Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed appreciation and thanks to all foreign countries that have expressed condolences after HM the King’s death.
Many countries joined the mourning in various ways such as sending messages of condolence, flying flags at half-mast and hosting exhibitions about the monarch.
“The prime minister wishes to thank the allies who sent their condolences to pay respects and mourned the King’s passing. The Foreign Ministry will officially thank them later,” Government Spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday.
“This clearly reflects the greatness of the King, as he is praised and honoured by the international community. This also demonstrates the good relationship that foreign countries have with Thailand,” he said.
Sansern quoted the premier as being appreciative of the loyalty and respect shown by Thais living abroad who joined in mourning activities, initiated either by themselves or by Thai embassies where they live.
He wished to give moral support to Thais in foreign countries, so they have strong spirit to continue their work with best efforts and be strong with one another in order to go through this tragic period together, Sansern said.
Meanwhile, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife paid respects to HM the King at the Grand Palace. He signed the condolence book before laying a wreath in front of the royal urn.
Lee first leader to visit Bangkok
The Straits Times reported that Lee is the first ASEAN leader to travel personally to the Thai capital to pay his respects since the monarch passed away on October 13 at the age of 89.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Lee said: “His Majesty had a long and benevolent reign. He was a great leader who shaped Thailand’s development and improved his people’s lives. He will also be remembered for fostering the enduring friendship between Thailand and Singapore. May he rest in peace.”
Photo GalleryPM Lee pays last respects to late Thai King in Bangkok
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Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen are also expected to arrive in coming days.
The Straits Times said King Bhumibol was regarded as a unifying figure through decades of political turbulence.
On October 13, PM Lee wrote a post on Facebook recalling his meeting with His Majesty at an ASEAN Summit in 2009 in Hua Hin.
“He was a most gracious host and took a close interest in ASEAN programmes to promote economic growth and development,” Lee wrote.
He said “his wise leadership and enormous prestige held the country together”.
The Foreign Ministry said that Najib, the Malaysian prime minister, is scheduled to express condolences at the Grand Palace today, followed by Cambodian premier Hun Sen.
Malaysia’s King, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, is due to arrive next Friday.
Photo GalleryA look back at Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s life
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