Reports just coming in inform that the world’s longest serving monarch, Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej died on Thursday, the palace said.

The health of the 88-year-old, who came to the throne 70 years ago, had been ailing for years but he had been seriously ill for about a week.

“His Majesty has passed away at Siriraj Hospital peacefully,” the palace said, adding he died at 15:52 (9:52 BST).

On Sunday and Wednesday the palace said King Bhumibol was on a ventilator, battling kidney problems and that his condition was “not stable”, leading many Thais to fear the worst.

Hundreds have been preying outside the Bangkok hospital where he was being treated, holding his picture and wearing pink and yellow – colours associated with the monarch.

The world will be watching how Thailand’s ruling military junta react to what is certain to be a pivotal moment for the south-east Asian country.

King Bhumibol had not been seen in public for about a year, due to his increasingly frail health, but his death will almost certainly be a huge shock for most Thais.

The deceased, who was born in Cambridge in the US state of Massachusetts, acceded to the throne on 9 June 1946 after his brother, King Ananda Mahidol, died.

King Bhumibol’s heir-apparent is 63-year-old Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, who does not attract the same level of affection as his father.

Our condolences to the family and Thailand.