Free Republic

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a revered and unifying figure who embodied the nation in his 70-year reign, has died aged 88. Here's the latest: • Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is the king's appointed successor • Thousands gathered at the hospital, shouting "Long live the king!" • Civil servants are ordered to wear black clothes for one year in mourning from Friday • US President Obama described the king as a man of "grace and warmth" The announcement came in a statement from the Royal Palace read on state TV Thursday, and followed a days-long outpouring of support since the king...

King undergoes operation BangkokPost.com, Agencies Hospitalised Saturday for treatment of cerebral ischemia, His Majesty the King underwent about eight hours of surgery and related treatment for a blood clot which obstructed the flow of blood to his brain, official Thai News Agency reported. His Majesty was admitted to Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital Saturday for threatment after showing symptoms of loss of strength in the right side of his body, the Royal Household announced. Doctors diagnosed the king, 79, as suffering from lack an inadequate blood supply to the outer part of the left-side of his brain, said the Royal Household in...