American-bornThailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej Dies

The King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, has an estimated net worth of $30 billion as of 2011 according to Forbes. He has reigned for 64 years, the longest reigning monarch in Thailand's history and the longest serving current head of state in the world. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

(Another good reason to abandon all archaic structures that provide such hereditary rights over others)

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, will succeed his father, Thailand’s military junta chief said shortly after the announcement of the king’s death.

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The king’s death throws the nation into a period of mourning as well as uncertainty about the future with the country still under military rule following the latest coup two years ago and leaders of the main political factions are in prison.

Many Thais would have preferred to see the king’s second daughter, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhornn, 61, succeed. She is known among Thais as “Princess Angel,” because of her charitable works and compassionate nature.

However, even though the crown prince lacks the popularity his father enjoyed and his commitment to the role of monarch has been questioned over the years, he had the backing of the military junta which seized power in 2014.

 The junta’s aim is to stay in power and they see support for the prince as one of the ways of securing that.

Meanwhile, the Red Shirts, formally known as the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, who began as supporters of deposed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra — the brother of Yingluck who was ousted by a military coup in 2006 — are taking a wait-and-see approach.