The ninth head of Thailand’s Chakri dynasty, King Bhumibol, died on October 13, 2016, at the age of 88. He had ruled Thailand for 70 years, taking over the throne in 1946 after his brother was shot in the head. At the time of his death, he was the world’s longest-reigning monarch. He was also revered as a philanthropist who brought many Thai out of poverty. By all accounts, King Bhumibol’s death and funeral have profoundly affected the Thai people, many of whom have known no other king. The whole country will be wearing black for a year moaning their eternal king.

Manel Quiros