Thailand's King Bhumibol Abdulyadej

In their letter, the leaders said under the 70-year reign of King Bhumibol Abdulyadej, Thailand has grown strongly and Thai people have enjoyed prosperity.

“As a neighbour and a strategic partner of Thailand, Vietnam treasures the King’s contributions to enhancing cooperation between the two countries,” they said.

They expressed their hope that Queen Sirikit , the royal family and people of Thailand will overcome the huge loss and continue to bring the country forward as the King desired.

The same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh conveyed his sympathies to Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai .

King Bhumibol Abdulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, passed away at 3.52 pm on October 13, at the age of 88.

The Thai cabinet will hold an urgent meeting to debate issues concerning the throne and the country’s future.

King Bhumibol Abdulyadej officially came to the throne in 1950. He was a symbol of national unity in Thailand and widely revered in the country.

He was one of the most beloved kings of Thailand thanks to over 2,000 development projects, which helped change the lives of millions of poor Thai farmers.

Under his reign, Thailand recorded great achievements across fields, especially in economy, culture, science and technology.

The king was presented with the Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award by the former UN General Secretary Kofi Annan in June 2006.

According to Thailand’s royal succession law, Crown Prince Maha Vajralongkorn will be the new monarch.

VNA