Thai citizens mourn their king

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch who was seen as head of an institution central to Thai identity and as a father-figure to the nation, died in hospital on Thursday, the palace announced. He was 88.

King Bhumibol reigned for seven decades after ascending the throne in 1946. His loss will be deeply mourned in Thailand, where he was regarded as a pillar of stability during decades of political upheaval and rapid development.

The palace did not give a cause of death but he has been sick in hospital with various ailments for much of the past year.