World leaders continue to send their condolences to Thailand after the passing of King Bhumibol Abdulyadej last week. Tributes have come from a number of prominent figures highlighting the respect and admiration world leaders had for The King.
US President Barack Obama extended condolences to Thailand and revealed His Majesty The King was a close friend of America.
“His Majesty the King was a close friend of the United States and a valued partner of many US presidents,” President Obama said. “I had the honour of calling on His Majesty the King during my visit to Thailand in 2012, and recall his grace and warmth, as well as his deep affection and compassion for the Thai people. With a creative spirit and a drive for innovation, he pioneered new technologies that have rightfully received worldwide acclaim.”
UK’s Queen Elizabeth II is reported to have sent a private message of condolence to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and HRH the Crown Prince. British Prime Minister Theresa May and UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also paid respect to the late monarch.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier noted how The King contributed significantly to the friendship between Thailand and Germany.
“The world has lost an outstanding monarch and head of state whose significance reached far beyond Asia,” German Ambassador to Thailand Peter Pruegel said. “The King has significantly determined Thailand’s destiny for more than 70 years and has been working tirelessly for peace and for the prosperity of the Thai people.”
South Korean President Park Geun-Hye also sent condolences to the Royal Family and Thais stating, “On behalf of people and the South Korean government, I offered my deepest condolences and consolation to the bereaved family and the people of Thailand on the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.”
Image via royalisticism.blogspot.com
