The Anglican Church in Thailand has offered its condolences following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej yesterday
The Anglican Church in Thailand has offered its condolences to the Royal Family and prayers for the people of the Southeast Asian nation following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. A statement from the royal palace announced King Bhumibol passed away “peacefully” at 3:52 p.m. on 13 Oct 2016 at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok. He was 88. Queen Elizabeth II now becomes the world’s longest reigning monarch, having been crowned on 2 June 1953.
Born in Cambridge, Mass. on 5 Dec 1927, King Bhumibol acceded to the throne on 9 June 1946 after his brother, King Ananda Mahidol, died. A constitutional monarch with limited powers, King Bhumibol was able to hold the country together during his 70 year reign as it passed through 20 constitutions and numerous military coups.
In a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, whose government came to power in a 2014 military coup said Thailand would hold a one-year period of mourning. He asked that public entertainment events be “toned down” for the next month as a mark of respect for the late king and his family. He also warned the nation to be on the alert for terror attacks in the wake of the king’s death. “Everyone will need to be alert in every region and throughout the country to ensure safety,” he said.
Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij of Bangkok released a statement on the Roman Catholic Bishops Conference website asking Christians to remember the king’s good works, reflect on his great mercy and to pray to God for his soul.
A Buddhist, King Bhumibol supported the rights Christian churches and as the country’s greatest monarch as well as for his contribution to society and people’s welfare.
On its website, Christ Church Bangkok, one of four Anglican congregations in Thailand offered a prayer, commending the king’s soul to the mercy of God.
Almighty God, we thank you for the life of His Majesty,
King Bhumibol Adulyadej – for his devotion to duty
and his love for his people.
We pray that he may be at peace and commend him to Your mercy.
We pray for his family and for all the people of Thailand;
Grant them your peace and the certain knowledge of Your love.
Give wisdom to those with responsibility
for making decisions which affect the life of the nation.
And may we prepare ourselves for the coming of Your Kingdom,
and live as servants of our Living Lord,
Jesus Christ. Amen
