Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a brief stopover at Bangkok, Thailand en route to Japan, to pay respects to the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died last month of a long illness. The Prime Minister was received at the airport by Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.
The Prime Minister paid respects to the late King at the Grand Palace and laid a wreath. King Bhumibol's funeral urn has been placed at Bangkok's Grand Palace.
Thailand's late King Bhumibol, the world's longest ruling monarch, died at the age of 88 on October 13. The King was revered by many of his subjects and is considered as an anchor of stability in a kingdom which has been rocked by turbulent politics over the years.
The government has announced a mourning period of one year in the nation after the monarch's death. Mourners are still pouring in by the thousands to pay their last respects to the late King. Each day around 10,000 mourners can make their way in to express their sorrow.
PM @narendramodi arrives at Dusit Maha Prasat at the Grand Palace to pay his respects before mortal remains of King Rama IX. pic.twitter.com/ZM5s10pJQi
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 10, 2016
Thailand is now making preparations to crown their next King. Crown Prince Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is next in line for the thrown and is scheduled to ascend the throne on December 1. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn spends most of his time in Germany and on October 28, he had reportedly returned there for some personal business. It is stated that he would return to Thailand in November.
Honouring the memory of an extraordinary leader. Here's a video of PM @narendramodi at the Grand Palace pic.twitter.com/my58b8XFGq
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 10, 2016
After paying his respects, PM Modi is scheduled to go to Japan on a three-day visit to attend the annual summit meeting with Japanese President Shinzo Abe. Modi is also scheduled to have an audience with the Emperor of Japan on Friday in Tokyo.
