(VOVworld) - Thailand’s King Bhumibol Abdulyadej passed away at 15:52 (local time) on Thursday, at the age of 88.

Thais mourned the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Bangkok on Friday. (Photo: AFP)

King Bhumibol Abdulyadej was born in 1927 and assumed the throne in 1950. He was the world’s longest-reigning living monarch and was considered a symbol of national unity in Thailand. King Bhumibol was one of Thailand’s most beloved kings thanks to his initiatives for over 2,000 development projects, which changed the lives of millions of poor farmers.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced Thursday that Crown Prince Maha Vajralongkorn will succeed the throne. He said the government will inform the National Legislative Assembly that His Majesty the King named Prince Vajralongkorn as his heir on Dec 28, 1972. Thailand will hold a one-year mourning period and no entertainment or festive activities will be held during the next 30 days.

Thais cried as they prayed for King Bhumibol at Siriraj Hospital where he was treated on Thursday. (Photo: AP)

World leaders have been expressing their condolences to the Thai Royal family and people as they mourn the loss of their beloved King. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon expressed his deep condolences and his hope that Thailand will continue to honor King Bhumibol's legacy of commitment to universal values and respect for human rights. US President Barack Obama honored the King as a close friend and a valued partner of the United States. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also expressed his deep sorrow at King Bhumibol’s death. Myanmar's President’s Office published a statement expressing sincere condolences to the Royal family and people of Thailand, while Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak paid tribute on his Facebook page, saying the  people of Malaysia join the Thai people in mourning the King. Singapore leaders expressed deep condolences on the death of the beloved and outstanding King of the Thai people.