On his way to Japan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprise stopover in Thailand on Thursday to pay his respects to revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died last month after a protracted illness. Bhumibol, the world’s longest ruling monarch, died aged 88 on October 13.
Modi laid a wreath and paid final respects to the late King Bhumibol, whose body is lying in state at the Grand Palace complex. Modi was received at the airport by Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.
A one-year mourning period had been announced in Thailand following the monarch’s death. Thousands of Thai citizens are still streaming into the gates of Bangkok’s Grand Palace to pay their respects to the late King. Bhumibol was adored by many of his subjects and seen as an anchor of stability in a kingdom rocked by turbulent politics.
After laying the wreath, Modi will head to Japan for a three-day visit during which the two countries are expected to sign a civil nuclear deal besides discussing ways to step up cooperation in areas like trade, investment and security.
