FIVE THINGS ABOUT THAILAND’ S KING

1 BORN IN U. S.

Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died Thursday after a 70-year reign, was born in 1927 in Cambridge, Mass., at a hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School, where his father, Prince Mahidol of Songkhla, studied.

2 70-YEAR REIGN

Bhumibol ascended the throne in 1946 on the day his brother died. A 15- country tour of the West in 1960 established him on the international stage and helped cement his standing at home. Images of the visit remain ubiquitous in Thailand to this day, including a photo of the king standing in a convertible during a tickertape parade through New York.

3 SYMBOL OF STABILITY

The king’s health had been failing for the past two years, during which he had rarely been seen in public. He had been seriously ill in hospital for about a week. Hundreds had been praying on the streets, holding his picture and wearing pink and yellow, colours associated with the monarch. He was seen as a figure of stability during decades of coups and political turmoil.

4 CROWN PRINCE AWAITS

Bhumibol’s death has cast a shadow over Thailand’s political future. His chosen successor, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, asked for a delay before he is proclaimed king, a move likely to add to concerns. The Crown Prince does not command the same deep affection in the country and many would like one of the king’s siblings to take the throne.

5 MARSHAL FOO FOO

Vajiralongkorn spends much of his time abroad and has shown little interest in politics. The thrice married playboy is known for his erratic behaviour, notably giving his pet poodle Foo Foo the title air chief marshal. Thailand’s military seized control in 2014 and many believe that was done to ensure the generals were in charge when a succession took place.