Thais mourn as long-reigning King Bhumibol dies

Thailand's King Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has died at age 88.

The Royal Palace said the king passed away peacefully at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital.

Bhumibol Adulyadej became king in 1946 and was revered in Thailand as a demigod.

He anchored the Southeast Asian country through violent upheavals at home and communist revolutions next door with a blend of majesty and a common touch.

The once-vigorous king had withdrawn from public life over the last decade due to his ill health.

He lived at a Bangkok hospital and had been notably silent about the political upheaval that has shaken Thailand in recent years.

Hundreds of people have been offering flowers and prayers outside the hospital where the king was being treated for multiple health problems.