Thailand mourns as the world's longest-reigning King Bhumibol Adulyadej dies at 88

Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej

The world's longest-reigning king Bhumibol Adulyadej has died at the age of 88.

A statement from the Thai palace says: "His Majesty has passed away at Siriraj Hospital peacefully."

Queen Elizabeth and King Bhumibol

He is said to have died at the early hours of around 9 GMT.

Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej was born in 1927 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, were he later spent almost his adult life before moving to Switzerland, King Bhumibol's father was studying in US as at the time King Bhumibol was born.

In 1964 Bhumibol was made a King after his elder brother was shot dead mysteriously, He is the longest reigning King after serving as a King for 70 years.

The late Bhumibol was known for his peace loving and a symbol of unity, and had spent most of the past six years in Bangkok Siriraj hospital

In 2015 the King was again re-admitted and was last seen publicly in his Bangkok palace in January.

Tears are running down from the Thai citizens after the news broke-out.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, 63-year-old, is expected to take over the thrown of his late father.