsp;

And although he famously said in 2005 that he was not above criticism, the law says otherwise. Thailand has lese majeste laws that carry penalties of up to 15 years for anyone who &quot;defames, insults or threatens&quot; the king.

(AFP)

He was incredibly popular. Partly because the people thought he had spent a lifetime helping the poor, partly because of propaganda

Many Thais revered late king Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away at the age of 88 on Thursday, with near god-like devotion. Here's why. Q) Is his popularity among Thais comparable to how Europeans feel about their royal families? A) The love is much more intense among Thais who undoubtedly felt a deep spiritual connection with their king. He was widely seen as a serene and caring father of their nation and a representation of their own best Buddhist values and beliefs. Most genuinely love him for what they see as his modesty, humility and life-long commitment to helping the poor. In a near cult-like atmosphere, the king's picture hangs in every taxi, office and shop. Before movies, cinema-goers stand in homage as images of him flash across the screen. Q) Thai politics has seemed to be in a constant state of chaos during his seven-decade reign. Why is he not blamed? A) While Bhumibol was monarch there were more than a dozen coups or attempted coups, and the kingdom is once again under military rule after generals ousted another democratically elected government in 2014. Yet many Thais do not see their late king as a contributor to the turmoil, but rather a much-needed figure of authority and stability who yielded his power sparingly but decisively. In one of his most famous interventions, Bhumibol in 1992 called then-prime minister General Suchinda Kraprayoon to his palace and humiliated him on television for ordering a bloody military crackdown on demonstrations against his government. The prime minister resigned. But he did not intervene during some other political crises, and approved most of the successful coups during his reign. Q) How did he actually help Thais, in tangible economic terms? A) Many Thais believe the king devoted his life to helping the poor, and he sponsored thousands of royal projects aimed at alleviating poverty. Thais credit him with water-control projects that have stopped flooding in Bangkok, and pioneering cloud-seeding technologies that brought rain over drought-stricken farmlands. He is also hailed for helping to quell opium growing among hill tribes in the north of the country by introducing alternative farming opportunities. Q) What do Thais love about him personally? A) In his younger days, Bhumibol enjoyed a reputation for having that X-factor of coolness and charisma. He was heavily promoted as an accomplished jazz saxophonist, composer, photographer and yachtsman. Bhumibol once played the saxophone with jazz legend Benny Goodman and won a gold medal for sailing at the Southeast Asian Peninsula Games in 1967. In his later years he was seen as a sage, dispensing advice through parables about his favourite dog, an adopted stray. Books about his dog outsold bestsellers, such as Harry Potter, in Thailand. Q) Was he really as talented, skilled, compassionate and virtuous as all this? A) A relentless and powerful propaganda machine has burnished the king's reputation. He also built a fortune for the monarchy worth tens of billions of dollars, while siding with the elites that have perpetuated their rule over the masses. And although he famously said in 2005 that he was not above criticism, the law says otherwise. Thailand has lese majeste laws that carry penalties of up to 15 years for anyone who "defames, insults or threatens" the king. (AFP)

Was Thailand's Bhumibol a great king?